Overview
Completed in 1770, the Palace of the Inquisition is one of Cartagena's finest colonial Baroque buildings and served as the Spanish Inquisition's headquarters from 1610 to 1821. Now a museum, it displays Inquisition-era torture instruments, trial records, and colonial historical materials. The jarring contrast between the building's beauty and its dark past leaves a strong impression. Located right on Bolívar Square, it's easy to include on a Walled City walk.
Opening Hours
Monday-Saturday 09:00-18:00, Sunday 10:00-16:00.
Travel Tips
The second-floor balcony offers a great view of Bolívar Square. The torture-instrument exhibit can be disturbing — keep this in mind with young children.
Hotels near Palace of the Inquisition
Hotels and guesthouses in Cartagena, Old Town, Cartagena
Other attractions in Cartagena
Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving 16th-century Spanish colonial walls and buildings.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
South America's largest Spanish colonial fortress, built to defend against pirates.
Rosario Islands
A Caribbean archipelago of coral reefs and crystal water, about 1 hour by boat from Cartagena.
Getsemaní
Cartagena's hippest neighborhood, packed with graffiti art, salsa bars, and hostels.
Playa Blanca, Barú Island
Cartagena's most beautiful white-sand beach — Caribbean relaxation at its finest.
Café del Mar
Cartagena's premier sunset spot — cocktails atop the colonial walls overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
San Pedro Claver Church & Museum
A 17th-century Jesuit church and museum honoring San Pedro Claver, patron saint of slaves.