Centro: The Heart of Cartagena's Colonial Charm

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vohr]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Quisiera comprar...
  [kee-see-eh-rah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [eh-soh ehs moo-ee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee meh-dee-ah (dheez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sehs]
• 7Siete
  [see-eh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (bus)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

Centro in Cartagena was founded in 1533 by Spanish explorer Pedro de Heredia. The area quickly became a critical port for the Spanish Empire, facilitating trade and the export of valuable goods such as gold and emeralds. The strategic location of Cartagena allowed it to flourish as a key military and commercial hub in the Caribbean.

Constructed between 1536 and 1657, the Fortress of San Felipe de Barajas is one of the most significant military structures in the Americas. It was built to protect the city from pirate attacks and foreign invasions, reflecting the military importance of Centro during the colonial period. Its strategic design and massive walls exemplify the advanced military architecture of the time.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Cartagena became a major hub for the transatlantic slave trade. The influx of enslaved Africans contributed to the cultural richness of Centro, leading to a unique blend of African, Indigenous, and Spanish influences. This cultural amalgamation is still evident today in the vibrant music, dance, and culinary traditions of Cartagena.

The early 19th century was marked by a struggle for independence from Spanish rule. Cartagena played a pivotal role in Colombia's fight for freedom, resulting in several battles and changes in governance. In 1821, Cartagena officially became part of the newly formed Republic of Gran Colombia, shaping its political landscape for years to come.

In 1959, Centro was declared a National Heritage Site of Colombia due to its well-preserved colonial architecture and historical significance. In 1984, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting tourists from around the world. Efforts to preserve its historical buildings and cultural identity continue to this day, ensuring that the rich legacy of Centro remains intact.

Centro is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Cartagena. From the airport, you can take a taxi or an airport shuttle service to reach Centro, which is approximately 15 minutes away by car. If you are coming from nearby neighborhoods like Getsemani or Bocagrande, you can walk, as they are within a 20-30 minute stroll. Alternatively, local buses and taxis are also available for a quick ride.

Centro is best explored on foot due to its compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets. Walking allows you to fully appreciate the historical architecture and vibrant street life. For longer distances, taxis are readily available, and you can use rideshare apps like Uber. Biking is another option, with bike rentals available at various locations. Public transport options are limited within Centro, so walking or taxis are the most convenient.

Centro is generally safe for tourists, especially during the day. However, it is advisable to avoid walking alone at night, particularly in less crowded areas. Be cautious around the outskirts of Centro, where petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur. Specific areas to avoid include the outskirts near the San Diego neighborhood after dark. Always remain vigilant and keep your belongings secure.

In case of an emergency, dial 123 for police assistance or 125 for medical emergencies. The main hospital, Hospital Universitario del Caribe, is located within Centro. Keep a list of emergency contacts handy, including your country's embassy or consulate. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing due to the tropical climate, but avoid overly revealing outfits, especially in religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs; when visiting churches, wear appropriate attire. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to the elderly. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly smile and a handshake. Don't be overly formal; a casual approach is often welcomed. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food and drink plenty of water. Don't drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Centro like a local, explore the vibrant street markets where you can sample local delicacies such as arepas and empanadas. Engage in conversations with local vendors for insights into Cartagena’s culture. Visit the Plaza Santo Domingo in the evening for a lively atmosphere with street performers. Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to take a sunset stroll along the city walls for stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.

When interacting with locals, it’s customary to greet with 'Hola' and a warm smile. Colombians appreciate friendliness and may engage in small talk. Be mindful of personal space, as Colombians are generally warm but may have varying comfort levels with closeness. When dining, it is polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting your meal, and always thank your host.

When in Centro, try local dishes like 'Bandeja Paisa' for a hearty meal or 'Ceviche' for a refreshing seafood option. Don't miss out on local fruits like 'Lulo' and 'Maracuyá' (passion fruit). Street vendors offer a variety of snacks, and it's common to see locals enjoying fresh juices. Always check food hygiene before purchasing from street vendors.