La Gorda Gertrudis, Cartagena
Near the front of a church in one corner of Santo Domingo Square is an eye-catching bronze statue of a voluptuous nude woman. You can't miss this stunning sculpture when you walk through this bustling Cartagena square. La Gorda translates to "the fat girl" in Spanish. Prominently placed on a pedestal, this well-loved reclining fat lady marks a favorite spot for visitors to take photos.
The statue is a creation of Fernando Botero, a world-renowned Colombian painter, and sculptor. He is well-known for his portrayal of rotund or chubby people and animals in his artwork. Botero's creative works are viewable in prominent locations around the world. His trademark style of art is famously known as "Boterismo."
In the year 2000, this extraordinary sculpture was gifted to the city of Cartagena by Botero. "Reclining Figure 92" was the sculpture's original title before receiving its more commonly known name, "La Gorda Gertrudis." Famous local legends surround this statue; the most generally known is that touching La Gorda's breast will make you lucky in love!
The statue is a creation of Fernando Botero, a world-renowned Colombian painter, and sculptor. He is well-known for his portrayal of rotund or chubby people and animals in his artwork. Botero's creative works are viewable in prominent locations around the world. His trademark style of art is famously known as "Boterismo."
In the year 2000, this extraordinary sculpture was gifted to the city of Cartagena by Botero. "Reclining Figure 92" was the sculpture's original title before receiving its more commonly known name, "La Gorda Gertrudis." Famous local legends surround this statue; the most generally known is that touching La Gorda's breast will make you lucky in love!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cartagena. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
La Gorda Gertrudis on Map
Sight Name: La Gorda Gertrudis
Sight Location: Cartagena, Colombia (See walking tours in Cartagena)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Cartagena, Colombia (See walking tours in Cartagena)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Cartagena, Colombia
Create Your Own Walk in Cartagena
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cartagena is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Getsemani Public Arts Walking Tour
Long known as the "neighborhood of the poor" ill-reputed for criminal activity, the district of Getsemani has recently undergone massive gentrification to become Cartagena's hippest area and one of Latin America's newest hotspots. The local plazas, once occupied by drug dealers, have been reclaimed, and the derelict buildings turned into boutique hotels.
But most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
But most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Cartagena Introduction Walking Tour
Cartagena is a charming port city situated on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, South America. It was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia, a Spanish conquistador. The city is known in Spanish as "Cartagena of Indies" and is named after the city of Cartagena in Spain.
In the pre-Columbian era, indigenous people became settled in the region. The Puerto Hormiga culture dates back as early... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
In the pre-Columbian era, indigenous people became settled in the region. The Puerto Hormiga culture dates back as early... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Colonial Architecture Walk
Visiting Cartagena can be a remarkable experience, especially for those keen on architecture. The beautifully-preserved, mostly colonial-style, buildings in the historic center have long been one of the main attributes of this once burgeoning Colombian town.
Recognizing colonial Cartagena is easy, as it is surrounded by colossal stone walls tracing the outline of the old city. The downtown... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Recognizing colonial Cartagena is easy, as it is surrounded by colossal stone walls tracing the outline of the old city. The downtown... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
15 Tips to Have Fun in Cartagena De Indias, Colombia
Because of its troubled past, you will hear many nicknames to describe Cartagena de Indias. The magic city, The Heroic, The Rock Corral, The jewel of the Caribbean Coast. The mere mention of them allows you to travel through the history, from pirates and slavery to the revolutions for their...