Cali history

The city of Santiago de Cali, more commonly referred to simply as Cali, has a rich history rooted in the era of the Spanish colonization of South America. Its foundation and development are inextricably linked to the geographical location and economic processes of that time.

Foundation and First Mentions

The official founding date of the city is considered to be July 25, 1536. Its founder was the Spanish conquistador and conqueror Sebastián de Belalcázar. Initially, the settlement was established in a different location, but it was soon moved to the picturesque Cauca River valley, where it remains to this day. Like many other colonial cities, Cali received its full name, Santiago, in honour of the Apostle St. James, whose feast day is celebrated on July 25.

Key Factors of Development

From the very beginning, several strategic factors influenced Cali's development:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated in a fertile valley, which facilitated the development of agriculture. Furthermore, its location between the Pacific coast (and the port of Buenaventura) and the interior regions of Colombia made it a vital trade hub.
• Trade Routes: Cali became a key point on the route for transporting goods, including gold and agricultural produce, from the coast to the capital and other major cities.
• Administrative Role: Over time, the city acquired the status of an important administrative centre for the region, which strengthened its political and economic significance.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

During the colonial period, Cali's economy was built primarily on agriculture. Large estates (haciendas) emerged around the city, cultivating sugar cane, cotton, and corn, as well as engaging in cattle ranching. It was sugar production that became the region's hallmark for many years. Cultural life was formed under strong Spanish influence, reflected in architecture, religion, and traditions. At the same time, as in many parts of Colombia, a blending of European, indigenous Indian, and African cultures took place here, laying the foundation for the unique identity of modern Cali.

Key Milestones in the History of Cali

The history of Cali is a kaleidoscope of events, from its colonial foundation to its rise as a modern cultural and economic centre of Colombia. Here are some of the most significant dates in the city's chronology:

• 1536 — Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar founds the city of Santiago de Cali.
• 1810 — On July 3, the city proclaims its independence from Spanish rule, joining the liberation movement.
• 1811 — Cali becomes part of the Confederation of Cities of the Cauca Valley, strengthening its role in the region.
• 1910 — The city officially becomes the capital of the newly created Valle del Cauca department.
• 1914 — The railway connecting Cali with the port of Buenaventura on the Pacific coast begins operation, providing a powerful boost to trade.
• 1945 — The Universidad del Valle is founded, which over time transforms into one of the country's most important educational centres.
• 1956 — A tragic explosion of trucks carrying dynamite occurs, leading to significant destruction and loss of life.
• 1957 — The famous Cali Fair (Feria de Cali) is held for the first time, becoming the city's hallmark and the main cultural event of the year.
• 1968 — The Farallones de Cali National Natural Park is established near the city to protect unique mountain ecosystems.
• 1971 — Cali hosts the VI Pan American Games, facilitating a massive modernization of urban infrastructure, including the airport, hotels, and roads.

Stages of Transformation: From Trade Hub to Metropolis

The development of Cali was not linear; it was a series of powerful impulses, each of which radically changed the appearance and status of the city. Below are the key transformations that turned it into the third most important economic centre of Colombia.

• Opening of the Pacific Railway (1915). The launch of the train connecting the valley with the port of Buenaventura became a turning point in the economy. The city emerged from geographical isolation and turned into a "dry port," through which the main exports of coffee and imports of goods passed, stimulating a boom in trade.
• Industrialization and the "Sugar Boom" (1930–1950s). The growth in global demand for sugar led to the modernization of plantations and the appearance of large agro-industrial complexes (ingenios). In parallel, factories of multinational corporations opened in the city, causing mass migration of the workforce from rural areas and a sharp expansion of city boundaries.
• Creation of the University City (Ciudad Universitaria). The construction of the Universidad del Valle campus in the 1960s was an urban planning and cultural breakthrough. It not only created a powerful educational cluster but also set the vector for the development of the southern part of the city, forming a new intellectual elite for the region.
• Urban Revolution of the Pan American Games (1971). Preparation for the games divided the city's history into "before" and "after." The entire infrastructure was modernized: new avenues (such as Calle 5), the Alfonso Bonilla Aragón airport, and hotels were built. The city acquired a metropolitan scale and a modern sports cluster that is still in use today.
• Rise as the World Capital of Salsa (1970–1980s). A cultural transformation that gave the city its unique identity. Music and dance became a social elevator and a method of integration for residents of poorer districts, forming a powerful entertainment and tourism industry known worldwide today.
• Implementation of the MIO System (2000s). The launch of the integrated mass transport system (Masivo Integrado de Occidente) was the answer to chaotic traffic growth. This entailed the reconstruction of main highways, the creation of dedicated lanes, and improved connectivity of remote districts with the centre.
• Renovation of the Centre and Bulevar del Río (2013). One of the most significant modern urban planning projects. By moving a busy highway into an underground tunnel, the city gained a spacious pedestrian promenade along the river. This returned access to the historic centre to the residents and created a new popular public space.

