Hotel Histórico
Cuestionario
Año de construcción: 1780
¿Cuál es la historia del inmueble?
The block where the property is located is already shown on the first maps known of the Cartagena de Indias. It's located on the most relevant quarter, where the Spanish colonization began, close to important buildings like the Casa de los Oficiales Reales (house of royal officers), the Cathedral of Cartagena, and the Cabildo or Governor´s house, which is the seat of the regional administration of the Bolivar Department today.
¿Cuál era la época y/o el estilo arquitectónico en que se construyó el inmueble?
Since colonial times, the building was a "casa alta" (high house) that predominates in this quarter. It is known that most of the buildings were of this type, because of their importance and use. Located near the port, the first floor was usually used as a warehouse or shop and the second was intended for rooms.
This house was probably built in the late seventeenth century and keeps the typical characteristics of this epoch. The spacious high-ceilinged entryway leads to a small lobby and staircase, and there is a small balcony on the upper level. The front rooms on the ground floor keep the original arches and interiors used in the past as warehouse or depot.
Continuing into the courtyard in the center of the house, you can find the cistern or tank used to keep rainwater to drink during the dry season. Today it is transformed into our cloistered dining room "El Aljibe". In the backyard, there is an open kitchen and servant's rooms with a spiral staircase that climbs to the "mirador" on the top of the roof.
¿Está el inmueble rodeado de otros edificios históricos?
Its location in the historic old city of Cartagena (World Heritage Site) has been very relevant through the years because of the proximity to the old port, the Inquisition Palace, the Plaza Mayor, and Plaza del Mar squares, known today as Plaza Bolivar and Plaza de la Aduana respectively.
¿Se han realizado obras de restauración?
Yes, 2007 the house was restored and adapted for the boutique hotel that is Alfiz.
¿Hay algún elemento de especial importancia histórica en el edificio?
Some archaeological findings are exposed to our guests in our Library and many pieces of furniture are original in the rooms.
¿Hay algún huésped o propietario anterior importante que merezca la pena mencionar?
The first record
In the late eighteenth century, the house was owned by a French citizen and merchant named Jean D'Anglade, married to Rosa Guerra. There are numerous references in the archives that show the richness of this family. They owned several houses in the city in addition to the hacienda San José de Cospique. Apparently engaged in buying and selling properties, we found his name on various documents that show a feverish commercial activity, but also slave trade and smuggling.
The Consul's house
In January 1824, the British Consul Mr. Edward Watts reached Cartagena with the purpose of promoting trade relations between UK and this port, after the weakness of the Spanish administration.
He settled down in two houses on Cochera del Gobernador street turning to Candilejo street.
The Consul supported the independence process led by Bolivar, who visited him during his last stay in the city, offering a miniaturist portrait painted by the Italian artist Meucci as a gift. This portrait was used in 1831 as an ornament during the funeral that the city made in honor of Bolivar´s memory.
Consul Watts was an outstanding member of the city's aristocracy. There are numerous references made by English chroniclers and officers in their travel diaries of the years 1820 to 1830 in which they emphasize the friendly and hospitable attitude of Mr. Watts. He was forced to leave the city in 1833 as he was accused of intervening in the internal affairs of Colombia.
During recent years we have received the visit of Watts family descendants.
Important to mention also that the widow and brother of writer Garcia Marquez has also visited the library of our hotel .
¿Ha habido algún acontecimiento importante en el pasado en la propiedad?
Probably the Liberator Simon Bolivar visited Consul Watts in his residence on his last journey before leaving the country for exile, but he died weeks later in Santa Marta.
¿Ha recibido el inmueble alguna certificación por su estatus histórico?
A heritage building in the old city of Cartagena and part of Historic Hotels of the World.
Describiría su propiedad como (o ha sido en el pasado) a: Mansión
¿Hay algo que le gustaría destacar, añadir o aclarar?
In addition to the fascinating history of the house, we have dedicated the last 10 years to establish a large library with the books of the Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez in 20 different languages, available to our guests.
