SANTA MARTA

Founded on July 29, 1525 by Spanish conqueror Rodrigo de Bastidas, who named the city after the Catholic day for Saint Martha. However many historians argue that he named it after the Spanish city of Santa Marta de Astorgas, which he had also visited. It was one of the first cities to be founded in Colombia. The first one was Santa María la Antigua del Darién. El Libertador Simón Bolívar died at a ranch named Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino on the outskirts of Santa Marta on December 17, 1830.

WHAT TO DO

Attractions

Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, built in the 17th century, was the last home of Simon Bolivar. Today it is a house/museum in his honor.

Museo del Oro

The Cathedral is a national monument built in 1766. It held the remains of Simon Bolivar until 1842. La Casa de la Aduana (Customs House) is the oldest house of America, built in 1530. Today it is the Tayrona Museum.

Madame Agustine House is a jewel of colonial architecture.

San Fernando Fort was built by Spanish conquerors to protect the city from the pirates. It is a fine sample of colonial military architecture.

FOOD AND DRINK

There’s nothing better for your thirst than getting the freshest and tastiest orange juice from one of the many juice sellers on the street. Or try some of the fruits that you may never have heard of such as, lulo, zapote, guanábana, uchuva, feijoa, nispero, tamarindo, maracuya, to name but a few! Try asking for ‘la ñapa’ (a little top-up) – usually only given to locals so when you ask there will be surprised faces. In the evenings the street sellers cook up some very tasty pinchos.

WE RECOMMEND

Welcome/Merkabar

Best value in town. Try the seafood chowder and the patilla juice (watermelon) – Gilberto and his brothers are absolute gentlemen! – Calle 10 No 2-11 (opposite Casa Familiar)

Ouzo

Lulo/Carambolo

La Placita

Head to La Puerta and dance the night away – www.ohlalalapuerta.com

If your fancy is a bit more rock ‘n’ roll then Crabs Bar is the place to be – www.crabsbar.com