Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría

Is this the grand Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría? The one that faced the wrath of the notorious Sir Francis Drake? The very same! This grand dame of Cartagena has borne witness to centuries of history, weathering storms both literal and figurative. Imagine a time before this imposing structure, when a humble church of wood and reeds stood here. Back then, in 1577, the construction of the Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría began, a project that would stretch over 35 years. But it was a turbulent time in Cartagena’s history. Just nine years into construction, this ambitious project faced the wrath of Sir Francis Drake! In 1586, Drake, that cunning privateer, held Cartagena hostage. He demanded a hefty ransom, threatening to unleash his cannons upon the unfinished cathedral. The first warning shot was enough. The cannonball slammed into a column, causing a devastating domino effect. Three columns toppled, dragging down a section of the roof. The city, fearing total destruction, paid the ransom. Then, as if cursed, another disaster struck in 1600. The roofs of the nave collapsed! The original flat design proved too heavy for the coral stone. It took another 12 years to rebuild and finally complete the cathedral. But the story doesn’t end there. This resilient Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría has seen it all! From pirate attacks to architectural mishaps, she has stood strong, a symbol of Cartagena’s enduring spirit. The yellow facade you see today, glistening in the Colombian sun, is a testament to that enduring spirit.