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Old Shoes Monument

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Old Shoes Monument (Colombia)

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The Old Shoes Monument (Los Zapatos Viejos) in Cartagena is one of the city's most photographed and humorous landmarks. The massive bronze sculpture is located right behind the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and serves as a tribute to the famous local poet Luis Carlos López. Created by artist Tito Lombana, the work references López's poem "A mi ciudad nativa" (To My Native City), in which the poet compares his affection for Cartagena to the comfort felt when wearing a pair of old, well-worn shoes. The original concrete sculpture was replaced in 1994 with the current bronze version to better withstand the coastal environment. Visitors frequently climb inside the giant shoes for playful photos, making the monument a uniquely interactive part of the city experience. It symbolizes the pride and informal warmth that Cartagenians feel toward their history and culture. The monument is a reminder that true love for a place often lies in familiarity and everyday comfort.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272828282829292928282828
Rain mm33106017813516016018224218156

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Old Shoes Monument (Monumento Los Zapatos Viejos) is a public outdoor sculpture, freely accessible at any time. It stands in a busy square in Cartagena and can be visited without restrictions.
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Typical hours
As it is a public sculpture, there are no set visiting hours - you can visit anytime. Late afternoon is best when the light is soft for photos.
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Photography
Photography is unrestricted, the statue is a popular photo spot. Avoid backlit shots in early afternoon to emphasize the bronze details.
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Time needed
A visit takes only about 10 to 15 minutes as it is a single monument. Allow time for photos and to enjoy the surrounding square atmosphere.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a stroll through Cartagena's old town, full of colonial architecture. The San Felipe fortress and the Clock Tower Gate are also nearby.
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Getting there
The monument is located in the heart of the old town and is easily reachable on foot. From most hotels in the old town or port area it is just a short walk.
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Insider tip
Visit the monument early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat. The area has many street cafés for a break afterwards.

Geography

Coordinates
10.42300, -75.54010

Facts

  • The monument was originally created by artist Tito Lombana.
  • The current bronze version was installed in 1994.
  • It is dedicated to the poet Luis Carlos López (1879–1950).
  • The sculpture is located at the foot of the Castillo San Felipe.
  • It is based on the most famous sonnet in local literature.
  • The original concrete sculpture was built in the 1950s.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Castillo San Felipe de BarajasCastillo San Felipe de Barajas<1 km · NExplore →
Sanctuary of Saint Peter ClaverSanctuary of Saint Peter Claver1 km · SExplore →
Convento de la PopaConvento de la Popa2 km · NExplore →
Cartagena Refinery (Reficar)Cartagena Refinery (Reficar)4 km · NWExplore →
Fort of San Fernando de BocachicaFort of San Fernando de Bocachica6 km · SWExplore →
National Aviary of ColombiaNational Aviary of Colombia8 km · SWExplore →
Isla BarúIsla Barú18 km · SWExplore →
TolúTolú25 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Old Shoes Monument (7)

Playa de Marbella🎡 recreation

A wide, lively sandy beach in the north of the city, located directly along the coastal road near the airport.

Casa Museo Rafael Núñez🏛 museum

This historic 19th-century wooden house was the residence of Rafael Núñez, author of the Colombian national anthem.

🕒 Tu-Fr 09:00-17:00; Sa, Su 10:00-16:00

India Catalina🏺 historical

This iconic bronze statue honors the indigenous woman who played a central role as an interpreter during the Spanish conquest.

Playas de Marbella🎡 recreation

These popular beaches north of the city walls offer wide spaces for coastal walks and local gastronomy.

Playas de Las Tenazas🎡 recreation

A quieter beach section near the northern bastions known for its relaxed atmosphere and proximity to the old city.

San Miguel Bastion📍 landmark

A strategic corner point of the colonial defense system offering excellent views of the sea and the city walls.

Santa Teresa Bastion📍 landmark

Located next to the former San Pedro Claver convent, this bastion once protected the city's religious heart.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the Old Shoes monument represent?
It honors poet Luis Carlos López and his poem about his hometown, Cartagena.
Where exactly in Cartagena is the monument located?
It is located right behind the San Felipe de Barajas Castle.
Is there an entry fee to see the monument?
No, it is a public monument and can be visited for free.
Is it allowed to climb on the shoes?
Yes, it's a very popular photo spot, and many people climb inside for a picture.
How much time is needed for a visit?
About 10-15 minutes is enough for photos.
Old Shoes Monument: where is it located?
Old Shoes Monument is located in Colombia.
Old Shoes Monument: what is there to see?
Highlights include Playa de Marbella, Casa Museo Rafael Núñez, India Catalina.
Old Shoes Monument: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Old Shoes Monument: why is it worth visiting?
The Old Shoes Monument (Los Zapatos Viejos) in Cartagena is one of the city's most photographed and humorous landmarks.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Cartagena — Old Shoes Monument (Colombia)
Cartagena
Historic colonial city and tourist destination.
Magangué — Old Shoes Monument (Colombia)
Magangué
Second largest city in the Bolívar department on the Magdalena River.

History & landmarks

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas — Old Shoes Monument (Colombia)
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a massive Spanish military fortress in Cartagena, built to defend against pirates and enemy fleets.
Cartagena Convention Center — Old Shoes Monument (Colombia)
Cartagena Convention Center
The modern Julio Cesar Turbay Ayala Convention Center is located on Las Ánimas Bay.
Clock Tower of Cartagena — Old Shoes Monument (Colombia)
Clock Tower of Cartagena
The Torre del Reloj is the striking main gate into the walled old city of Cartagena.
San Pedro Claver Church — Old Shoes Monument (Colombia)
San Pedro Claver Church
The Iglesia de San Pedro Claver is a historic church in Cartagena, named after the Spanish Jesuit who dedicated his life to caring for en…

More places

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas — Old Shoes Monument (Colombia)
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
A monumental Spanish fortress in Cartagena, built in the 16th century to defend against pirates.
Palace of the Inquisition — Old Shoes Monument (Colombia)
Palace of the Inquisition
A colonial building in Cartagena that once housed the Spanish Inquisition.
Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver — Old Shoes Monument (Colombia)
Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver
A church and convent in Cartagena holding the remains of Saint Peter Claver, who ministered to enslaved people.
Convento de la Popa — Old Shoes Monument (Colombia)
Convento de la Popa
A colonial convent on the highest point in Cartagena, featuring a historical church and panoramic views.
Port of Cartagena — Old Shoes Monument (Colombia)
Port of Cartagena
One of the most important ports in the Caribbean, central to container freight and the export of industrial and petroleum products.
Cartagena Refinery (Reficar) — Old Shoes Monument (Colombia)
Cartagena Refinery (Reficar)
One of the most modern oil refineries in Latin America, playing a key role in Colombia's energy supply.
Mamonal Industrial Complex — Old Shoes Monument (Colombia)
Mamonal Industrial Complex
A massive industrial area near Cartagena, grouping petrochemicals, plastics manufacturing, and energy-intensive industries.
Fort of San Fernando de Bocachica — Old Shoes Monument (Colombia)
Fort of San Fernando de Bocachica
An 18th-century fortress on Tierra Bomba Island that guarded the main entrance to Cartagena Bay.