Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa image

Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa

Tourist attraction Garden Catholic church Monastery Shrine Religious organization Nunnery Christian book store City pillar shine

This convent on the city's highest hill dates to 1607 & offers a leafy cloister & sweeping views. People often mention city, view, Cartagena, views, history, beautiful, convent, nice, taxi, visit,


Address

Cl. 37, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia

Website

santuariolapopa.com

Contact

+57 605 6655029

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (4.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 7 AM to 6 PM
  • Saturday: 7 AM to 6 PM
  • Sunday: 7 AM to 6 PM
  • Monday: 7 AM to 6 PM
  • Tuesday: 7 AM to 6 PM
  • Wednesday: 7 AM to 6 PM
  • Thursday: 7 AM to 6 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: city (30) view (29) Cartagena (25) views (16) history (15) beautiful (15) convent (10) nice (10) taxi (9) visit (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Rowena K. W. 2 years ago on Google
    Don't let the locals tell you it is unsafe to walk there. There were police patrolling the road. I had a very pleasant stroll to the convent. The place is very well maintained. The views on the city are unbeatable. The buildings are beautifully restored. Lots of signage and explanations made the visit meaningful.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yonathan S. 9 months ago on Google
    Convent Ticket is 13K COP cash only. They officially close at 17:30, tickets sales, but is possible to stay a bit longer outside to enjoy the view, I stayed till 18:15. Don't go back walking, is not safe, especially after getting dark, Uber is around 21K COP from there to Cartagena Walls just as reference. Inside is fine but honestly I was more into the view which is definitely worth it. You'll have a 360 of Cartagena, probably the best view of the town. It's a just visit place! I recommend to get there around 16:30~17:00 and stay till sunset if you can. I took Uber from the Caribe Plaza Mall till there and it was 19K COP. No need to hire taxi or pay for someone to wait for you, there are always taxis up there if you want. I visited in July 2023, 35c and 80% humidity, yeah get ready is 🔥
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ben S. 8 months ago on Google • 210 reviews
    After a twisted road up the hill, this Catholic religious holy site in the middle of Cartagena reveals the entire city's beauty in all directions. There is a chapel and some artifacts within the extremely well kept property. Come for the views and reflection. Gift shop inside.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steven H. 11 months ago on Google • 154 reviews
    This is the highest point in Cartagena and filled with a lot of history. I recommend going with a tour guide who can provide you the historical context as you walk throughout the site. You can definitely feel the spiritual vibe within the walls and in the chapels. There are many beautiful artifacts to check out.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 shaika a. 1 year ago on Google • 16 reviews
    If you are interested in the view, this place is for you. Cartagena with a stunning panoramic view. Also, it was nice to walk around the rooms of the place: church, history. It is important to be careful of the peddlers in the place. All communication with them eventually leads to a request for money / a tip - even advice you didn't ask for will cause them to ask for a tip. And most importantly, get to the place and return from it by transport and under no circumstances on foot, for fear of robbery.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Öner B. 1 year ago on Google
    It may be good to negotiate with a taxi driver. A little far from the city. It usually costs 40-60.000 COP. If you drive your own car, you may have to give 3-5000 COP to unauthorized persons "as usual". It is one of the most important centers of Catholicism in the city. Its history is said to date back to 1607. It takes its name from this mountain because the name of the hill on which it is built is La Popa. The panoramic view is wonderful. Both sides of the city can be seen. Entrancr E is 13,000 COP per person. There is a gift shop inside. Must visit.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Crista R. 6 years ago on Google
    One of the highest places in Cartagena overlooking the city. It closed earlier than we expected so we had to rush through but it was a very peaceful place oozing with historical references and a celebration of the Catholic faith. We were hoping to catch the sun setting but we had to leave before the sun went down. Still, a beautiful view and one of the most stunning garden courtyards I saw in the city. Bring food and drink - there isn't much to purchase there. A small gift shop is available with very reasonably priced rosaries and rosary bracelets.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dan J. 2 years ago on Google
    It’s interesting and worth a visit on your trip to Cartagena. It costs 12,000 pesos for adult admission as of October, 2021. The view is quite nice in several directions, as well. The important tip is this: if you take a taxi or a car service to this location, pay them a few pesos to wait for you to drive you back. The taxis you see at the top are already taken (waiting) so they are not available to drive you. And the taxis in the city would prefer not to drive up the hill to pick you up,so they may not respond to a taxi app request. Pay a taxi to wait for you, that’s the easiest route.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jorge E. 2 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) An unmissable place if it is your first visit to Cartagena or if you have never been. Being the highest point in the city, the views and photographs are unbeatable. It is also a place with a lot of history to tell. The building itself is beautiful and well cared for, the sanctuary of the Virgen de la Candelaria is beautiful for those who enjoy religious tourism and above all the city seen at 360° is a beautiful experience. (Original) Un lugar imperdible si es su primera visita a Cartagena o si nunca ha ido. Al ser el punto más alto de la ciudad las vistas y las fotografías son inmejorables. Además es un lugar con mucha historia por contar. La edificación por si misma es hermosa y bien cuidada, el santuario de la Virgen de la Candelaria es hermoso para quien disfruta de turismo religioso y sobre todo la ciudad vista en 360° es una experiencia hermosa.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adolfo M. 3 months ago on Google • 122 reviews New
    The view from here is breathtaking, a wonderful experience to be here and see all Cartagena (New) from here, the convent is nice but I prefer to enjoy the view. 5/5 stats

