Las Bóvedas — Attraction in Cartagena

Somewhat worthy: Las Bóvedas in El Centro, Cartagena

My Rating: 2/5

If you find yourself with an hour or two to spare and want to buy trinkets and kitschy souvenirs, then head to Las Bóvedas, located in the northern part of El Centro. This often vibrant, restored dungeon building, now draws tourists eager to snag local treasures mostly made elsewhere, from T-shirts and hammocks to candy, paintings, fridge magnets, and unique curios. With 23 arcaded or domed shops, each bursting with color, Las Bóvedas promises a lively shopping experience.

Once serving as a Spanish dungeon and armament storage facility, these arcades were designed as storage vaults but later used as prison cells during the 19th-century civil wars. Imagine prisoners standing knee-deep in seawater during high tide—these walls have seen it all. Today, they house bustling shops that tell a different story. Hold onto your wallets!

Tourists flock here to purchase souvenirs and immerse themselves in what I call a typical trap. It can get quite busy when large cruise ships are in town, turning the area into a lively hub of activity. You’ll need patience. Bargaining is done here and there in some shops, so sharpen your haggling skills! Rest of them are fixed and won’t offer you any leeway.

One major downside is the obvious repetition among the souvenirs. I found only two shops that offered higher end locally produced artisan products and were priced accordingly. I purchased an acrylic painting and a wooden bird, locally known as a Maria Mulata, synonymous with Cartagena!

If you’re easily offended by the same old stuff - then this is not for you my friend! It will detract from the uniqueness of the experience. Additionally, there's no historical section or chronological information about the Bóvedas what building, making it more of a commercial maze than a historical site. The shops often spill into the street, creating a bustling, if somewhat overwhelming, atmosphere.

If you're walking within the walled city and heading towards this location, be sure to wear a hat, apply sunscreen, and drink plenty of water, as the heat can be rather overwhelming during the hot months. My personal recommendation is to chase the shady parts of the streets when walking there to avoid the hot, beating sun.

Despite these quirks, Las Bóvedas is a fascinating blend of history and commerce, all under one long, historic roof. It's a place where past and present collide in a riot of color and activity, making it a memorable stop on your Cartagena adventure. I’ve been three times and believe my rating to be...

With forty-seven arches and twenty-three domes, Las Bóvedas (The Vaults) is easily one of the most architecturally interesting structures within the old city walls and was in fact, the final structure built. Constructed at the turn of the 18th century by the Spanish engineer Antonio de Arevalo, Las Bóvedas was originally intended as a munitions store for the fort and the local garrison. According to local legend, it was also eventually used as a dungeon during the civil war and due to its close proximity to the sea, prisoners would often have water to their knees at high tide. The structure is situated in the San Diego district, along the city wall between Santa Clara and Santa Catalina. These days, it's an excellent place to find souvenirs. The area is absolutely buzzing with hawkers selling everything from trinkets to hammocks...

wonderful place to find local trinkets and souvenirs, as well as emerald jewelry if that’s what youre looking for. personal tip : have an idea of what youre looking for before visiting to avoid feeling overwhelmed and buying unnecessary items you didn’t want/need. another tip : go through all the shops first before purchasing anything, unless youve found something you truly want/like. dont spend too much time at the first shops, as theyre usually quite expensive and you can find the same items for cheaper in the other shops. each shop has a large selection of souvenirs, trinkets, artworks, wooden statues, handmade jewelry, dresses and skirts, and other local finds. bargaining is important! always take the opportunity to ask for discount for items, if youre lucky you can get a few pesos off...