CONNECT TO THE BEST OF CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA
CARTAGENA CONNECTIONS
  • HOME
    • BOOK TOURS
    • ABOUT US
    • ABOUT CARTAGENA
    • OUR SERVICES
    • EVENTS
    • GALLERY
    • TESTIMONIALS
    • PAYMENTS
    • CANCELLATION POLICY
    • POLICY SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
    • CONTACT
  • DAY
    • WALKING TOURS
    • STREET FOOD TOUR
    • STREET ART TOUR
    • SHOPPING TOUR
    • PRIVATE TOUR
    • MERCADO BAZURTO TOUR
    • PIRATE TOUR
    • PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR
    • COOKING CLASSES
    • FOODIE EXPERIENCES >
      • PROYECTO CARIBE FOOD EXPERIENCES
      • RUM EXPERIENCE
      • COCKTAIL EXPERIENCE
      • COFFEE
      • CHOCOLATE MUSEUM
      • COOKING CLASS
      • TOBACCO EXPERIENCE
      • MEZCAL EXPERIENCE
      • GIN EXPERIENCE
    • SEGWAY TOUR
  • PLAY
    • BEACH AND ISLANDS >
      • Bendita Beach
      • Bona Vida Catamaran Tours
      • BORA BORA
      • Eteka Beach
      • LUX ISLAND
      • NENA BEACH PLAYA BLANCA
      • Blue Apple Beach House
      • Isleta - Rosario Islands
      • Isla Grande Gente del Mar
      • Bomba Beach Club
      • Isla Coralina
      • Aura Baru
      • Namaste Beach
      • Playa Blanca
      • Isla Baru Playa Manglares
    • PRIVATE BOATS
    • PRIVATE ISLANDS
    • BOAT TOURS >
      • Bona Vida Catamaran Tours
    • VOLCANO & MANGROVE TOURS
    • BEACH DAY CLUBS >
      • BLUE APPLE BEACH HOUSE
      • BOMBA BEACH CLUB
      • FENIX BEACH
      • NAMASTE BEACH
      • NENA BEACH PLAYA BLANCA
      • Banana Beach
      • Tierra Bomba Beach Hostel
    • LA BOQUILLA TOURS
    • AVIARY
    • PALENQUE TOUR
    • HORSERIDING
    • HIKING
    • PARAGLIDING
    • YOGA
    • DANCE CLASSES
    • MOUNTAIN BIKE TOUR
    • BAY TOURS
    • SKYDIVING
    • CHIVA TOURS
    • WATERSPORTS
    • DIVING
    • KAYAK
    • FISHING
  • STAY
    • ACCOMMODATION >
      • PRIVATE VILLAS
      • ISLANDS >
        • TIERRA BLANCA ISLAND HOUSE
        • LAS ISLAS HOTEL
        • BLUE APPLE BEACH HOTEL
        • ISLA MATAMBA
    • COWORKING
    • LEARN SPANISH
    • VOLUNTEER
  • PAY
    • PAY US
    • SHOPPING >
      • WHAT TO BUY
      • LA SERREZUELA
    • BUY ART
    • BUY PROPERTY
  • SAY
    • THE BEST >
      • BEST BARS
      • BEST BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH
      • BEST RESTAURANTS
      • COLOMBIAN CHOCOLATE
    • BARS >
      • Alquimico
      • El Baron
      • Bazurto Social Club
      • Bonche Gastrobar
      • Cafe Havana
      • Calle Adentro
      • Cuba 1940s
      • Demente Tapas Bar
      • La Jugada
      • Eivissa
      • The Clock Pub
      • Kala Beach Club
      • Media Luna Hostel
      • La Movida
      • Tertulia
      • Townhouse
    • WHAT'S ON >
      • WILD BRUNCH
      • New Years Eve
      • Film Festival
      • EVENTS JANUARY
    • RESTAURANTS >
      • Alquimico
      • El Baron
      • El Bistro
      • Carmen
      • Demente Tapas Bar
      • Don Juan
      • Malagana Cafe & Bar
      • La Mulata
    • CAFES >
      • EPOCA CAFE
    • BLOG
    • PEOPLE WE LOVE
    • PAGES WE LOVE
    • IN THE NEWS
    • FAQs
  • STRAY
    • PANAMA
    • MINCA
    • SANTA MARTA

LA SERREZUELA

A little while ago I recommended to a client that they go check out the brand new mall located within the walled city called La Serrezuela. 'Oh we definitely wouldn't want to go to a MALL' she replied. I totally get it. You're in a new, exotic city.. you don't want to go to some character-less mall, I know. But let me tell you (as I told her), La Serrezuela is not just any old mall. For me it's the most beautiful mall I've ever shopped in, filled with a diverse array of Colombian designers and brands you won't find just anywhere.

La Serrezuela was originally built in 1893 and use to be the central theatre and bull-fighting stadium. They would house bullfights, horse-riding displays, plays and concerts, and boxing tournaments right up until the 1970s. Over time as the building deteriorated and events were no longer held there, the building was abandoned and fell into disrepair. A fire left things pretty bleak indeed, until a visionary group of investors, restoration experts and designers took on the mammoth task of returning the iconic structure to its former glory (and then some!)

You will find La Serrezuela on the edge of San Diego, a couple of blocks from the Sofitel Santa Clara and the San Diego Plaza within the Centro "Walled City". 

Inside, there's a lot to see; starting with the incredibly impressive rebuild of the wooden stadium. From a shopping perspective , you'll probably want to begin at the bottom. Taking up the majority of the basement level, Malva calls itself an "independent department store", the brands and items it sells are unique, beautiful, Colombian and highly covetable. Beautiful clothes, jewelry, headpieces, skincare ranges, shoes and homewares: it's a tight but expertly curated edit of the best of Colombian design. 

Then you can work your way up, checking out the different stores. 

I love leather store Sabandija, preppy-mens fashion of Victor del Peral, Azulu for mens and women fashion, Wonder for the People for incredible indigenous-made and supporting shoes and accessories, also Agua Rosa for beautiful handmade shoes in the espadrilles style, Loto del Sur for natural soaps, fragrances and skin products, artesanias de Colombia and AJA for Colombian handcrafts, Maaji and touché for great swimwear, and Spanish brand Bimba Y Lola for funky things I can't afford. There's more, but those are the ones I remember off the top of my head.

Along the way you can stop for coffee and cakes at maybe Cafe Quindio (great coffee) , Nancy Cabrera (famous for desserts)  move up the levels for something more filling such as the offering by Michellin Starred chef Ramón Freixa at erre erre, Misia by Colombia's best chef, Leo Espinosa, or delicious cuban fare at Habanera. You can also visit BBC beer company to try Colombia's craft beers or head to the terrace of Cavaletos for a nightcap with a stunning view. I'll aim to get reviews/descriptions for all of these up under the bar and restaurants tabs but until then you'll have to be the guinea-pigs and tell me about your experiences. 

La Serrezuela only opened about 6 months ago, so traffic is still growing, but I think overall you'll find it a very impressive space.. and perfect shopping all-in-one (air-conditioned) stop. 

​

About us

About Cartagena Connections
About Us



OUR SERVICES

Tours in Cartagena
Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Activities in Cartagena
Package stays in Cartagena
Events in Cartagena

LOCAL INSIGHTS

Read our insider blog to learn about the best restaurants, bars, beaches and activities in Cartagena.

We're Social

Like us, follow us, brag to your friends that you're going to Cartagena!
Copyright 2013 | Cartagena Connections | Manga, Calle 26 #15-45, Edificio Espinosa, Cartagena de Indias | info@cartagenaconnections.com