Convento de la Popa

The Convento de la Popa is a 400-year-old monastery built on the foundations of a razed Indian temple. The monastery which sits on a 500-ft/150-m hill contains a statue of the Virgin of Candelaria who is credited with delivering the city from the ravages of disease and pirates. On 2 February candle-bearing processions wind their way to the monastery to honor the Virgin’s feast day. A more musical festival takes place in early March when Caribbean musicians gather in the city for the Caribbean Music Festival.