Getsemaní is a neighborhood in Cartagena, Colombia, lying just outside the old city walls. It makes a natural counterpoint to the walled centre: the same colonial-era building traditions are still visible here, but the area has taken on a more contemporary character, with street art covering many of its walls.
What to look for
The streets are lined with historic buildings that keep their colonial architecture, while newer work sits alongside them. Walking through, you can see how the neighbourhood has moved beyond purely colonial design without losing its older fabric. The murals and street art give the place a lively, open feel that contrasts with the more formal atmosphere inside the walls.
Who it suits
- Visitors who want to see how Cartagena looks beyond its walled core
- Anyone interested in street art and how it sits against historic buildings
- Those who enjoy wandering on foot and stopping to look at details
Because Getsemaní sits just outside the walls, it is easy to reach on foot from the old city, so it works well as part of a single day of exploring. Many visitors pair a walk through the neighbourhood with time inside the walls, moving between the two areas to compare how each has developed.
Getsemaní is best approached without a fixed plan. Allow time to wander, look up at the building facades and the painted walls, and take in the mix of old and new that defines the area.