The Naval Museum of Cartagena

It’s no surprise that Cartagena’s Naval Museum is located so close to the sea. While it may not catch your eye from the outside, this vast cultural space is one of the best places to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history. Spanning 3,500 square meters, the building is divided into two main wings, each reflecting its former uses. The first is called the Colonial wing, established in 1612 during Spanish rule to house the Jesuit order’s college before being converted into a charitable hospital. The second, the Republican wing, was used as a shelter and training center for the first infantry battalion of the Colombian navy. Thanks to this latter wing, the entire building was transformed into the Naval Museum in 1988. Inside, you’ll find a collection that delves into many aspects of Cartagena’s past—from its earliest inhabitants to its Caribbean environment, with a special focus on its maritime heritage. One notable example is the story of the Spanish galleon San José, which sank off the coast in 1708 while carrying 200 tons of gold. Though the shipwreck has been located, the fate of its massive treasure remains the subject of ongoing negotiations between Colombia, Spain, and treasure hunters.