We’ve traveled to more than our share of world-class preserved colonial cities, including Antigua, Guatemala and the Casco Viejo neighborhood of Panama City. Both are gorgeous, but both are handily outdone by the beauty and ambiance of the restored colonial architecture in the petite, walkable, historic center of Cartagena, Colombia. Everywhere you look in this UNESCO World Heritage site city, which was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, you see fabulous color, playful details (the door knockers are amazing), and living history. Here are some of our favorite examples of colorful colonial buildings in Cartagena.
Colonial buildings in Cartagena, Colombia

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.
Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.

Colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia.
Here’s more about travel in Colombia
See all of our Photo Essays
I really like the mixture of colonial architecture and tropical colors. Great collection of photos!
Cartagena is such a gem on the Latin American travel trail … easily my most favorite colonial city I’ve visited!
Great combinations and useful experience