Cartagena
Department
Bolívar, Colombia
Flag of the city
The flag of Cartagena, also called La Cuadrilonga, is composed of three distinct rectangles. The outermost rectangle, in red, symbolizes the sacrifice of patriots and their commitment to the cause. Within this red rectangle, there is a yellow rectangle, representing the radiant sun that illuminates the path to liberty and the abundance of the region.
Seal of the city
Slogan of the city
Cartagena, Colombia, is known for its informal slogan: “Cartagena de Indias, la Fantástica,” which translates to “Cartagena of the Indies, the Fantastic.” This slogan highlights the city’s historical and cultural significance as well as its vibrant and enchanting atmosphere.
History
The Puerto Hormiga Culture, which thrived along the Caribbean coast from the Sinú River Delta to the Cartagena Bay, is believed to be the earliest known human community in present-day Colombia. Archaeological evidence suggests that this formative culture emerged around 4000 BC, in the region that now spans the departments of Bolívar and Sucre. This area is notable for hosting the most ancient ceramic artifacts found in the Americas, dating back to approximately 4000 BC. The favorable climate and abundant wildlife in this region provided the conditions for these early societies to flourish.
Around 3000 BC, the Puerto Hormiga Culture and its settlements started to decline, giving way to the emergence of the more advanced Monsú Culture. The Monsú people, who inhabited the area near today’s Cartagena neighborhoods of Pasacaballos and Ciénaga Honda on Barú Island, continued the tradition of pottery-making from the Puerto Hormiga Culture and developed a mixed economy based on agriculture and basic manufacturing. Their diet primarily consisted of shellfish and various types of fish.
As time passed, the Sinú society in the modern-day departments of Córdoba and Sucre began to overshadow the developments around Cartagena Bay. Prior to Spanish colonization, various indigenous cultures, including those belonging to the Karib, Malibu, and Arawak language families, inhabited the Colombian Caribbean coast. The Tayrona people resided in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and their language was closely related to the Chibcha language family.
By around AD 1500, the Carib language family tribes, particularly the Mocanae sub-family, inhabited the Bay of Cartagena area. These tribes included Kalamarí on a sandy island, Carex on Tierrabomba Island, Bahaire on Isla Barú (then a peninsula), Cospique on the eastern coast near Mamonal, and Yurbaco Tribe in the suburban Turbaco area. These settlements often featured circular hut structures with tall roofs and defensive wooden palisades.
The year 1533 marked the founding of Cartagena by the Spanish commander Pedro de Heredia. The city was established on the site of the former indigenous village of Calamari and was named after Cartagena, Spain, where many of Heredia’s sailors hailed from. Cartagena gained the title of “city” in 1574, along with the honorary descriptor “most noble and loyal” in 1575.
Cartagena’s strategic significance as a port for exporting Bolivian silver from Potosí to Spain made it a target for pirates and corsairs from France, England, and Holland. In 1741, the city endured a siege by a formidable British armada during the War of Jenkins’ Ear. The siege ended with the British withdrawing after failing to capture the city.
Throughout the 18th century, Cartagena played a vital role in the Spanish Empire, despite economic challenges such as the discontinuation of the Carrera de Indias convoys. The city continued to grow and become a stronghold for trade. The defenses of Cartagena were significantly reinforced during this period to protect against potential attacks.
With the onset of the Latin American wars of independence in the early 19th century, Cartagena became a focal point for revolutionary activity. The city declared its independence from Spanish rule in 1811, sparking conflicts with royalist forces. It was later besieged by the Spanish army under Pablo Morillo but eventually secured its freedom in the 1820s, earning the title of the “Heroic City.”
Following independence, Cartagena faced challenges such as disease outbreaks and economic decline, partially due to its loss of colonial military funding. However, efforts to modernize the city, including the construction of a railroad and infrastructure improvements, helped it recover. Today, Cartagena stands as the capital of the Bolívar department, preserving its rich history and cultural heritage.
Geography of the city
Cartagena is positioned in the northern part of Colombia, specifically at approximately 10 ° North latitude and 75 ° West longitude. This captivating city lies along the western coast, facing the Caribbean Sea. The altitude of Cartagena, Colombia, is approximately 2 meters (about 6.6 feet) above sea level. To its south, Cartagena is bordered by the expansive Cartagena Bay, which boasts two entrances: Bocachica in the south and Bocagrande in the north. The city’s coastline is characterized by its tranquil dissipative beaches. Additionally, Cartagena Bay, an estuary covering approximately 84 square kilometers, adds to the city’s geographical allure.
