Just outside Cartagena’s famous walled city lies Getsemaní, a lively, colorful neighborhood buzzing with art, energy, and history. It used to be seen as a rough, working-class area, but over the years it’s transformed into one of Cartagena’s most authentic and creative spots. With its bright murals, lively plazas, funky cafés, and Caribbean charm, it’s no wonder travelers who want more than just the postcard-perfect Old Town end up falling in love with this place.
A Neighborhood with a Revolutionary Soul
Getsemaní’s story is tightly linked to Cartagena’s and even Colombia’s fight for independence. Back in the early 1800s, it was home to workers, artisans, and freed people who played a key role in the battle against Spanish rule. One of the most famous names here is Pedro Romero, a local hero who led the people of Getsemaní to support Cartagena’s declaration of independence in 1811.
Today, the neighborhood proudly honors that rebellious past with vibrant murals and street art that tell its story. As you wander through the narrow streets, you’ll see walls painted with scenes of local life, Afro-Caribbean heritage, and everyday joy. It’s like walking through a living museum—full of color, laughter, music, and the smell of delicious street food floating through the air.
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Cartagena’s Street Art Capital
If Cartagena’s walled city is all about colonial elegance, Getsemaní is pure creativity. The walls here are basically giant canvases, covered in stunning murals painted by local and international artists. Each one tells its own story—about culture, struggle, or just the passion of the artist.
Calle de la Sierpe and Callejón Angosto are two of the most photographed streets in the city. You’ll see portraits of powerful Afro-Colombian women, tropical scenes, and graffiti spreading messages of love, unity, and resistance. The mix of history, art, and street life gives Getsemaní a unique personality—raw, rebellious, and completely welcoming.
Plaza de la Trinidad: The Heart of It All
At the center of the neighborhood sits Plaza de la Trinidad, the heartbeat of Getsemaní. During the day, locals gather here for coffee and small talk. Once the sun goes down, the plaza comes alive—it turns into an open-air party filled with music, food, and people from all walks of life.
Street performers, breakdancers, and musicians light up the scene while vendors sell arepas, empanadas, and cold beers. Around the square, you’ll find hip bars, cozy restaurants, and small boutique hostels—all with that laid-back Getsemaní vibe.
From Working-Class Roots to Trendy Cool
For most of its history, Getsemaní was a simple, working-class area. But as Cartagena’s tourism started booming, artists, travelers, and small business owners moved in, looking for something more real and affordable.
Now it’s a mix of the old and new—colonial homes turned into galleries, family houses sharing walls with trendy hostels, and rooftop bars looking out over streets filled with bright murals. Even with all the changes, the neighborhood hasn’t lost its soul. People still know their neighbors, kids play soccer in the streets, and old men chat on their porches as the evening breeze rolls in.
Food, Culture, and Nightlife
If you’re a foodie, Getsemaní won’t disappoint. You’ll find everything from local street snacks to modern international dishes. Grab a shrimp-topped patacón, try some Cartagena-style ceviche, or sit down for creative fusion cuisine at one of the many restaurants around the plaza. There’s something for every taste (and budget).
When night falls, the vibe changes again. The nightlife here is lively but more relaxed than in other parts of the city. Legendary spots like Café Havana draw salsa lovers from around the world, while smaller bars serve up cocktails, reggae beats, and live champeta bands.
Where to Stay
Staying in Getsemaní puts you right in the middle of the action. You’re just a 10-minute walk from the old city, but it feels like a completely different world. You’ll find boutique hotels, colorful hostels, and rooftop pools with hammocks and bay views—perfect for cooling off after a hot day exploring.
Many travelers say Getsemaní gives them a deeper, more genuine connection to Cartagena—less polished, more real, and full of life.
The Real Spirit of Cartagena
Getsemaní isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a symbol of Cartagena’s transformation. It represents creativity, resilience, and the beautiful mix of old and new. From its revolutionary roots to its current status as a cultural hotspot, this district captures the true essence of the city.
Whether you come for the murals, the food, the music, or just to wander its sunny streets, Getsemaní will leave you with memories you’ll never forget.
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