Founded in 1827 by the independence heroes Francisco de Paula Santander and Simón Bolívar, the University of Cartagena is the oldest public university in the Colombian Caribbean. The 16th century Florentine-style dome of the building that once housed the Discalced Augustinian Fathers is one of the structures still standing. The building passed into the hands of the university as a very deteriorated structure and was almost completely renovated, preserving a large inner courtyard with garden and the corridors with cloister arches. A third floor was added in the modernization.
The Campus del Claustro de San Agustín is one of the five campuses of the University of Cartagena for its approximately 33,000 students. The following degree programs are offered there: Law, Philosophy, History, Linguistics, Literature, Social Communication, Social Work, Education and Computer Science, and hosts events, congresses and conferences. Nearby is the University's Postgraduate Headquarters in the Cloister of La Merced.
- Exterior and interior corridors in yellow.
- Calle de la Universidad, on the corner of which is popularly known as Plaza de los Estudiantes.
- There is no parking area.
- Vehicular access to the center may be restricted.
