Rooted in history and built in the time of the conquest, the Artillery Barracks, which owes its name to its colonial military use, parades its facade in the Walled City and lends its name to the street where it is found. There is disagreement as to the exact dates of its origins in the absence of testimonies and known inhabitants. Among the surviving records the account of its adaptation to military purposes at some point in the 17th century has been rescued. This still finds expression in the portico architecture of its facade. The property became part of a commercial succession initiated December 7, 1891, by Doña ÁNGELA NIETO DE AMADOR, and ended January 31, 1952, when it was purchased by Don LUIS RAFAEL FORERO LÓPEZ, the last proprietor before its current owners.
The building has been used for various purposes, giving it greater historical and cultural importance, from military to agrarian activities. A garden in the cloister served as a plot of land for cultivating the indispensable. Even a mill for grinding wheat waved its arms on the grounds for the development of agricultural work. Later on, starting in 1953, various educational institutions functioned within these walls of colonial stone
Among them were the Colegio Americano de Comercio, the Escuela Simon Bolivar, the Liceo de Bolivar and the Colegio Americano de Cartagena, with the last one responsible for altering part of the original physiognomy. Moreover, in 1992 the Barracks was granted the honor of bearing the title of DISTRICT MONUMENT. War, agriculture, education, and today gastronomy, among other activities, have paraded through the property’s memorable halls. Currently the Artillery Barracks remains standing in historic downtown Cartagena in the Our Lady of Grace neighborhood opposite the Santa Cruz Bulwark.
Toward the goals of historical and cultural preservation a conservation plan has been created to rescue the historic building, giving it a more appropriate use, and to preserve for residents and visitors the magic and enchantment of this jewel of the Walled City. In the Barracks three notable restaurants are currently operating which enrich the cultural diversity of the site: The La Girolata, PaloSanto, each one offering gastronomic specialties and select ambience which, joined to Cartagena’s magic and the mythical enchantment of the Barracks, make for a delicious and enriching experience. But if satiating the palate with pleasure isn’t enough, there is also space for relaxation and entertainment. The Fragma club intensifies the night with the warmth of its multiple rooms and cozy ambience. We invite you to meet with history and live a cultural and gastronomic tour the force, for as one of our visitors once said, “There’s no need to leave – everything is here
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Cuartel de Artilleria