Casa de Simón Bolívar

In Cartagena, as in much of South America, there’s one name you’re bound to hear over and over: Simón Bolívar. This Venezuelan general and statesman is one of the most iconic figures in the liberation of the Spanish colonies across the continent. Also known as “El Libertador,” or “The Liberator,” he played a key role in the independence of Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Venezuela, and Bolivia—the latter of which is named in his honour. Bolívar fought in 100 battles and traveled an astonishing 70,000 kilometers on horseback—three times the distance of Napoleon and twice as far as Alexander the Great. While he hoped to create a Pan-American confederation uniting Hispanic America from Mexico to the Río de la Plata, Bolívar ultimately faced the greatest failure of his life. Nevertheless, through his military victories against the Spanish and the significant political roles he held, he left a lasting mark on the continent’s history. This colonial house with the white studded door you’re standing in front of was his first home in South America.