Las Bóvedas

Las Bóvedas (The Vaults) are a structure in the Old City of Cartagena in Colombia, attached to the walls.

The cells in the dungeon now house shops, boutiques and other businesses along the stout walls protecting the old city of Cartagena, Colombia.

[1] The arcades deep in the walls were designed as storage vaults but were used as prison cells during the civil wars in the 19th century; at high tide, the unfortunate internees were up to their knees in seawater.

The vaults were used by the Spanish Crown as a garrison, the same purpose used by patriot and republican forces.

[2] Today, Las Bóvedas is a popular tourist attraction because of its traditional Colombian merchandise and vast array of souvenirs.