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Cartagena Cathedral
Photo: Ryan · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
🇨🇴 Cartagena, Colombia · Roman Catholic · Built 1577-1612 Open now

Cartagena Cathedral

The Cathedral of Cartagena de Indias, formally the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, stands within the walled colonial old town of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Colombia's Caribbean coast. Built between 1577 and 1612, it is among the oldest episcopal sees and cathedrals in the Americas.

Its construction was famously interrupted in 1586 when the English privateer Sir Francis Drake bombarded the partly built church during his sack of the city, causing damage that delayed completion for decades. The finished cathedral, designed by master builder Simon Gonzalez and modeled on Andalusian basilicas, presents a sturdy stone facade and a tower later crowned with a distinctive ochre-and-white dome that rises above the surrounding rooftops.

Inside, three naves divided by columned archways lead to a gilded altar, set against simple whitewashed walls. A landmark of Cartagena's romantic, well-preserved historic center, the cathedral remains an active place of worship and a favorite stop for visitors wandering the cobbled streets, balconied houses, and fortified walls of the old city.

Local time
17:35 (America/Bogota)

🕘 Visiting hours

Mon–Sun 10:00–18:00

approximate; cathedral open to visitors during daytime, free entry, mass times vary

✨ Saints & blessed venerated here

  • Catherine of Alexandria Saint

    Patron and titular saint of the cathedral (Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría)

  • Peter (Apostle) Saint

    One of four statues (San Pedro) restored from the facade and placed inside near the main door

  • Paul (Apostle) Saint

    One of four saintly statues placed inside the cathedral near the main door

  • Gregory the Great Saint

    One of four saintly statues (San Gregorio) placed inside the cathedral

  • Sebastian Saint

    One of four saintly statues (San Sebastián) placed inside the cathedral

  • Peter Claver Saint

    Cartagena's great saint, venerated city-wide and depicted in the cathedral's imagery

Care & donations

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cartagena

Charges a small admission fee for visitors; accepts donations

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