Casa del Cabildo (Town Hall House), Cartagena

The Casa del Cabildo (Town Hall House), otherwise known as Palacio de la Gobernación (Governor's Palace), is the seat of the government of the Bolívar Department of Colombia, of which Cartagena de Indias is the capital.

Originally, the authorities used to sit at a different location, sharing space with a city jail (on the ground floor), while the upper floor was occupied by the residence of the governor in office. Starting from 1614, the need for a new, designated town hall building became apparent.

After lengthy deliberations and a series of delays, the city bought a property from the Holy Office in the main square and had it torn down to build a town hall. The facility was also to incorporate space for a notary department and a grain store, but the project never materialized due to the Holy Inquisition's objections voiced at the last minute. Several years passed without any work done until in 1676 the current building was finally completed.

The Casa del Cabildo de Cartagena is similar in style to the Castilian town halls, which are characterized by the double galleries open to the square. It has a terrace, balconies, and balustrades on the façade, as well as three arches on each floor.

The building also represents a major historical heritage. Back in the colonial era, apart from housing the City Council, it routinely served as accommodation for visiting viceroys, prelates, presidents, and other illustrious guests. Also, here, inside the main hall, the Declaration of Independence of Cartagena from the Spanish Crown was signed on November 11, 1811.