Calle de San Juan (San Juan Street), Cartagena

Stemming from Calle de la Sierpe to the south is a curved, narrow alley – Calle de San Juan (San Juan Street). Named after Saint John the Baptist, this is one of the few places in Cartagena to retain its original name from colonial times.

At 187 meters, this is also one of the longest “inner” streets in the Getsemaní neighborhood, and with a great deal of history packed inside these 187 meters, too. A century ago, this street was famed as the one inhabited by Admiral José Prudencio Padilla, the hero of the Expulsion of Mexico’s Spaniards in 1821-1836. More recently, it was the home of the notorious gangster, Samir Beetar, who made the name for himself among locals by helping needy neighbors and those with sick children pay for their medicine.

Still, what makes Calle de San Juan stand out today, at least in the eyes of numerous visitors, is the impressive collection of wall paintings coupled with an array of delightful cafes and restaurants lining the street. While the eateries and drinking establishments lure passers-by with their cozy atmosphere, the color palette of the surrounding artwork makes one feel as if drifting down the river of ink... Both pastimes are equally engaging!