Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa
The history of the monastery is as fascinating and at times troubling as the views are gorgeous. In a dream, the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Friar Alonso de la Cruz Paredes and commanded him to establish the convent atop the hill overlooking Cartagena.
The Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa, located at the highest point of Cartagena, has an outstanding interior that is only rivaled by the panoramic views of the city. The monastery, which began as a modest wooden church in 1607, today contains an image of the city's patroness, La Virgen de la Candelaria. A statue of a martyred local priest, who was assassinated for attempting to propagate Christianity, stands outside. The switchback road snaking its way to the summit of the hill is not accessible by public transportation, and trekking up is not recommended due to the harsh weather. Take a taxi and haggle for a lower fare.
The Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa may be seen from practically anywhere in Cartagena, as it stretches up Mt. Popa, a 150-meter peak. The hill acquired its name from its resemblance to a ship's poop deck. The monastery is currently open as a religious museum, after four centuries of variegated history. You can obtain the best panoramic views of Cartagena and its beaches from the top of Mt. Popa.
Location: Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
