Parque Torres sits atop one of the hills surrounding Cartagena, offering what locals have long considered some of the best views in the city. Most people here still call it "Castillo de los Patos" – the Castle of the Ducks – a name that stuck from when the park had a pond filled with ducks decades ago.

The park was designed in 1924 by architect Víctor Beltrí during Alfonso Torres' time as mayor, which explains its official name. Walking through it today, you'll notice it's built around the ruins of the Castillo de la Concepción, a medieval fortress whose tower now houses an interpretation center about Cartagena's Roman history.

Getting to the top requires some planning. You can take the tourist elevator if you want to skip the climb, or walk up through the winding paths and staircases. I'd recommend the walk if you're reasonably fit – the gardens are quite beautiful, with terraced levels and unexpected corners. Just know that it's not suitable for wheelchairs or baby strollers due to all the steps.

The park went through some rough patches, particularly during the 1980s when it fell into serious disrepair. The major restoration in the early 1990s brought it back to life, cleaning up the pergolas, walkways, and that famous pond. The ducks are long gone, replaced by peacocks that wander freely around the grounds.

One detail that caught my attention are the ceramic murals along the pergola walkway. They were created by local painters Ramón Alonso Luzzy and Navarro, depicting maritime themes that feel very appropriate for this port city. The restoration work even included bringing back Navarro's son to repair his father's pieces.

Sunset is genuinely the best time to visit Parque Torres. The views stretch across Cartagena's port, the surrounding hills, and the neighborhoods cascading down the slopes. During golden hour, you understand why locals have been coming here for nearly a century.

The park tells the story of Cartagena through different layers – Roman ruins beneath, medieval castle walls, early 20th-century garden design, and modern restoration efforts. If you want to dig deeper into the historical details, there's a Parque Torres audio guide available that covers both the fortress ruins and the city's evolution. It's one of those places where you can spend an hour or an entire afternoon, depending on how much the view hooks you.