Perched atop the tallest hill overlooking the city, the convent was originally built in 1608. The story goes that an Augustinian monk Friar Alonso de la Cruz Paredes said the Blessed Virgin appeared to him and ordered him to build a church on the hill closest to Cartagena in order to bring the Christian faith back to the people. Local mulattoes were said to worship a goat, a statue and shrine to which previously occupied the hill. But the monk threw the idol from the mountain and built the chapel in its place. The convent has a commanding view of the city and surrounding area. Today it is a restored chapel and religious museum open to visitors from around the world.
Modern Cartagena with the peninsula of Boca Grande (where all of the fancy hotels are located).
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas sits surrounded by modern Cartagena.
Old walled city, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Marina Club de Pesca (center) in the inner harbor. Caribbean Sea in the distance.
The convent is built like a galley "la papa" with the chapel at one end and a central garden surrounded by living quarters. An old well occupies the center of the courtyard.
Chapel built in honor of Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria, the patroness of the city of Cartagena.
The bottom floor of the convent has been turned into a museum which houses historical documents, maps, and religious items.
Bones found on site during restoration of the convent.
Gowns used to dress the statue in the chapel for various celebrations.
Lists of the Superiors of the Convent through the ages.
Photo of the deteriorated convent prior to restoration in the 1960's
Convent today.
Of course I had to notice the skinny kitty wandering the grounds. I followed her to try to get a photo but she disappeared into an old piano and this is what came tumbling out to greet her...
Awwwwwww...too cute!
Safe haven for kittens.
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