Plaza de la Trinidad

In front of you is the heart of Getsemaní. The yellow Church of the Holy Trinity was built in the 17th century as the parish church of the outer district, and its square has been the neighbourhood's meeting place ever since.

1The church of the outer district

It is a simple single-nave church with a stone doorway and an arched bell tower. It lacks the riches of the old town's churches, and that says a lot about who lived here: craftsmen, sailors and working families.

In the middle of the square, a sculpture group by Nora Luz Quintana recalls the cry for independence: Pedro Romero, the Cuban-born blacksmith who led the lancers of Getsemaní, with his fist raised; Father Umaña; and the drummer who called people to the fight.

2The square at dusk

If you arrive late in the day, you will see the square at its best. Children play football in front of the church, neighbours bring out their chairs, the arepa de huevo and carimañola stalls appear, and sometimes there are musicians or dancers. It is a good place to try Cartagena's fried snacks fresh from the pan.

Plaza de la Trinidad is the neighbourhood's living room: people come here to see and be seen.

A practical tip: in the squares you will be offered everything from necklaces to boat trips. A smiling «no, gracias» is enough. Keep your phone put away when you are not using it.

3What to look for

• The arched bell tower of the church.
• The Pedro Romero sculpture group, in the middle of the square.
• The fried-snack stalls, especially around sunset.