Church of Santo Domingo

This is a truly lovely church with stunning architecture. On special days, the building is illuminated with beautiful colors, adding a magical and spiritual atmosphere that makes the visit even more memorable. You can tell the church is well-managed—it’s always clean and well-maintained, which reflects great care and respect for the space. The interior feels warm and welcoming, making it an ideal place to pray, reflect, and find peace. One of the most special features is the display of the 12 apostles in statue form, each accompanied by a short history you can read. It’s a thoughtful and educational touch that adds depth to the experience. The environment feels safe and serene, and best of all—it’s free to visit. Just keep in mind that the church is not open all day. You’ll need to check the schedule, as it typically opens only during mass times. If you're visiting Cartagena, this church is a must-see. It’s a place that stays with you long after you leave.

Our tour actually did allow us inside this church and it was a pleasure to a) see the statues and fine interior and b) get out of the sun. It would be so worthwhile to have the time to visit and enjoy all of the many churches and cathedrals within the old city. Such history.

Cartagena is bad for tourist the customer service was horrible and the people are rude and mean also they charge for everything the city is dirty and the people love to throw trash on the streets there is no culture in cartagena and the security is horroble plenty of tourist getting robbed and is very unsafe for family pleas estay away from cartagena my experience here was the worst and I will never in my life come back this place is nice but the people are the most horrible I have ever encounter as a tourist. Please find somewhere else since this is the most trashy place I have ever visited my experience in cartagena was the worst My experience in Cartagena was incredibly disappointing and, honestly, one of the worst trips I have ever taken. As a tourist, I did not feel welcomed or valued at all. The customer service in many places was poor — staff often seemed uninterested, impatient, or dismissive. One of the biggest frustrations was the constant feeling of being charged for everything. From small services to basic interactions, it often felt like people were looking for ways to take advantage of tourists. Instead of enjoying the beauty of the city, I felt stressed and on guard most of the time. Cleanliness was another major issue. I was surprised by the amount of trash in the streets in certain areas. For a city that attracts so many international visitors, I expected better maintenance and pride in public spaces. Safety was also a serious concern. I witnessed and heard about multiple incidents involving tourists being robbed. The overall environment did not feel secure, especially for families traveling with children. It is hard to relax and enjoy a vacation when you constantly feel unsafe. It’s unfortunate because the architecture and scenery are beautiful. However, my overall experience was overshadowed by poor service, safety concerns, and a lack of organization. Based on my visit, I would not return, and I would strongly encourage travelers to carefully research before choosing this destination.

A landmark in Cartagena. Visited in 1992 on a 1 year South America Tour

The Church of Santo Domingo is directly across the street from the Santo Domingo Plaza. It is the last remaining structure from one of the first monasteries established in in 1526, in what was then New Spain. After two short-lived church buildings, the current church was completed in 1736. The front façade is now painted a golden yellow, but the stone underneath is the 'Pink Stone', a blood-colored volcanic rock. Entombed inside is Conquistador Francisco Vaquez de Coronado, best known for his early exploration of the American Southwest. Tourists are able to enter without cost, as the entrances are always open, but should be prepared for street people outside asking for money and nuns inside requesting donations for the cathedral. No one was pushy and a polite 'no thank you' is a respectful response.

Worth visiting. Beautiful church with prominent vaulted ceiling. Has a little plaza in front popular for al fresco dinning.

Great place. The history is amazing and you can join mass then have lunch in the plaza.

The layout of the church is spacious. Even if it's antique it is very bright and joyful. The piped-in music was soothing and the people were all enthusiastic. The plaza in front and the total ambience makes you feel like you are in Europe