Old Shoes Monument (Los Zapatos Viejos)

At the base of the imposing San Felipe Castle, Cartagena’s Old Shoes Monument (Los Zapatos Viejos) is, you guessed it, a giant sculpture of a pair of old boots. A popular spot for a selfie or ten, the monument was created by the sculptor Hector Lombana as a reference to the popular poem, “Mi Ciudad Nativa,” by local poet, and one of South America’s most respected writers, Luis Carlos López.
In the final line, López compares the love and sense of comfort he feels for his hometown of Cartagena to that which he feels for a pair of worn-in, but familiar and comfortable shoes. And on a plaque in front of the famous sculpture, you can read the whole poem in full. 

Practical Info

To see the Old Shoes Monument, head to San Felipe Castle on the hill of San Lázaro along Avenida Arevalo. The castle itself is open from 8am to 6pm every day, and entry for adults costs COP $8,000.