Cartagena history

The history of Cartagena is a fascinating chronicle of the transformation of an indigenous settlement into one of the key ports of the Spanish Empire in the New World. From the moment of its foundation, the city became an arena for trade, pirate raids, and the mixing of cultures, which forever defined its unique character.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city of Cartagena de Indias was officially founded on June 1, 1533, by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia. He chose this location due to its strategically advantageous bay, protected from winds and suitable for ship anchorage. The name was given in honour of the Spanish city of Cartagena, from where some of the expedition's sailors originated. Before the arrival of the Spanish, this territory was inhabited by indigenous peoples, specifically the Calamari tribes, who resisted the first colonisers.

Key Factors of Development

Cartagena owes its rapid growth and prosperity to several factors:

• Geographical Location: Its location on the Caribbean coast made the city the ideal "gateway" to South America. The deep and protected harbour was a major advantage for maritime trade and fleet basing.
• Trade Hub: Cartagena quickly became one of the most important ports of the Spanish Empire. From here, gold, silver, and other treasures extracted from the New World were shipped to Europe. The city was also a major centre for the trade of enslaved people.
• Military Strategic Importance: The city's wealth attracted pirates and enemy fleets, so the Spanish erected a powerful system of fortifications for its protection. Defensive walls and forts, such as the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, turned Cartagena into an impregnable citadel.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the colonial era, Cartagena was a prosperous and multinational city. Spanish cultural heritage here was closely intertwined with African and indigenous traditions. This was reflected in the architecture, music, cuisine, and population composition. The city's economy depended entirely on its status as a port—huge flows of goods and precious metals passed through it, contributing to the enrichment of the local elite and the construction of luxurious mansions, churches, and monasteries, forming the appearance that attracts travellers today.

Timeline of Cartagena's History

The history of Cartagena de Indias is a kaleidoscope of vivid events, from its foundation as a key Spanish port to becoming the cultural capital of the Caribbean coast. The city has survived pirate attacks and heroic sieges, and was one of the first to declare independence in Colombia.

• 1533 — Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia founds the city of Cartagena de Indias on the site of an indigenous settlement.
• 1586 — English privateer Sir Francis Drake captures and loots the city, prompting the Spanish Crown to build massive fortifications.
• 1610 — The Tribunal of the Holy Inquisition is established in Cartagena, with jurisdiction extending over a significant part of the Caribbean basin.
• 1697 — The city suffers a devastating attack by a French squadron under the command of Baron de Pointis.
• 1741 — Cartagena successfully withstands the famous siege by a huge British fleet led by Admiral Edward Vernon, maintaining its impregnability.
• November 11, 1811 — Cartagena is one of the first cities in New Granada to declare full independence from Spain.
• 1815 — Spanish troops led by Pablo Morillo place the city under a long and bloody siege, ending in its fall.
• 1821 — Troops of Simón Bolívar finally liberate Cartagena from Spanish rule.
• Early 20th Century — The city begins an economic revival thanks to the construction of an oil refinery and the modernisation of the port.
• 1984 — The port, fortresses, and group of monuments of Cartagena are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, confirming their outstanding cultural value.
• 2016 — A historic peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC rebel group is signed in Cartagena.

Key Milestones in Cartagena's Development

The development of Cartagena is a story of ups and downs, where each stage left a deep mark on its architecture, economy, and culture. From a thriving colonial port to a modern tourist and industrial centre, the city has constantly transformed while preserving its unique heritage.

• Formation of the Colonial Centre (16th–18th Centuries). After its foundation in 1533, Cartagena quickly turned into the main port of the Spanish Empire for exporting gold and silver from the New World. This status stimulated rapid economic growth and the construction of luxurious mansions, churches, and monasteries that formed the appearance of the Old City.
• Construction of Military Fortifications (16th–18th Centuries). The city's wealth attracted pirates, forcing the Spanish to create one of the most powerful defensive systems in the Americas. The erection of massive walls, forts, and the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas became a massive urban planning project that protected the economy and forever defined the monumental look of Cartagena.
• Independence and Economic Decline (19th Century). The declaration of independence on November 11, 1811, was a pivotal political event. However, subsequent wars and blockades led to the decline of Cartagena as a trading hub. The city lost its former economic importance and plunged into stagnation for a long time.
• Industrial Revival (Early 20th Century). A new round of development began with the modernisation of the port and the discovery of oil fields in Colombia. The construction of a pipeline and oil refining enterprises returned Cartagena to the status of an important industrial and logistics hub.
• UNESCO Recognition (1984). The inclusion of the port, fortresses, and historic centre in the UNESCO World Heritage List was a decisive moment for cultural and tourism development. This attracted international attention to the city's unique architecture and served as a powerful impulse for the restoration of monuments.
• Tourism Boom (Late 20th – Early 21st Centuries). Relying on its UNESCO status, Cartagena has turned into the main tourist centre of Colombia. The development of hotel infrastructure, the restoration of the Old City, and the growth of cruise tourism have made the service sector a key industry in the city's modern economy.

