Plaza de la Trinidad Cartagena: Culture, Art & History
Why Plaza de la Trinidad is Cartagena’s most authentic square
Right in the heart of Getsemaní, Plaza de la Trinidad is a microcosm of Cartagena’s spirit — unfiltered, loud, warm, and alive.
It’s not the largest or most glamorous square, but it’s definitely the most authentic. During the day, it’s peaceful. Locals rest on stone ledges, a few vendors set up carts, and the nearby Santísima Trinidad Church casts a timeless shadow.
But come sunset, the plaza transforms.
Santísima Trinidad Church: The square’s colonial soul
Plaza de la Trinidad is named after the Church of Santísima Trinidad, a colonial-era church that dominates the square with its ochre-yellow facade.
By day, it offers a moment of calm — a break from the hustle of Cartagena’s walled city. You can sit on its steps, enjoy the breeze, watch pigeons flutter, and listen to occasional bells echo across the walls.
Built in the 17th century, this church has been a silent witness to centuries of struggle, culture, and revival — from independence revolts to artistic renaissances.
Getsemaní’s essence: street art, flavors & rhythm
Wander a few steps away from the square and you’ll walk into Getsemaní’s vibrant chaos: walls covered in murals, political messages, Afro-Caribbean symbols, and splashes of color.
Vendors nearby sell arepas, empanadas, plantains, and ice-cold beers. No fancy cutlery, no menus. Just food made with love, served by proud locals who know every passerby.
Getsemaní doesn’t pretend to be trendy — it just is. It’s organic, spontaneous, raw, and irresistibly warm. Every corner tells a story. Every mural demands a photo. Every face invites a smile.
Sunset and nightlife: When the plaza truly comes alive
“At sunset, the square fills with locals chatting, tourists snapping photos with beers in hand, and street artists performing champeta or acrobatics…”
As twilight falls, Plaza de la Trinidad explodes with energy. People sit on every curb and ledge. Locals talk politics, music, or nothing at all. Kids chase each other through the crowd while travelers sip beers from local shops.
From a hidden speaker, salsa or reggae softly fills the air. A juggler appears. Then a dancer. Then someone sells homemade patacones.
You’re no longer just a tourist. You’re part of the plaza’s rhythm — a participant, not an observer.
History and resistance: A square that stood its ground
Plaza de la Trinidad is more than festive energy. In one corner stands a sculpture commemorating Cartagena’s Independence Cry of 1811. This spot wasn’t just cultural — it was revolutionary.
Getsemaní was the first neighborhood to support independence. Its people — fishermen, workers, craftsmen — lit the fuse of rebellion. This square was a gathering point, a symbol of resistance, and still carries that spirit today.
The murals reflect pride, resistance, and the Afro-descendant identity that helped build Cartagena.
Things to do near Plaza de la Trinidad
There’s more to explore beyond the plaza:
Calle de la Sierpe: an outdoor gallery of political and cultural murals
Plaza del Pozo: a more local plaza with indie cafés and eateries
Street food tours that start here and lead through Getsemaní
Boutique hostels with rooftop views and open-air lounges
Live music bars just two blocks away with champeta and salsa
This is the perfect base to experience Cartagena beyond the tourist brochures.
Travel tips to enjoy Plaza de la Trinidad like a local
🕓 Go before sunset to enjoy both the peaceful vibe and the transformation
💵 Bring cash — most food vendors don’t accept cards
🎒 Watch your belongings, especially when it gets crowded
🎭 Respect artists — tipping performers is appreciated
👂 Don’t rush — the best moments here are spontaneous
🗣️ Engage — locals are friendly and will welcome conversation
Conclusion: The beating heart of Cartagena’s soul
“Sitting in Plaza de la Trinidad at sunset isn’t just about seeing Cartagena. It’s about hearing it, tasting it, feeling it…”
This is where Cartagena’s soul lives — not inside museums or behind colonial walls, but on a humble plaza where life unfolds freely.
There’s no filter here. What you see is what you get. And what you get is unforgettable.
Once you’ve spent a night here, you’ll understand. Something in you will stay behind. And that’s the beauty of it.