Doors & Windows of Cartagena

Cartagena de los Indios, on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, South America, is a magical city filled with color and mystery. The doors and windows in Cartagena's historic center are seductively painted in rich colors that come alive in the bright sunlit days, and in the romantic, lantern lit streets at night. UNESCO's designation as an important historic area has insured the preservation of the old city with all its architectural
charm. A walking tour of doors and windows is pure pleasure, during which one discovers colorful, fascinating entrances to places that have existed for centuries, glimpses of history literally at your doorstep.

 
Colonial costumed doormen greet you on the way into one of the restaurants in the legendary Hotel Santa Clara, once a nunnery in Colonial times.

Iron door knockers, seasoned with patina from the salty sea air, announce arrivals at many local houses.  If you come upon a round one like that pictured, give a knock, and I will invite you in to my vacation home, located in the 500-year-old walled city where NYC's bitter winter cold seems very far away.

Cartagena Vacation

On our recent visit to our vacation home in Cartagena, Colombia, South America, the visual excitement started immediately upon arrival as we took in a myriad of colorful, graphic signs advertising local businesses and products. 

In the old city, the 500-year-old wall has protected the historic center architecture while making room for its share of traditional, Spanish influenced trade signs. 

Outside the wall is the gleaming Plaza shopping mall with more contemporary style signs, still retaining a Latin beat. Among my favorites is the wordless No Honking sign showing a vintage horn in a circle with a red line crossing it out.

 
The party bus poster comes alive with an image of a big bowl of fruit balanced on the head of a lady in classic local costume.

Postobon, a favorite soft drink, is well represented in frequent festive signs inviting you to quench your thirst while satisfying your craving for sugar. If you don't have a craving for sugar, try the agua mineral con gas (sparkling) or sin gas (non-carbonated).