The Plaza de la Aduana is one of the most important and emblematic squares of Cartagena de Indias. It is located in the historic center of the city and is the largest square in the old walled city. Throughout history, it has been a key place for trade and colonial administration, and its name comes from the Aduana building, which was built there during colonial times.

The Plaza de la Aduana has its origins in the colonial period when Cartagena was one of the most important ports in the Caribbean and the Spanish Empire. In this square were carried out the activities related to customs and trade of goods that came to the city by sea, including gold, slaves and other goods. The main building, the Aduana, was the headquarters of the Royal Treasury, from where taxes and customs duties on goods were managed.

The most notable building in the plaza is the Edificio de la Aduana, a colonial structure that was the residence of the city's founder, Pedro de Heredia. Today, the building houses government offices, including the Mayor's Office of Cartagena.

In the center of the plaza stands a statue of Christopher Columbus, a symbol of the historical connection between Cartagena and the discovery of the New World.

The Plaza de la Aduana is a meeting place for tourists and locals alike. In addition to its historical value, the plaza is a space where cultural events and festivals are held. Because of its strategic location in the historic center, it is surrounded by colonial buildings that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The square, with its period architecture and history-laden atmosphere, is one of the most visited places in Cartagena, and offers a window into the city's colonial past.