The church and convent of San Pedro Claver — a Jesuit complex completed in 1654 — is the most important site in Cartagena for the history of the African slave trade. Saint Peter Claver (1581-1654), a Catalan Jesuit known as 'the slave of the slaves,' lived here for 40 years and ministered to an estimated 300,000 African slaves who arrived at Cartagena (the major slave port of Spanish South America) during his lifetime, baptising them, distributing food and medicine, and advocating for better treatment.
Claver's tomb is in the cathedral-like church, and the attached museum in the former convent has exhibits on slavery, indigenous Colombian cultures, and contemporary Afro-Colombian art. The plaza outside, with its bronze sculptures by Edgardo Carmona depicting everyday Cartageneros (a seamstress, a chess player, a fruit vendor), provides a counterpoint to the serious history inside.
Verified Facts
The complex was completed in 1654
Peter Claver lived here for 40 years ministering to slaves
An estimated 300,000 slaves passed through Cartagena during his lifetime
Cartagena was the main slave port of Spanish South America
Get walking directions
Calle San Pedro Claver, Centro, Cartagena, Colombia
