Plaza de la Aduana is the largest and oldest square in Cartagena — a broad trapezoidal plaza used as the main mustering ground of the city since the 16th century, surrounded by the Old Customs House (now the Alcaldía, or city hall), the Palacio Municipal, and the Plaza de los Coches beyond. A small bronze statue of Christopher Columbus in the centre was erected in 1894, though it has become controversial in the context of modern debates about colonial monuments.
The square leads directly to the Puerta del Reloj (Clock Tower Gate) — the historic main gate of Cartagena — and to the adjacent Plaza de los Coches where slaves were auctioned during the colonial period and where the famous Portal de los Dulces (a row of arcades selling traditional Cartagena sweets — coconut-based cocadas, enyucado, caballitos) has operated since the 19th century.
Verified Facts
The Christopher Columbus statue was erected in 1894
The Portal de los Dulces has operated since the 19th century
Plaza de los Coches was used for slave auctions during the colonial period
The square is Cartagena's oldest
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Plaza de la Aduana, Centro, Cartagena, Colombia
