The Baluarte de la Merced, named after the proximity of the convent of the same name that existed where the Adolfo Mejía Theater currently stands, was one of the sections most affected by the storms that cyclically hit the city. Built by the engineer Cristóbal de Roda around 1617, it would be destroyed by a “norther” in 1618; Eleven years later, at the end of 1629, the reconstruction ordered by the governor and engineer Francisco de Murga was completed. During the 17th and 18th centuries, repairs to the Baluarte de la Merced were constant as no solution was found to alleviate the force of the sea in that section. It would be the engineer Juan de Herrera y Sotomayor who between 1721 and 1733 restored the bastion, giving it its current appearance.

The bastion of La Merced includes a historical view with the sea and the marine air. Its surroundings have been lent for open-air concerts and at the time of raising kites in the August winds, the children with their parents chose it, making the kite a spectacle: I would ask the tourist entities of Cartagena de Indias to maintain the area, its grass, lighting and presence of the police and army authorities, day and night 24 hours a day, so that its trust and tranquility are not lost.

Picturesque part of the old city walls

Needs more care

Nice views

The charm of the walled city.

Good place to visit

Cartagena, walled city

Good place to look

Walk