Attraction
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
A Spanish colonial fortress, a triangular stronghold of batteries, ramparts and tunnels on the San Lázaro hill that guarded the city's land approach.
Convento de la Popa
An Augustinian convent founded in the early 1600s on the summit of the Cerro de La Popa, with a cloister, a religious museum and panoramic views over the city.
At a glance
- Type
- Hilltop convent and viewpoint
- Area
- Cerro de La Popa, Cartagena, Colombia
Good to know
- Religious museum
- Cloister
- City views
Why we recommend it
The Convento de Santa Cruz de La Popa stands on the summit of the Cerro de La Popa, the hill that rises behind Castillo San Felipe. The name comes from the hill's resemblance to the stern (popa) of a ship. The story begins in 1607, when the barefoot Augustinian friar Vicente Mallol preached in the area and a chapel of wood and palm was put up on the summit. A year later, in 1608, the convent itself was begun, paid for by a wealthy Neapolitan, Fabricio Sánchez. By 1612 about 15,000 ducats had been spent, and construction took six or seven years in all.
A local legend says the Virgin appeared to Friar Alonso de la Cruz Paredes, the first superior, and asked him to build a church here. The friar is said to have thrown a goat-shaped evil spirit off the hill, which is how a nearby drop got the name Salto del Cabrón. The convent's hilltop position made it a target: it was fought over during the War of Independence, including a surprise assault that was repelled on 11 November 1815, and after the Augustinians were expelled under the Republic it became a barracks where Simón Bolívar stayed with his regiment. The Augustinians recovered the convent and hermitage in 1961.
Today visitors tour the cloister and a religious museum inside the convent, which is said to be laid out like a galley, with the church at the stern. The chapel is dedicated to the Virgen de la Candelaria, and her feast in February is the main event of the year: from the early hours of 2 February, pilgrims walk up the hill to the summit.
For most visitors the other reason to come is the view: El Universal's guide notes the panorama over the city from the top, which helps put the rest of your sightseeing into context. El Universal's 2025 guide lists daily opening from 08:00 to 17:15 with a paid entry; check times locally, as they can change.
Most people come by taxi or as part of a city tour, and it pairs naturally with Castillo San Felipe on the neighbouring San Lázaro hill. Allow about an hour at the top. The colombia.travel tourism board describes the city as warm all year, averaging 27°C, so a morning or late-afternoon visit is more comfortable.
Convento de la Popa FAQs
Why is it called La Popa?
The hill is said to resemble the stern (popa) of a ship, and the convent took its name from the hill.
When was the convent founded?
A wooden chapel was built on the summit in 1607 and the convent was begun in 1608 by the Augustinians.
What can I see inside?
Visitors can tour the cloister and a religious museum, and the chapel is dedicated to the Virgen de la Candelaria.
How do I get there?
By taxi or on an organised city tour; it is often combined with Castillo San Felipe on the neighbouring hill.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes. El Universal's 2025 guide lists a paid entry and daily opening from 08:00 to 17:15.
What happens on 2 February?
The feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria de La Popa, when devotees walk up the hill to the summit from the early morning.
Why go up the hill?
For the panoramic views over the city, as well as the colonial cloister and religious museum.