Colombia Information http://colombia-information.com These are the search results for the query, showing results 1 to 6. Santa Marta - Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino http://colombia-information.com/santa-marta/things-to-do/quinta-de-san-pedro-alejandrino A visit to La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the house where South American liberator Simon Bolivar died, offers visitors a chance to experience a historical sanctuary of Latin America without leaving Santa Marta. The property features a museum dedicated to Bolivar and beautiful gardens.
The tour takes about an hour and features an art museum with a number of colonial era masterpieces.  There are always children around eager for the opportunity to work as discount translators (and do a better job than most).  A must see if you visit Santa Marta.

Av. del Libertador - Sector San Pedro Alejandrino
Tel: (0)4331021
Website: museobolivariano.org.co‎

]]> No publisher Ben Berger caribbean-activity monument/museum activity 2011-08-20T17:45:00Z Article Barranquilla - Shakira Statue http://colombia-information.com/barranquilla/what-to-do-and-see/shakira-statue Located in south Barranquilla, the statue pays homage to Latin America's most famous pop star, and Barranquilla's own, Shakira. The iron statue stands 15 ft tall and was donated in 2006. Shakira's foundation also funded an art school in one of the city's poorest neighborhoods. No publisher Ben Berger monument/museum activity 2011-08-20T04:35:00Z Article Cartagena - Castillo de San Felipe http://colombia-information.com/cartagena/things-to-do/castillo-de-san-felipe This massive 16th Century Spanish Fortress offers beautiful views of Cartagena and the chance to learn more of the colonial history that makes Cartagena unique.
The Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas was without question the most imposing fortress ever built by the Spaniards in their colonies.  Because Cartagena was the Spain's principle colonial port, ships bring the goods seized by Spanish conquistadors back to Spain generally departed from this area.  In order to defend these ships, and the city itself from pirates and English warships, King Ferdinand commissioned the construction of the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas.  The castle took over 200 years and 245 tons of gold to build.

In 1741, the English Commander Edmond Vernon had cut off Spanish reinforcements to Cartagena via a 3 month siege.  Outnumbered 7-1, the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas held, costing Vernon 10,000 men, 70 ships, and his standing in the British Navy.

Today, the Castle stands as an immovable testament to the city's history.  Entry costs 16.000 COP and guided tours are available for additional fee in multiple languages.

]]> No publisher Ben Berger caribbean-activity monument/museum activity 2011-08-13T21:20:00Z Article Cartagena - Convento de la Popa http://colombia-information.com/cartagena/things-to-do/convento-de-la-popa Founded in 1607 by Augustinian monks, la Popa sits upon the tallest hill in the city and offers beautiful views of the city and Caribbean.
El Convento de La Popa sits upon the highest hill in Cartagena.  In addition to having one of the most beautiful views of the city, it also boasts one of the most beautiful cloisters in all of Colombia. Legend states that the Convent was founded when Fray Alonso Paredes, an Augustinian monk was was fasting in the desert, had a dream in which the Virgin Mary demanded that he go to the tallest point in Cartagena and build a monastery.  Naturally he did as he was instructed, and when he arrived, he discovered a pagan sect which worshiped image of a black goat named Busiraco had already built a shrine in that location.  Fray Alonso Paredes flung the icon from the top of La Popa, and replaced it with the image of the Virgin de la Candelaria, which stands today.

While the convent no longer houses monks, it can be visited for 6000 COP, Monday through Saturday.  We suggest taking a cab or mototaxi from the Old City or Boca Grande rather than trying to walk, due to the safety issues in surrounding neighborhoods.

]]> No publisher Ben Berger caribbean-activity monument/museum activity 2011-08-13T21:20:00Z Article Barranquilla - Museo de Carnival http://colombia-information.com/barranquilla/what-to-do-and-see/museo-de-carnival In the Museo de Carnival, you will see masks and costumes worn in Carnival and learn about the cultural fusion between European, African, and indigenous traditions which is the soul of the festival. The next best thing to attending. No publisher Ben Berger monument/museum activity 2011-08-13T21:20:00Z Article Barranquilla - Museo del Caribe http://colombia-information.com/barranquilla/what-to-do-and-see/museo-del-caribe A one of a kind museum, the Museo del Caribe will leave you pleasantly surprised. It is extremely interactive, featuring literature, art, cooking traditions and more. If you find yourself in Barranquilla, and have time to do one thing, visit the Museo del Caribe. It does not disappoint. No publisher Ben Berger monument/museum activity 2011-08-13T21:20:00Z Article