In 1607, an Augustinian monk named Fray Alonso Paredes was told by the Virgin Mary to travel to Cartagena and establish a monastery on the highest elevation. The Spanish called the 492 foot hill Cerro de la Popa. This means Stern Hill because it resembles the back of a ship. The cloister was confiscated from 1822 until 1961 by the government and occasionally used as a military barracks. The religious property was then given back to the Augustinians. This historic church and convent is best reached by cab or guided tour.
