Museo Historico de Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar Department, Colombia

3Josetto G 5:00 PM Apr 23, 2022

Window into Local History
I went to the museum in February of 2022. I am from the United States (NYC) and I understand about a high school level of Spanish. Most of the displays are only in Spanish, but I used Google translate on my phone through the "camera" so that it would translate what was in view of the camera lens. Not perfect, but gave me the chance to better appreciate what each display was trying to convey. The museum is relatively small compared to what I am used to at home, but I think it is a nice introduction to a period in local history. My knowledge of the Inquisition prior to this visit, was that the topic being barely mentioned in any of my history classes (high school or college). So for me, it was good to get some unabashed details on the Inquisition in this part of the world. When I went, there were some guides available to give guided tours in Spanish and/or English. I prefer to wander museums on my own, so I did not take a guided tour. If you are fluent in Spanish, you will definitely get more out of visiting this museum. But, if you are willing to get a guide or use Google translate this museum can give you a glimpse into the Inquisition. Especially if you have minimal knowledge regarding the inquisition. The museum could be improved by having more artifacts, but the placards do a good job of conveying history. The grounds of the museum is actually where some of the torture & executions took place, so that definitely ups the ante regarding "feeling like you are walking through history".

3Larry T 5:00 PM Mar 15, 2020

Better Know Your Spanish to Fully Enjoy
Enjoyed the colonial facade and architecture. Do be careful when walking around due to unlevel surfaces. Most every thing is in Spanish. If you are lacking in Spanish as I am, it is mostly a visual experience. A section of the museum deals with the Spanish Inquisition. Maybe I am morbid but I am disappointed they did not display more torture items. I saw three small items on display. I did like the courtyard. Here was a guillotine (reserved for royals our guide told us), a gallows and some cannon. Restrooms were also located here. I did not use the restroom so I cannot comment on what it was like. We did not directly pay a fee to enter as this was a stop on our Princess Cartagena excursion.