Casa del Cabildo (Town Hall House), Cartagena
The Casa del Cabildo (Town Hall House), otherwise known as Palacio de la Gobernaci贸n (Governor's Palace), is the seat of the government of the Bol铆var Department of Colombia, of which Cartagena de Indias is the capital.
Originally, the authorities used to sit at a different location, sharing space with a city jail (on the ground floor), while the upper floor was occupied by the residence of the governor in office. Starting from 1614, the need for a new, designated town hall building became apparent.
After lengthy deliberations and a series of delays, the city bought a property from the Holy Office in the main square and had it torn down to build a town hall. The facility was also to incorporate space for a notary department and a grain store, but the project never materialized due to the Holy Inquisition's objections voiced at the last minute. Several years passed without any work done until in 1676 the current building was finally completed.
The Casa del Cabildo de Cartagena is similar in style to the Castilian town halls, which are characterized by the double galleries open to the square. It has a terrace, balconies, and balustrades on the fa莽ade, as well as three arches on each floor.
The building also represents a major historical heritage. Back in the colonial era, apart from housing the City Council, it routinely served as accommodation for visiting viceroys, prelates, presidents, and other illustrious guests. Also, here, inside the main hall, the Declaration of Independence of Cartagena from the Spanish Crown was signed on November 11, 1811.
Originally, the authorities used to sit at a different location, sharing space with a city jail (on the ground floor), while the upper floor was occupied by the residence of the governor in office. Starting from 1614, the need for a new, designated town hall building became apparent.
After lengthy deliberations and a series of delays, the city bought a property from the Holy Office in the main square and had it torn down to build a town hall. The facility was also to incorporate space for a notary department and a grain store, but the project never materialized due to the Holy Inquisition's objections voiced at the last minute. Several years passed without any work done until in 1676 the current building was finally completed.
The Casa del Cabildo de Cartagena is similar in style to the Castilian town halls, which are characterized by the double galleries open to the square. It has a terrace, balconies, and balustrades on the fa莽ade, as well as three arches on each floor.
The building also represents a major historical heritage. Back in the colonial era, apart from housing the City Council, it routinely served as accommodation for visiting viceroys, prelates, presidents, and other illustrious guests. Also, here, inside the main hall, the Declaration of Independence of Cartagena from the Spanish Crown was signed on November 11, 1811.
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Casa del Cabildo (Town Hall House) on Map
Sight Name: Casa del Cabildo (Town Hall House)
Sight Location: Cartagena, Colombia (See walking tours in Cartagena)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Cartagena, Colombia (See walking tours in Cartagena)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Cartagena, Colombia
Create Your Own Walk in Cartagena
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cartagena is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Colonial Architecture Walk
Visiting Cartagena can be a remarkable experience, especially for those keen on architecture. The beautifully-preserved, mostly colonial-style, buildings in the historic center have long been one of the main attributes of this once burgeoning Colombian town.
Recognizing colonial Cartagena is easy, as it is surrounded by colossal stone walls tracing the outline of the old city. The downtown... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Recognizing colonial Cartagena is easy, as it is surrounded by colossal stone walls tracing the outline of the old city. The downtown... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Cartagena Introduction Walking Tour
Cartagena is a charming port city situated on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, South America. It was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia, a Spanish conquistador. The city is known in Spanish as "Cartagena of Indies" and is named after the city of Cartagena in Spain.
In the pre-Columbian era, indigenous people became settled in the region. The Puerto Hormiga culture dates back as early... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
In the pre-Columbian era, indigenous people became settled in the region. The Puerto Hormiga culture dates back as early... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Getsemani Public Arts Walking Tour
Long known as the "neighborhood of the poor" ill-reputed for criminal activity, the district of Getsemani has recently undergone massive gentrification to become Cartagena's hippest area and one of Latin America's newest hotspots. The local plazas, once occupied by drug dealers, have been reclaimed, and the derelict buildings turned into boutique hotels.
But most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
But most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
15 Tips to Have Fun in Cartagena De Indias, Colombia
Because of its troubled past, you will hear many nicknames to describe Cartagena de Indias. The magic city, The Heroic, The Rock Corral, The jewel of the Caribbean Coast. The mere mention of them allows you to travel through the history, from pirates and slavery to the revolutions for their...