The architectural appearance of Cali represents a multilayered canvas, where colonial heritage sits alongside modernist experiments and contemporary high-rises. The city's development reflects the key stages of its history—from a Spanish outpost to one of Colombia's largest metropolises.

Colonial Period and Neoclassicism (16th–19th Centuries)

The historic centre of Cali, although relatively small, has preserved the charm of the colonial era. Buildings from this period are characterized by simple forms, the use of adobe and stone, and elements of Spanish architecture. A key preserved monument is the La Merced Religious Complex (Complejo Religioso de La Merced), built on the site of the city's founding. In the 19th century, after gaining independence, features of Neoclassicism began to appear in the city's architecture, which can be seen in the design of some old mansions and public buildings, for example, on the central square, Plaza de Caicedo.

Gothic and Eclecticism (Early 20th Century)

One of the most recognizable symbols of the city is the La Ermita church (Iglesia La Ermita), built in the early 20th century. Its expressive Neo-Gothic style, inspired by the cathedral in Ulm, Germany, contrasts sharply with the surrounding structures and is a vivid example of the eclecticism of that time. Another important structure of the era is the Puente Ortiz (Ortiz Bridge), erected in the 1840s and serving as a vital transport artery.

Modernism and Contemporary Architecture (Mid-20th Century – Present)

A true architectural boom occurred in Cali in the second half of the 20th century, especially in the lead-up to the 1971 Pan American Games. This period was marked by the construction of large sports facilities, hotels, and residential complexes in the spirit of modernism. Striking examples include the La Tertulia Museum of Modern Art (Museo La Tertulia) and numerous buildings in the new districts of the city. The crown jewel of modern architecture and a symbol of economic growth is the Torre de Cali (Cali Tower)—a skyscraper built in the 1980s, which remains the tallest building in the city and one of the tallest in Colombia. Today, the city continues to develop, with new residential quarters and public spaces appearing, while projects to renew the Cali River waterfront give it a more modern and livable appearance.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Cali

The history and culture of Cali have been shaped by many talented and influential people. Here are just a few of the key figures who have left their mark on the life of the city and all of Colombia:

• Sebastián de Belalcázar — Spanish conquistador. Founder of the city of Santiago de Cali in 1536. His expeditions played a key role in the colonization of the southwestern territories of modern Colombia.
• Joaquín de Cayzedo y Cuero — Leader of the independence movement. He was a central figure in the proclamation of Cali's independence on July 3, 1810, and became one of the martyrs in the struggle for the country's liberation.
• Jorge Isaacs — Writer and poet. Author of the novel "María" (1867), one of the most significant works of 19th-century Latin American literature. His work is closely linked to the nature and life of the Cauca Valley.
• Hernando Tejada — Painter and sculptor. Known as "Tejadita". His most famous work is the monumental sculpture "The River Cat" (El Gato del Río), which has become one of the unofficial symbols of modern Cali.
• Andrés Caicedo — Writer and film critic. A cult figure of the Colombian underground in the 1970s. Despite his short life, his work had a tremendous influence on subsequent generations of writers and filmmakers.
• Fanny Mikey — Actress, theatre director, and producer. Founder of the Ibero-American Theater Festival in Bogotá, one of the largest in the world. She was born and raised in Cali, where she began her creative career.
• María Isabel Urrutia — Weightlifter and politician. Made history as the first Olympic champion from Colombia, winning the gold medal at the Sydney Games in 2000. Her victory became a source of national pride.
• Óscar Córdoba — Footballer, goalkeeper. One of the most famous Colombian footballers, renowned for his performances for the Colombian national team and the Argentine club Boca Juniors, with whom he won numerous titles.