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Pioneers

Casa Carolina reflects the passion for history, sustainability, and the authentic connection with the essence of Cartagena.

Our History

Casa Carolina is not just a hotel, it is a place where centuries of history, art, and culture converge. Its origins trace back to the very birth of Cartagena de Indias, when this walled city began to emerge as a jewel of the Caribbean. Located in El Centro Histórico of Cartagena de Indias, directly across from the Santa Catalina de Alejandría Cathedral and the Palace of Proclamation, steps from Plaza de Bolívar, Torre del Reloj and the iconic streets of Getsemaní and San Diego, our house has witnessed the most significant events in the city’s history.

Century

16th

Originally built in the 16th century, the house housed the first presbytery of the Cathedral and retains coral stone walls and columns from the same era. Among its architectural treasures are murals that span centuries, from the 16th to the 20th, with religious and decorative motifs, as well as a significant mural representing the sacristy of the church. Every corner tells a story, and every painting whispers the soul of a glorious past.

Century

16th

In the 19th century, the house belonged to the “Leoncitas” sisters, iconic figures of Cartagena society. It was here that the famous “Café de la Nueva Granada” was born, one of the first establishments of its kind in Cartagena and a meeting place for the creative minds of the time. This café left an indelible mark on the memory of the people of Cartagena, to the point that the house became known as “The House of the Café de la Nueva Granada.” Later, the sisters married the Pombo brothers, solidifying the lineage that gave the house the name León Sotomayor Pombo for several generations.

Century

20th

During the 20th century, the house continued to be a symbol of tradition and elegance. It was inherited by prominent families who cared for it with dedication, preserving its historical essence. Each restoration revealed new secrets: hidden paintings, colonial architectural details, and original furniture that enriched its legacy. One of these pieces of furniture, an iconic bed, even became part of the movie El amor en los tiempos del cólera, adding another layer of cultural significance to this space.

2008

The house was restored and opened to the public for the first time in its history, allowing the Cartagena community to rediscover this hidden treasure in the heart of the city. A decade later, in 2022, a second restoration took place with the same passion and care, respecting every original detail, from the coral stone master staircase, the murals, to the colonial balconies still overlooking the Plaza de la Proclamación.

2025

Today, Casa Carolina is a tribute to the living history of Cartagena. Its spaces combine centuries of heritage with contemporary design that respects its original essence, achieving a perfect balance between legacy and modernity. Every corner of the house tells a story, from the walls decorated with colonial paintings to the architectural details that have withstood the test of time. More than just a hotel, Casa Carolina is a symbol of the Cartagena soul, a place where the past continues to breathe and the present is enjoyed with depth and meaning.

In the Heart of Cartagena’s Historic District

Casa Carolina Hotel is located at Calle del Arzobispado, Cra. 5 #34-14, in El Centro Histórico of Cartagena de Indias, one of Latin America’s most significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Steps from our door:

— Plaza de Bolívar: the historic square at the heart of El Centro, surrounded by the most iconic colonial buildings of the city.
— Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower): the emblematic gateway to the Walled City and one of Cartagena’s most recognized landmarks.
— Santa Catalina de Alejandría Cathedral:  directly across from Casa Carolina, one of the oldest cathedrals in South America.
— Palace of Proclamation (Palacio de la Proclamación):  facing our colonial façade, a symbol of Cartagena’s independence.
— Getsemaní: the vibrant, artistic neighborhood steps away, known for its street art, cultural life and local gastronomy.
— San Diego: the elegant colonial quarter adjacent to El Centro, home to boutiques, galleries and historic mansions.
— Plaza de los Coches: one of the most lively plazas in the Walled City, a short walk from the hotel.
— Museo del Oro Zenú: the gold museum celebrating the indigenous heritage of the Caribbean coast.
— Palacio de la Inquisición: one of the best-preserved colonial buildings in the Americas, steps from the hotel.

Whether you’re exploring the cobblestone streets of the Walled City, discovering the murals of Getsemaní, or simply watching the sunset from our rooftop above El Centro, Casa Carolina places you at the center of it all.

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Casa Carolina Cartagena Hotel

Calle Arzobispado, Cra. 5 #34-14,
Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.

+57 (605) 654 3330
+57 318 574 7684

SIC | NIT: 901613438-1 | RNT:132298

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In accordance with Law 679 of 2001 and Law 1336 of 2009, CASA CAROLINA prevents and rejects the sexual exploitation and abuse of children and adolescents. These acts constitute a criminal offense under current Colombian law.

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Casa Carolina Cartagena Hotel
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