Casa del Torno is a luxurious temple to privacy, and to the culture and history of the heroic city that surrounds it. Located in the San Diego neighborhood, one of the oldest in the fortress city, Casa del Torno gives its name to the street that saw it rise, Calle Del Torno.
The story of Casa del Torno begins in the middle of the XVII century. Its construction begins immediately after the construction of the Santa Clara convent; a time in which Cartagena was rebuilding from the ruins of an invasion by the English pirate Sir Francis Drake. The house was designed following the strict canons of catholic architecture from this time: a square configuration, thick walls, central patio, semicircular arches, lattices, and a wooden “turn” to avoid being seen by curious eyes.
This wooden turn, four centuries later and still in its original place in the great hall, allowed the Clarissine nuns to receive food, medicine, mail and other necessities without being seen by outsiders. This wooden turn was their only contact with the outside world. For almost three centuries, Casa Del Torno would be the home to Clarissine nuns who had taken the vow of enclosure, devoted to a life of solitude where they could neither be seen nor see anyone. This is how Casa del Torno gave its irreplaceable name to the street it was built on, La Calle del Torno, and to this day is an architectural “sister” to the Santa Clara convent; today a luxurious Sofitel hotel.
The house has been restored twice by the same family, and the architect Gloria Patricia Martinez, an expert in Colonial home restoration in Cartagena. The first restoration was in 1989, and the second restoration, led by the second generation of the family in 2022. By strict requirements of the proprietors, the original colonial architecture was honored, making it one of the few colonial homes in Cartagena that has remained true to its epoch. An original mural from colonial times can be seen in the foyer. During the renovation, the family employed local artisans who through their traditional work and expression, make Cartagena, the fantastic, the heroic, the old fortress city, a crown jewel, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In this section you will find new and exciting experiences to share at Casa Del Torno. From historic tours of the city, boat trips to the beaches and islands, culinary classes, to local Rum and colombian coffee tasting. These experiences and their pricing may change depending on the seasons. Contact us for more information and to book an experience.
Take a guided tour of historic old town Cartagena and Castillo San Felipe by bicycle.
Casa Del Torno is located in the San Diego neighborhood in Old Town Cartagena, directly across the street from Hotel Santa Clara, and right next to the vibrant San Diego Plaza. We are 20 minutes away by car from the Rafael Nuñez International Airport.