Cartagena's architectural appearance is a living illustration of its rich history. The city represents a unique combination of powerful military architecture from the colonial era, elegant republican buildings, and modern high-rises, making it a true open-air museum. Urban development proceeded from the fortified centre to the fashionable coastal districts.

Colonial Era (16th–18th Centuries): Spanish Baroque and Military Architecture

The foundation of Cartagena's architectural heritage was laid during the colonial period. Urban planning was subject to two main tasks: protection from pirates and the organisation of a trading port. This led to the creation of one of the most impressive complexes of military fortifications in the Americas.

• Style: Spanish colonial architecture, incorporating features of Andalusian Baroque and Renaissance, was adapted to the tropical climate. Characteristic features include massive walls, inner courtyards (patios), wooden balconies, and arcades.
• Landmarks: The Historic Centre, surrounded by an 11-kilometre wall (Las Murallas), is the core of the city. The majestic fort Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is the pinnacle of military engineering of that time, designed to protect the approaches to the city. The Palace of the Inquisition on Plaza de Bolívar is a prime example of civil architecture in the late Baroque style.

Republican Period (19th – Early 20th Centuries): Neoclassicism and Eclecticism

After gaining independence, the architecture of Cartagena began to change. European styles came into fashion, mixing with the colonial base, especially in the areas adjacent to the old walls. This period reflected the new economic and cultural aspirations of the young republic.

• Style: Republican style, often with elements of Neoclassicism and Italian influence. It is characterised by higher ceilings, large windows, stucco moulding, and more complex facade decoration.
• Landmarks: The Getsemaní district, once an artisan quarter, has preserved its colonial layout, but many of its buildings were rebuilt in the Republican style. Today it is a bohemian centre with vibrant graffiti and a lively atmosphere. The Manga district, located on an island, is known for its luxurious mansions in an eclectic style built in the early 20th century.

Modern Era (Mid-20th Century – Present): Modernism and High-Rise Construction

With the development of tourism and industry in the second half of the 20th century, Cartagena began to grow actively beyond the historic centre. New districts appeared, the appearance of which differs radically from the colonial heritage.

• Style: International style and modernism. The main focus shifted to functionality and the use of modern materials such as concrete, glass, and steel.
• Landmarks: The Bocagrande district has become a symbol of the new Cartagena. Its skyline, consisting of dozens of high-rise hotels and residential complexes, stretches along a narrow sandy spit and is often compared to Miami. It is the city's main tourist and commercial hub, demonstrating the contrast between the historic past and modern development.

Notable Figures in the History of Cartagena

The history of Cartagena is rich with the names of people whose destinies are inextricably linked with the city. From brave military commanders and visionary politicians to brilliant writers, each of them left their mark on the cultural and historical heritage of this Caribbean port.

• Pedro de Heredia — The Spanish conquistador who founded the city of Cartagena de Indias on June 1, 1533. It was he who chose the strategically important location with a protected bay, which predetermined the city's future as a key port of the Spanish Empire.
• India Catalina — One of the most iconic and at the same time controversial figures of early colonial history. A representative of the indigenous people, she acted as an interpreter and intermediary for Pedro de Heredia, playing an important role in the founding of the city. Today, her statue is one of the symbols of Cartagena.
• Blas de Lezo — A Spanish admiral, nicknamed "Half-man" due to numerous battle wounds. He went down in history as the hero who led the heroic defence of Cartagena against a vastly superior British fleet during the siege of 1741. His tactical genius allowed the city to survive and maintain its allegiance to the Spanish Crown.
• Rafael Núñez — A prominent political figure, lawyer, and writer born in Cartagena. He served as President of Colombia four times in the 19th century and is the author of the lyrics to the national anthem. His house in Cartagena has now been turned into a museum.
• Gabriel García Márquez — A Nobel Prize laureate in Literature who, although not born in Cartagena, spent a significant part of his life here, starting his career as a journalist. The city became an inexhaustible source of inspiration for him and served as the setting for the world-famous novel "Love in the Time of Cholera".
• Joe Arroyo — A famous Colombian singer and composer, one of the greatest performers of salsa and Caribbean music. He lived and created in Cartagena for many years, which became his second home. His music is imbued with the spirit of the city, and a monument has been erected here in his honour.
• Domingo Benkos Biohó — The leader of an African slave rebellion in the late 16th century, who founded the first free settlement in the Americas (palenque), San Basilio de Palenque, near Cartagena. He became a symbol of the struggle for freedom and cultural resistance.