Plaza de la Aduana

Plaza de la Aduana, in Cartagena

Plaza de la Aduana is the largest square of the old town of Cartagena de Indias. The Cartagena audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this vast colonial esplanade, surrounded by fine buildings and adorned with a statue of Christopher Columbus.

The largest square of the old town

Plaza de la Aduana, or customs square, is the largest and one of the oldest squares of the old town of Cartagena de Indias. Its name recalls that it once hosted the customs, in this port city at the heart of colonial trade. A vast esplanade surrounded by fine colourful buildings with wooden balconies, including the former town hall, it is adorned in its centre with a statue of Christopher Columbus. A place of passage and great gatherings, it testifies to the historic and commercial importance of Cartagena in the colonial era.

What to see

You admire the vast esplanade surrounded by fine colourful buildings with wooden balconies, including the former town hall, and the statue of Christopher Columbus in its centre. Plaza de la Aduana is the largest square of the old town of Cartagena. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

Plaza de la Aduana lies in the heart of the old town of Cartagena de Indias, reachable on foot. It is a public space open at all times, freely accessible and on the level; the surrounding buildings have their own uses. The square is pleasant to explore during a walk.

Where does the name of Plaza de la Aduana come from?

It once hosted the customs of Cartagena, a port city at the heart of colonial trade; it is the largest square of the old town, adorned with a statue of Christopher Columbus.

Where is Plaza de la Aduana?

In the heart of the old town of Cartagena de Indias, in Colombia.