Step into the colossal bronze shoes. Feel the cool metal beneath your feet. These aren’t just any shoes. This is Los Zapatos Viejos the Old Shoes in Cartagena.
This remarkable monument is more than just a sculpture. It’s a tribute a poetic homage to Cartagena itself. Cartagena-born poet Luis Carlos Lopez compared his beloved city to a well-worn pair of boots. His poem A mi Ciudad Nativa To My Native City inspired this iconic artwork.
Originally created in 1957 by Tito Lombana the sculpture was made of enameled cement. It stood proudly on Media Luna Street. Sadly it was demolished in 1992 to make way for the Heredia Bridge. But like the enduring spirit of Cartagena the Old Shoes were reborn.
Two years later Tito’s brother Hector recreated the monument. This time using durable bronze. He placed the resurrected Old Shoes in front of the majestic San Felipe de Barajas Fort. Now they stand as a permanent symbol of the city’s resilience and charm.
One shoe stands upright the other lies on its side. They are oversized. A full-grown adult can comfortably sit inside. The bronze has aged beautifully developing a distinctive bluish patina.
The Old Shoes are immensely popular. Tourists and locals alike queue to take pictures. They become a part of this unique artwork. The poem itself is etched into nearby stone. It’s a testament to the beauty of Lopez’s words and the enduring love for Cartagena.
The Old Shoes are more than just a tourist attraction. They are a symbol of artistic rebirth. They are a reminder of a city’s enduring spirit. This is a place where poetry meets bronze where history blends with the present. And where you too can become part of Cartagena’s unique story.