  • 4/5 David T. 6 months ago on Google • 40 reviews
    This place has some of the best views of Cartagena. They have a little souvenir shop where you can get rosaries, crosses and other little things! Lot of history. It’s always hot though so get some water before you buy your tickets to get in. You can explore by yourself or get a guided tour as well 👍🏽
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David P. 4 months ago on Google • 110 reviews
    Covent of Santa Cruz de la Popa dates back to 1607 by an Augustine Monk. When he had a dream that demanded he build a monastery at the tallest point in Cartagena. Which now offers amazing views, golden shine visited by Pope John Paul II in 1986. Still adorns the golden crown placed by him on the Madonnas head. You can even sit in the same chair as the famous Pope when he visited Colombia.

  • 2/5 Sascha E. 2 months ago on Google • 98 reviews New
    Kurzzusammenfassung: lohnt sich nicht! Der Aufstieg zu fuss ist sehr gefährlich, da viele Verbrecher dort unterwegs sind. Mit dem Taxi ist der Weg recht teuer. Oben ist nur die Aussicht gut, sofern man nicht im Rollstuhl oder auf Krücken sitzt. So käme man nicht hoch. Der Eintritt ins Museum kostet 14.000 peso und man ist nach 5 Minuten durch. Es gibt praktisch nichts zu sehen.

  • 5/5 Gonzalo J. 4 months ago on Google • 56 reviews
    The highest point in Cartagena with amazing views of the city. The Monastery is nice with a beautiful courtyard and a nice church. Only thing is you need transportation to get you there and wait for you while you visit. That’s is the safest and easiest way.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Lolita 4 years ago on Google
    It's a lot of work to get there and back (and expensive) and there isn't that much to see. The view of the city is nice, but that's about it. The courtyard is pleasant as well. There is a small museum inside the convent. Since we are not religious and not really into history, for the price of entry and the effort it took to get there I think we should have skipped it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Mahi _. 1 year ago on Google
    Not worth the cost or the trip. It cost us 60,000cop for round trip taxi ride up. You really don't need to go inside the Montessori to take a picture of the city. The outside parking lot has the best view. In order to go inside you pay 13,000 cop but you see nothing too interesting. If use one of the rideshare apps the cost to go up is 15,000 cop so you can negotiate your return if you have efficient language skills.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brenda B. 5 months ago on Google • 37 reviews
    This small convent is at one of the highest points in Cartagena and gives you a beautiful view of both the city and the ocean. I paid $10 near the entrance to a gentleman who guided me in English, providing the history of the convent. The courtyard contains beautiful limestone arches and pillars with many flowering plants. The cistern in the middle of the courtyard is only used now for watering the plants might used to be to collect drinking water from the rain. There are also some artifacts to view from the time when the convent was in fuller use. You can easily tour the convent in an hour's time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Emilio A. 3 months ago on Google • 75 reviews New
    A must-have to appreciate a beautiful view of Cartagena. It's the highest point in the city.

  • 5/5 Hase O. 3 months ago on Google • 74 reviews New
    Sehr schönes altes Kloster auf dem Popa mit einen tollen Blick auf die Stadt. Unbedingt bei der Anfahrt auf die Kreuze achten. Toller Innenhof mit Kirche sehr zu empfehlen.

  • 5/5 David P. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful been 4 times even walked in the procession in February one year
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 San M. 1 year ago on Google
    A must-see in Cartagena for its unique panoramic view of the city. A taxi will take you up the hill and wait for you for the 20 minutes or so it takes you to see the convent and appreciate the vista. The courtyard is a beauty.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jake M. 1 year ago on Google
    Best place to take photos of the landscape and Colombia flag by far. If you’re taking any form of Taxi/Uber/InDrive expect to pay a lot to get back down. Taxi drivers will offer to wait for you up top, but it makes the experience feel super rushed. Typically they offer about 15 minutes to take the photos, also be prepared to have more cash because you have to pay to get in. Overall round trip this could cost upwards of 70k pesos.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Marco M. 1 year ago on Google
    Location is suggestive and you have the best views of the city. Really worth a try! The convent is nice, they might improve the experience as you pay 27000 COP to get in and you have no explanations except if you go with a private guide (not available in the place). Go and pray the virgen 🙏
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Richard V. G. 2 years ago on Google
    We just drove up and didn’t pay to see the building but the views were great and the family photo was good!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stacy K (. 5 years ago on Google
    We hired a driver and toured this facility in the morning. The monastery was beautiful, with lots of history. The flowers in the courtyard were delightful. The church had gold leaf on carved wood from the 1600's. This is a must see if you are visiting Cartagena! You can view the entire city, both the Walled City and downtown Cartagena! Spectacular views!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ty 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful experience! Breath taking view of the whole city can be seen from the top. Nice history and artifacts. Must see and experience this place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Cam H. 2 months ago on Google • 46 reviews New
    Active Church so can be busy with worshipers. Great views of the city and for sunset. Drinks at the top from vendors. Can walk or Ubers will come up. Taxis also a the top.

