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.
Palacio de la Inquisición (Museo Histórico de Cartagena)
A white colonial palace on Plaza de Bolívar that housed the Holy Office tribunal until 1821 and is now the Museo Histórico de Cartagena.
At a glance
- Type
- History museum in colonial palace
- Area
- Ciudad Amurallada, Cartagena, Colombia
Good to know
- Historical collection
- Colonial architecture
Why we recommend it
The Palacio de la Inquisición is a colonial palace in the walled city and the home of the Museo Histórico de Cartagena. The Inquisition tribunal was established in Cartagena in 1610 by decree of Philip III, as the third in the Spanish empire, reflecting the city's importance as a trading port. The present building was completed in 1770. It is a two-storey Spanish colonial palace with Baroque touches, built in white brick with stone gateways, facing the Plaza de Bolívar.
The tribunal sat for more than two centuries, until 1821, and dealt with around 800 cases. Many of the merchants it investigated were Portuguese, some suspected of secretly practising Judaism. Some historians note that only a handful of people were executed and that most of those convicted were flogged, so it is often described as one of the less severe inquisitorial courts.
The museum tells the history of Cartagena from its origins through the colonial and republican periods. According to El Universal, its displays cover the city's foundation, its walls and churches, independence and Colombian society in the 19th and 20th centuries. Treasures include a replica of the city's first colonial keys, the Act of Independence of 11 November 1811, a bell cast by Pedro Romero, the leader of the Getsemaní independence movement, and a painting by Cecilia Porras. There are also coins, maps, weapons, furniture and portraits. The section on the Holy Office covers trials, imprisonment and the public autos-da-fé, and look out for the small "denunciation window" through which anonymous accusations were passed.
The rooms of torture equipment are what many visitors remember, but it is worth knowing that many of these devices appear to be modern replicas or generic reconstructions, with little evidence that they were used in Cartagena. Some parents may want to preview this section before bringing younger children.
The palace stands on the Plaza de Bolívar, opposite the park and next to other key sights: the Museo del Oro Zenú is across the square and the cathedral is on the corner. Admission is paid. Allow an hour to an hour and a half for the museum, and combine it with the gold museum for a morning on the square.
Palacio de la Inquisición (Museo Histórico de Cartagena) FAQs
What is the Palacio de la Inquisición today?
It houses the Museo Histórico de Cartagena, which covers the city's colonial and republican history as well as the work of the Inquisition tribunal.
When was the building finished?
The current palace was completed in 1770. The tribunal itself was established in Cartagena in 1610.
How long did the Inquisition operate in Cartagena?
The tribunal worked for more than two centuries, until 1821, and handled around 800 cases.
Are the torture instruments original?
Many of the devices on display appear to be modern replicas or generic reconstructions, with little evidence they were used in Cartagena.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, admission to the museum is paid.
Where is it?
The palace faces the Plaza de Bolívar in the walled city, across the square from the Museo del Oro Zenú.
How long should I allow?
About an hour to an hour and a half is enough for the main rooms.
What are the highlights of the collection?
Highlights named by El Universal include a replica of the city's first colonial keys, the Act of Independence of 11 November 1811 and a bell cast by Pedro Romero.