Northern Area: Located in the northern region of Cartagena is the Rafael Núñez International Airport, situated within the Crespo neighborhood. This airport provides convenient access to the city, being only a ten-minute drive from the historic downtown and fifteen minutes from the modern city center. Just north of the airport, you’ll find the Zona Norte, home to various hotels, the urban development office of Barcelona de Indias, and several educational institutions. To the southwest of Crespo, the ancient city walls encompass the downtown area and the San Diego neighborhood. Along the Caribbean coastline, between Crespo and the historic city center, you’ll discover the neighborhoods of Marbella and El Cabrero.
Downtown: The downtown area of Cartagena showcases a diverse range of architectural styles, primarily colonial but also featuring elements of republican and Italian architecture, exemplified by the cathedral’s bell tower. The primary entrance to this downtown area is the Puerta del Reloj (Clock Gate), which leads to the Plaza de los Coches (Square of the Carriages). In close proximity, the Plaza de la Aduana (Customs Square) sits adjacent to the mayor’s office. Nearby, you’ll encounter San Pedro Claver Square and the Church of Saint Peter Claver, housing the preserved remains of the Jesuit saint known as the “Saint of the African slaves.” Additionally, the Museum of Modern Art is situated in this vicinity.
The Plaza de Bolívar, formerly known as the Plaza de La Inquisición, features a charming small park with a central statue of Simón Bolívar. The plaza is surrounded by colonial buildings adorned with balconies, and nearby, you’ll find inviting outdoor cafes lining the streets. Not far from this location is the Office of Historical Archives dedicated to Cartagena’s history, alongside the Government Palace, serving as the administrative hub for the Governor of the Department of Bolivar. Opposite the palace stands the historic Cathedral of Cartagena, with origins dating back to the 16th century.
Another noteworthy religious structure is the Santo Domingo Church, prominently positioned in front of Santo Domingo Square. Within this square stands the sculpture “Mujer Reclinada” (“Reclining Woman”), a creation by the celebrated Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Nearby, the Tcherassi Hotel occupies a meticulously renovated 250-year-old colonial mansion, artfully redesigned by designer Silvia Tcherassi.
Within the city, you’ll also find the Convent of the Augustinian Fathers and the University of Cartagena, a prestigious institution of higher education accessible to the public since the late 19th century. The Claustro de Santa Teresa, transformed into a hotel operated by Charleston Hotels, offers its own charming square, protected by the San Francisco Bastion.
A leisurely 20-minute stroll from the downtown area leads to the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, located in the El Pie de la Popa neighborhood. This fortress represents one of the most imposing strongholds constructed by the Spanish in their colonial territories. The intricate network of tunnels within the fortress was ingeniously designed to detect the footsteps of approaching adversaries. Some of these tunnels are open to visitors today, providing an intriguing glimpse into the city’s rich history.
Etymology
The origin of the name “Cartagena” can be traced back through its linguistic roots. It is derived from the Spanish word “Cartagena,” which, in turn, finds its roots in Latin as “Carthāgō Nova,” meaning “New Carthage.” The Latin name itself has ties to the ancient Phoenician language, specifically the word “qrt-ḥdšt”, which translates to “Carthage” and can be literally interpreted as “New City.”
This etymological journey highlights the historical connections between Cartagena and the ancient city of Carthage, reflecting the city’s rich past and its role as a significant coastal settlement in Latin America.
What the city is known or famous for
Undoubtedly, the heart of Cartagena’s allure lies within its historic walled city, a captivating testament to its past. These formidable walls, originally erected to safeguard the city from relentless pirate incursions—an unwelcome consequence of its prosperity on the Caribbean Coast of South America—have a history steeped in the city’s foundation in 1543 and its pivotal role in the administration and expansion of the Spanish empire. By the early 1540s, Cartagena had firmly established itself as the primary conduit for trade connecting Spain to its burgeoning overseas dominions.
Throughout the colonial period, Cartagena emerged as a critical hub for the influx of African slaves and, notably, for the transportation of precious metals. Gold and silver sourced from mines in New Granada (comprising present-day Colombia and Panama) and Peru were loaded onto galleons destined for Spain, a lucrative endeavor that made the city a recurrent target for pirate raids.
In response to these ongoing threats, construction on a protective wall encompassing the city commenced in 1597. The ambitious endeavor, spanning almost two centuries, faced numerous setbacks from both tropical storms and pirate onslaughts. Ultimately, this massive fortification was completed in 1796, rendering Cartagena nearly impregnable.
The significance of Cartagena’s colonial walled city and fortress was internationally recognized in 1984 when they were bestowed the prestigious title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These grand walls, constructed primarily from coral, rise to a formidable height of 30 feet and boast a base thickness of 65 feet. Adorned with angled bastions—protruding sections designed to facilitate defensive fire in multiple directions—towers, and cannons, they stand as enduring guardians of the cities storied past.