Church of Santo Domingo — Attraction in Cartagena

This is a truly lovely church with stunning architecture. On special days, the building is illuminated with beautiful colors, adding a magical and spiritual atmosphere that makes the visit even more memorable.

You can tell the church is well-managed—it’s always clean and well-maintained, which reflects great care and respect for the space. The interior feels warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to pray, reflect, and find peace.

One of the most special features is the display of the 12 apostles in statue form, each accompanied by a short history you can read. It’s a thoughtful and educational touch that adds depth to the experience.

The environment feels safe and serene, and best of all—it’s free to visit. Just keep in mind that the church is not open all day.

You’ll need to check the schedule, as it typically opens only during mass times. If you're visiting Cartagena, this church is a must-see. It’s a place that stays with you long...

The Church of Santo Domingo is directly across the street from the Santo Domingo Plaza. It is the last remaining structure from one of the first monasteries established in in 1526, in what was then New Spain. After two short-lived church buildings, the current church was completed in 1736. The front façade is now painted a golden yellow, but the stone underneath is the 'Pink Stone', a blood-colored volcanic rock. Entombed inside is Conquistador Francisco Vaquez de Coronado, best known for his early exploration of the American Southwest. Tourists are able to enter without cost, as the entrances are always open, but should be prepared for street people outside asking for money and nuns inside requesting donations for the cathedral. No one was pushy and a polite 'no thank you' is a...

El teniente general Blas de Lezo murió a las ocho de la mañana de aquel 7 de septiembre de 1741, en su casa de Cartagena de Indias, una vivienda propiedad del marqués de Valdehoyos. Tenía 52 años. Falleció sin su familia, casi en soledad, con la única compañía de su secretario o mayordomo.

En una carta conservada en el Archivo del Museo Naval de Madrid, fechada en diciembre de 1773, Blas Fernando, hijo primogénito de Blas de Lezo, afirma conocer el sitio exacto donde reposan los restos de su padre: el convento de dominicos de Cartagena de Indias. «[…] Positibamente se que el retrato de mi padre esta colocado en el arco de mármol donde fue enterrado su cadáver en el Conbento de Dominicos de Cartag(e)na de Yndias […]»

Últimas palabras de Blas de Lezo antes de morir: "Entiérrame con mi crucifijo de plata, que él me hará compañía y con mis patas de palo, dile a mis hijos que morí como un buen vasco, armado y defendiendo la integridad de España y del Imperio......