Bathed in the vibrant tropical sunshine and gently kissed by the Caribbean breeze, the setting sun drapes Cartagena’s 400-year-old houses in a mesmerizing golden glow. Founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia, this World Heritage city remains a living museum of colonial architecture. A stroll through its old town feels like stepping back in time to the Spanish colonial era, where history whispers through every cobblestone street.
Cartagena, a key port in northern Colombia and a renowned tourist haven, played a pivotal role in the mid-16th century as a transit hub for the gold and silver plundered by Spanish colonizers from South America. It also served as a bustling slave market during this period. By the early 17th century, it ranked as the third-largest city in Latin America but eventually experienced a decline.
After 1917, with the discovery and development of oil fields in the Magdalena River basin, the city regained its prosperity. Nestled along the coastline, Cartagena boasts breathtaking views of azure waters and golden sands, creating a stunning coastal paradise. This picturesque scenery has transformed it into a popular destination for tourists, summer retreats, and international conferences.
Surrounded by water on three sides, the city brims with lush greenery, blending ancient castles, church spires, and modern skyscrapers in soft creamy whites and pastel blues into a harmonious masterpiece.
Within the walls of Cartagena lies its historic heart, the soul of the city that inspired Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez to pen his timeless tales. During the colonial era, the Spaniards constructed an impressive 11 kilometers of fortifications, which now stand as the city’s iconic symbol. To truly immerse yourself in its historic charm, one must slow down and let go of the world’s distractions.
In 1984, UNESCO recognized Cartagena’s cultural significance by designating it a World Heritage site.
