Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

While we have been in Cartagena Don and I are making the most of our short time here and are getting some much needed boat projects completed. After the years spent in the windy Eastern Caribbean our sail cover and large shade tarp have taken a beating and we were lucky enough to contract the local canvas man right away for a repair and refit. Our captain's chair has also seen better days and we elected to have that recovered as well. It was a delight to us to discover that even if the wine prices have gone up here in Cartagena, at least some things are still affordable.

San Felipe de Barajas

Sightseeing is a must while in Cartagena and in addition to the beautiful old walled city the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas built on the hill of San Lazaro overlooking the city is an incredible sight. Built in 1536 over a period of thirty years by Spanish soldiers and African slaves the fort was erected to protect the vast gold shipments coming overland from Peru from the continuously invading English and French armies.

Being located forty meters above sea level allowed for easy monitoring of any armed invasion and therefore the fort was never breached while it was in use as a gold repository. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas was built not only for protection but as an example of Spanish supremacy and strength and is recognized by UNESCO as one of the largest man-made constructions in South America. The fort still retains numerous batteries, residences, cisterns and tunnels and while there are some open for tourist exploration many are sealed off for safety. The Spanish soldiers were said to have secretly mined the fort so as to prevent any invading marauders from reaching the gold in case an army ever did prove successful.

Cartagena, in addition to all the tourist attractions,  is one of those cruiser's paradise places that you can have anything repaired, remade, refitted, and replaced. Colombia is known for its emeralds and during our visit here ten years ago I had a beautiful ring made at a local jeweler named Lucy who had a large clientele of sailors and cruisers. Unfortunately the ring broke and I have been unsuccessful having it repaired anywhere for a cost that did not exceed the value of the ring itself. So I have held onto it all these years in the hopes that someday, maybe, Don and I would return to Cartagena. And sure enough Lucy is still in business with a new and larger location and is busy repairing my ring that I have waited eight years to have fixed! Anybody needing emeralds please visit http://www.lucyjewelrycartagena.com/. There are no hawkers on the street trying to hustle you inside, no pressure to buy, and the prices are excellent. 


Cartagena.....on our favorites list!