  • 5/5 Saulo M. 5 years ago on Google
    Bellisimo

  • 4/5 Herberth Madrigal B. 2 years ago on Google
    Place have a perfect view of Cartagena and the building. Now if you are into the Catholic religion, then this place will show you some emblematic and historical photos. Also the location has beautiful gardens

  • 3/5 Fernando A. G. 2 years ago on Google
    Didn't really like it too much. If you are in Cartagena you can do it. You can see the city from the highest spot of the city and visit a sort of museum with religious stuff and other artifacts. The building is gorgeous though.

  • 4/5 Brent W. 2 years ago on Google
    Not great looking from the outside, but a good historical and cultural spot. Great views

  • 3/5 Gustavo T. 3 years ago on Google
    The best view of Cartagena. Relatively easy access but for the $ you pay, it'd be nice a general guide.

  • 5/5 Chris G. 4 months ago on Google • 10 reviews
    Both beautiful and brutal history here. Recommend hiring a guide that is usually passed the entrance. Great 360 view of Cartagena.

  • 5/5 Todd M. 3 years ago on Google
    Rewarding and Spiritual

  • 4/5 Gary S. 6 years ago on Google
    We really enjoyed our tour of this beautiful, historic place.

  • 5/5 Jean A. 6 years ago on Google
    Came to Cartagena and didn't climb La Popa? So what did you come for?

  • 3/5 Rafael Gonzalez P. 6 years ago on Google
    it wasnt very impresive but the view is legendary

  • 4/5 Gord 4 years ago on Google
    Nice view of the city.

  • 5/5 Manuel A Alvarado (. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful place!! Amazing view of the city

  • 5/5 Ariel F. 6 months ago on Google
    Fantastic city views from a very beautiful building

  • 5/5 Javier H. 5 months ago on Google
    Great spot to view the city and, if you’re religious! Here you’ll find 400 years of history.

  • 5/5 Mario A. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice and it is a place that you have to visit, it has a beautiful view of the city

  • 5/5 Erika B. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful place with amazing views and history. I recommend your pay for the tour guide so you can hear all the stories (around $20-30K pesos or US$5-10 or AU$10)

  • 3/5 Christian W. 1 year ago on Google
    Great view over cartagena, but not really interesting (especially for non-religious people). You have to get a taxi to get to the top or take one of the many tours. Uber is the cheapest option. Once on the top, you can already get a nice overview of cartagena and get some refreshments and minor souvenirs. To get inside, you have to pay 20.000 - 25.000 COP (5$) - which is not worth it imho. You can see the inside, but only on the ground floor. Some relicts from the old time, some currencies from all over the world, a little church, some crucifixes. It‘s okay, but wouldn‘t recommend to spent 5$ for it.

  • 5/5 Latrice D. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing view and awesome history! A must see while you are in Cartagena!

  • 5/5 Aaron D. 1 year ago on Google
    Epic views of the city showing the three distinct areas. Beautiful Church, but with a sad history.

  • 5/5 Rose Z. 1 year ago on Google
    We weren't sure at first if it was worth the time and effort to go, but we're glad that we went. Amazing views of the city and a pleasant reprieve from the hustle and bustle. Hire a taxi driver you trust to make the way there, wait for you, and take you back.

  • 5/5 Alexander Salas V. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent experience, lots of history and great place to view the city of Cartagena from.

  • 5/5 Bucky 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful convent. The views from up here are amazing and you can see the entire city.


Call +57 605 6655029 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

San Felipe de Barajas Fort image
1
San Felipe de Barajas Fort
Historical landmark
Imposing hilltop fortress built in the 1600s with a complex tunnel system & offering audio tours.
4.70 (59.8K reviews)
Walls of Cartagena image
2
Walls of Cartagena
Historical landmark
Defensive stone walls snaking 11km around Cartagena, dating to the 1600s & known for sunset vistas.
4.80 (30.9K reviews)
Monumento Torre del Reloj image
3
Monumento Torre del Reloj
Historical landmark
Dating to the 1800s, this monumental stone gateway in the city walls features a spired clocktower.
4.70 (27.8K reviews)
Las Botas Viejas image
4
Las Botas Viejas
Tourist attraction
Also known as "Old Boots," this bronze sculpture of shoes is a tribute to poet Luis Carlos Lopez.
4.40 (13.3K reviews)
Monumento India Catalina image
5
Monumento India Catalina
Monument
1974 statue honoring the legendary India Catalina, an indigenous woman who was a Spanish translator.
4.50 (10K reviews)
Last updated:
()