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.
Torre del Reloj (Puerta del Reloj)
The main gateway into Cartagena's walled city, an 18th-century arch topped by a clock tower between Getsemaní and the Plaza de los Coches.
At a glance
- Type
- Colonial city gate and clock tower
- Area
- Ciudad Amurallada, Cartagena, Colombia
Good to know
- Free access
- Photo spot
Why we recommend it
The Torre del Reloj, or Puerta del Reloj, is the main gateway into the walled city and the point where most visitors first step inside the old town. It stands between the Plaza de la Independencia, on the Getsemaní side, and the Plaza de los Coches inside the walls. Locals also call it the Boca del Puente, a reminder that this was once the end of a bridge.
The gate was built between 1704 and 1738 under the Spanish military engineer Juan de Herrera y Sotomayor, replacing an earlier gate of 1631 known as the Puerta del Puente. In colonial times a drawbridge crossed the Caño de San Anastasio, the channel that separated the walled city from Getsemaní, and it could be raised to keep out buccaneers and pirates. An even earlier wooden bridge on the site dated from 1540. The gate was protected by the bastions of San Pedro Apóstol, now gone, and San Juan Bautista.
Architecturally, the facade has a round Roman arch flanked by two pairs of Tuscan columns and a frieze decorated with triglyphs. Specialists consider it one of the best works of the Spanish-American school of fortification. The clock that crowns it gave the gate its popular name. The official tourism board picks it out as one of the highlights of the wall circuit, and the area around it is where you will find the horse-drawn carriages that tour the old town in the evening.
You do not need a ticket: you simply walk through. The gate is the obvious starting point for the 11 km circuit of walls that the city began in 1614, and just outside it lies Getsemaní, the neighbourhood whose artisans and militias, led by Pedro Romero, pushed Cartagena to declare independence on 11 November 1811. The Colombia tourism board also mentions ceviche around the clock gate, a good snack stop, and evening is when the carriages set out.
The gate is an easy walk from Getsemaní and from the Plaza de Santo Domingo, and it is the natural starting point for a walk along the walls or into the walled city. Castillo San Felipe is about 10 minutes away by car. Allow a few minutes to look at the gate itself and longer if you sit in the Plaza de los Coches.
Torre del Reloj (Puerta del Reloj) FAQs
Is there an entry fee for the Torre del Reloj?
No. It is a city gate that you walk through freely.
When was the gate built?
Between 1704 and 1738, under the engineer Juan de Herrera y Sotomayor, replacing an earlier gate of 1631.
Why is it called the Boca del Puente?
Because a drawbridge once crossed the Caño de San Anastasio between the walled city and Getsemaní at this point.
Which squares are next to it?
The Plaza de la Independencia on the outer side and the Plaza de los Coches inside the walls.
When is the best time to see it?
Early morning is quietest for photos; early evening is livelier, when it is lit and the carriages gather.
Can I take a horse-drawn carriage from here?
The tourism board mentions horse-drawn carriages touring the colonial centre, especially in the evening; they gather around the gate area.
What is nearby?
Getsemaní, the Plaza de Santo Domingo and the start of the wall circuit are all a short walk away.