Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena, historically known as Cartagena de Indias, is a vibrant city and one of the principal ports situated on the northern coast of Colombia, within the Caribbean Coast Region along the Caribbean Sea. Its significant past as a vital link in the trade route to the West Indies adds profound historical importance, highlighting its role in global exploration and the preservation of cultural heritage linked to major maritime routes. Once a crucial Spanish colony, Cartagena served as a key port for exporting Bolivian silver to Spain and for importing enslaved Africans under the asiento system. The city's robust fortifications provided protection against pirate attacks, and its strategic position between the Magdalena and Sinú rivers facilitated easy access to the interior of New Granada, solidifying its status as a main trade hub between Spain and its overseas empire by the early 1540s.
In modern times, Cartagena is the capital of the Bolívar Department and had a population of 876,885 according to the 2018 census, making it the second-largest city in the Caribbean region, following Barranquilla, and the fifth-largest city in Colombia. Its metropolitan area ranks as the sixth-largest urban area in the country, behind Bucaramanga. The economy is diverse, with key activities in the maritime and petrochemical industries, alongside a thriving tourism sector.
Founded on June 1, 1533, and named after Cartagena, Spain, the city is one of South America’s oldest colonial establishments. However, indigenous settlements around Cartagena Bay can be traced back to 4000 BC. During the Spanish colonial era, Cartagena emerged as a pivotal center for political, ecclesiastical, and economic activities within the Spanish empire. Notably, in 1984, the colonial walled city and fortress of Cartagena were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underscoring its cultural and historical significance.
Source: Wikipedia
