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.
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 & Drink
There’s nothing better than getting your breakfast of 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 (well I’d never heard of them) such as, lulo, zapote, guanábana, uchuva, feijoa, 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.
EL Frescanjero – El Frescanjero serves fine food at casual prices. Sandwiches, soups, delicious main entrees, shrimp cocktails, full bar, 2 for 1 cocktail list changes weekly, Live Sports, Music, elegant dining experience yet casual Caribbean atmosphere. – Find them on Facebook.
You have to head La Puerta and dance the night away – www.ohlalalapuerta.com
Or if your fancy is a bit more rock ‘n’ roll then Crabs Bar is the place to be – www.crabsbar.com
Merkabar / Welcome Restaurant – Best value in town. Try the seafood chowder and the patilla juice (watermelon) – Gilberto and his brother are absolute gentlemen! – Calle 10 No 2-11 (opposite Casa Familiar)
Nearby
Santa Marta is the perfect base for nearby attractions as:
Parque Tayrona
Cuidad Perdida & the Sierra Nevada
Beaches – Bahía de Concha, Arrefices, Cabo San Juan
Taganga
*Santa Marta is the birthplace of Carlos Valderrama, Colombia’s most famous footballer.