Convento de la Popa

The hill is about 150 metres, the highest point in Cartagena, and the Augustinians founded a house on it in 1607. The name la popa means the stern of a ship, from the hill's profile seen from the sea. The convent holds a chapel with the image of the Virgen de la Candelaria, patroness of the city, whose feast on 2 February involves a procession up the hill; a walled courtyard with bougainvillea; and a statue commemorating a friar who, according to the tradition, threw a goat idol off the cliff after finding people worshipping it. The view takes in the walled city, the bay, the modern towers of Bocagrande and the fortress of San Felipe below.

What you actually see

• A monastery of 1607 - on the city's highest hill.
• The Virgen de la Candelaria - patroness, with a February procession.
• A bougainvillea courtyard - at the centre of the convent.
• The full view of Cartagena - walled city, bay and Bocagrande.

When to go

December to April; 2 February for the feast. An hour and a half.

Honest expectations

The road up is steep and walking it is discouraged for safety reasons - take a taxi and arrange the return. It is hot with limited shade. Entry is charged. The convent itself is modest; the view is the reason.

Nearby

Castillo San Felipe is below; the walled city is beyond.