The Underground Cartagena: Events in Forgotten Bunkers and Catacombs

Cartagena's best-kept secret: parties underground

While most tourists crowd the Historic Center taking sunset photos from the walls, a smaller group descends narrow stairs, pushes heavy iron doors, and enters tunnels that smell of gunpowder, humidity, and centuries of history. In July 2026, Cartagena is not only a walled city: it is also an underground city.

Beneath the cobblestone streets of Getsemaní, under the Baluarte de Santo Domingo, and in basements that were once dungeons, the most exclusive and rare events in the city are taking place. You won't find them in traditional guides or hotel brochures. These are parties in Cold War bunkers, dinners inside catacombs with ecclesiastical permission, and concerts in spaces that were sealed to the public for decades.

If you prefer an experience with real history —and a touch of mystery— over an after-party on a generic terrace, this is for you.

What it is and context: the Cartagena you don't see from the street

Cartagena has a network of tunnels, vaults, and basements that few know about. During the colonial era, these spaces were used to store gunpowder, hide contraband goods, or, in the worst cases, as punishment cells. But the story didn't end there. During the Cold War, the Colombian government built strategic bunkers on the Caribbean coast, some within the same walled city, to protect military information and high-ranking officials in case of a nuclear attack that never came.

Those bunkers were abandoned for decades. Until a few years ago, when a group of art curators, event producers, and cultural managers began negotiating with the Ministry of Culture and the Mayor's Office to recover them. Not as static museums, but as living spaces for temporary experiences. The result: an underground scene that combines history, art, and nightlife.

We are not talking about improvised bars in damp basements. These events have serious production, lighting designed to highlight the textures of centuries-old stone, and a limited capacity that guarantees exclusivity. Most people only find out through word of mouth or closed WhatsApp lists.

What kind of events are held?

• Acoustic concerts inside the wall's vaults, with a capacity of no more than 50 people. The sound bounces in a way that no recording studio can replicate.
• Themed dinners in catacombs authorized by the Archdiocese of Cartagena, with menus inspired by colonial recipes and wine or aged rum pairings.
• Ephemeral art exhibitions where artists intervene on the bunker walls with works that are later erased or covered up when the event ends.
• Clandestine parties with local and international DJs, where the dress code is black and the entry code is a password that changes weekly.

Event details: the most important underground spaces

These are the places setting the trend for the underground Cartagena in 2026. Some are accessible only by direct invitation; others have public dates but with extremely limited capacity.

Cold War bunker at Baluarte de la Merced

Located under the Baluarte de la Merced, on the northwestern corner of the wall, this bunker was built in the 1960s to house the Army's communications center in case of nuclear conflict. It has three underground levels with reinforced concrete walls over a meter thick. Today, the upper level is used for photography and video art exhibitions. The middle level —where original control panels are still visible— is converted into a concert hall for a maximum of 30 people. The lower level remains closed to the public, although it is rumored that very exclusive private events are held there once a month.

Next confirmed event: "Sonidos del Abismo", an experimental music concert with Cartagena-born artist Juancho Nieves, on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. Tickets limited to 25 people.

Catacombs of the Cartagena Cathedral

Under the Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría, on Plaza de la Proclamación, there is a network of crypts and passageways dating back to the 16th century. Originally used as ossuaries and later as shelter during pirate attacks, these catacombs were closed to the public for over 200 years. Since 2024, the Archdiocese grants special permits for cultural events up to four times a year, provided they do not interfere with religious activities.

Gala dinners for 12 guests have been held here, with the menu designed by the executive chef of the restaurant La Cevichería (Calle 39 # 7-87, Centro). The cost per person is around $450,000 COP (reference prices from July 2026), and includes a guided tour by local historian Rafael Jiménez before dinner.

Next confirmed event: "Cena en las Criptas", on Friday, September 18, 2026. Reservations open on August 1 and sell out within hours.

The Refuge of Baluarte de San Ignacio

This is the most recently recovered space. It is an 18th-century former powder magazine, located at Baluarte de San Ignacio, near the Torre del Reloj. It was restored by a collective of local architects and artists who turned it into a temporary nightclub. The parties here are known for their dim lighting, minimalist electronic music, and a bar serving cocktails named after historical figures from Cartagena.

Next confirmed event: "La Noche del Virrey", a party with German DJ Benjamin Frohlich, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Dress code: dark suit or long dress.

Prices and how to get tickets

Here comes the tricky part: there is no public box office or website where you buy tickets like for a concert at the Coliseum. Access to these events is deliberately difficult. Part of the appeal is precisely the feeling of having been let in on a secret.

Verified access channels

• Instagram of local curators: Follow accounts like @cartagenasubterranea (verified profile, 12.4k followers) and @bunker_cartagena (5.8k followers). They post calls 48 hours in advance. Direct message is the only contact method.
• Closed WhatsApp lists: On the same Instagram profiles, there are links to request entry to WhatsApp groups. Not everyone is accepted; organizers review profiles and ask for references from other attendees.
• Boutique hotels: Some small, culturally-focused hotels, such as Hotel Casa San Agustín (Calle de la Universidad # 36-44) and Hotel Boutique Bantu (Calle del Sargento # 9-35, Getsemaní), have agreements to offer priority tickets to their guests. Ask at the front desk.
• Limited physical tickets: For events like the Cena en las Criptas, tickets are sold at the Museum of Modern Art of Cartagena (MAMC, Calle 30 # 4-08, Centro) gift shop. Cash only. No returns.

Price ranges (July 2026)

• Acoustic concerts in bunker: $80,000 – $150,000 COP
• Themed dinners in catacombs: $350,000 – $500,000 COP
• Parties with international DJ: $120,000 – $200,000 COP (includes one welcome drink)
• Ephemeral art exhibitions: free entry with prior registration, but a suggested donation of $30,000 COP

Important: All prices are subject to change and do not include gratuity. Verify directly with the organizers before transferring money. There are no refunds for cancellations, but events are rescheduled with at least one week's notice.

How to get there

Each space has a different meeting point. The exact address is never revealed until you confirm your attendance. This is for security and to maintain the clandestine nature.

General meeting points

• Bunker at Baluarte de la Merced: The meeting point is the corner of Calle 36 and Carrera 3, in front of the Church of Santo Domingo. A guide dressed in black will walk you 5 minutes to the entrance

Tips for attendees

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