Las Bóvedas are one of the most famous of Cartagena's landmarks. The literal meaning of Las Bóvedas is 'the vaults', reflecting their original military purpose when they were built between 1792 and 1798 as munitions storage. Indeed the 47 arches and 23 domes of Las Bóvedas were the last Spanish colonial project built within Cartagena's city walls.

During the civil wars of the independence, Las Bóvedas took on a more sinister role as dungeons. Today, Las Bóvedas is a prime tourist attraction, with stalls offering a variety of souvenirs and knickknacks.