Plaza de los Coches

Plaza de los Coches, in Cartagena

Plaza de los Coches is the central and historic square of the old town of Cartagena, just behind the Torre del Reloj. The Cartagena audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this square with a heavy past, today lively and lined with arcades.

A central square with a heavy past

Plaza de los Coches is one of the most central squares of Cartagena de Indias, just behind the Torre del Reloj. Triangular in shape and lined with colourful arcades, it is today a lively and animated place. But this square also carries a painful memory: it was, in the colonial era, the main slave market of the city, where thousands of deported Africans were sold. This grave history invites remembrance and respect. Today adorned with a statue of the founder of the city and lined with the Portal de los Dulces, the square blends memory and daily life.

What to see

Here you discover the triangular square lined with colourful arcades and the Portal de los Dulces, adorned with a statue of the founder of the city, while keeping in mind, with respect, its memory as a former slave market. Plaza de los Coches blends grave history and lively life. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

Plaza de los Coches lies just behind the Torre del Reloj, 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; the shops under the arcades have their own hours. It is also a place of memory: it is best to behave there with respect.

What is the past of Plaza de los Coches in Cartagena?

It was, in the colonial era, the main slave market of the city; this painful memory invites remembrance and respect. The square is today lively and lined with arcades.

Where is Plaza de los Coches?

Just behind the Torre del Reloj, in the heart of the old town of Cartagena de Indias, in Colombia.