Cartagena, Colombia Totally Explained

Everything about Cartagena De Indias totally explained

Cartagena de Indias (in Spanish; the usual English pronunciation is ), is a large city seaport on the northern coast of Colombia. Capital of the Bolívar Department, it has a population of 1,240,000 in its Metropolitan Area, and 1,090,000 in the city (2005 Census), being the fifth largest urban area in Colombia. Founded in 1533 by Spaniard Don Pedro de Heredia, and named after the port of Cartagena in Spain's Murcia region, it was a major center of early Spanish settlement in the Americas which had impressive development in the XVIII century as the de facto capital of the Viceroyalty of New Granada and as the main hub of commerce and transportation in the late viceroyal era, situation that's reflected in its alternative capitality today. Nowadays continues to be the economic hub of the Caribbean region as well as a popular tourist destination.
Cartagena's colonial walled city and fortress were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 along with Lima.

History

Precolombian Era - 7000 BC - 1500 AD

   The Caribbean region, particularly in the area from the Sinu river delta to the Cartagena de Indias bay, appeared the first documented human community in today's Colombia: the Puerto Hormiga Culture.
   In the Caribbean Colombian coast, lived until the Spanish colonization many cultures derivative from the Karib, Malibu and Arawak language families and in the late pre-Columbian era, in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, lived the Tayrona people, closely related with the Chibcha family language.
   Approximately around the 7000 BC, archaeologists calculate the settlement of the formative Puerto Hormiga Culture, located in the limits between today's departments of Bolívar and Sucre. In this archaeological zone, has been found the most ancient ceramic rests in the Americas, dated from 4000 BC. The reasons for the sedentarization of societies in this area is the progressive mildness of the temperatures and then, the possibility of continuous hunting in a determined geographic zone.
   In today's villages of Maria la Baja, Sincerín, El Viso and Mahates, have been also found clear testimonies of organized societies and maloka type buildings, which are directly related to the early Puerto Hormiga settlements.
   Archaeological investigations date around 3000 BC the decadence of the Puerto Hormiga culture and its related settlements and the rise of a much more developed culture, the Monsú, which lived precisely in the end of the Dique Canal, near today's neighborhood of Pasacaballos and Ciénaga Honda, in the northernmost part of Barú Island. The Monsú culture, inherited the Puerto Hormiga art of pottery but developed a mixed economy, and based mostly their alimentation on seashells, river and sea fish.
   The ethnologists who discovered Monsú, the Reichel-Dolmatoff marriage, found an interesting artificial mount created by them consisting in vases and rests of skeletons. After the first excavations, the Monsú mount resulted to be a communal hut, that had strong wood logs around it and different levels, being each of them from a different period, being the most ancient, the Turbana Period, from 3350 BC. This archaeological zone, less than 6 miles from Cartagena de Indias's downtown contained the most ancient complete ceramic instruments of today's Colombia, and until now, all the American continent. The ceramic patterns found in Monsú, are tour de force for all specialized studies of archeology in all the Caribbean sea basin and most of northern South America.
   The Reichel-Dolmatoff's found later other artificial mounts, dating from 3200 until 1000 BC, making the suburban areas of today's Cartagena the seat of the first organized societies in today's Colombia, and one of the most ancient in the Americas.
   The development of the Sinú society in today's department of Cordoba and Sucre, eclipsed this first developments in the Cartagena de Indias Bay area. And around 1500, was inhabited by different tribes of the Karib language family, precisely the Mocanae sub-family. This were:

In the downtown island: Kalamarí Tribe
In the Tierrabomba island: Carex Tribe
In the Barú island, then peninsula: Bahaire Tribe
In the eastern coast of the exterior bay: Cospique Tribe
In the suburban area of Turbaco: Yurbaco Tribe

Some subsidiary tribes of the Kalamari lived in today's neighborhood of Pie de la Popa, and other subsidiaries from the Cospique lived in the Membrillal and Pasacaballos area. Among these, according to the first chronicles the Kalamarí Tribe had preeminence.
These tribes, though physically and administratively separated shared common architecture, like the hut structure: circular with tall roofs, inside a wooden palisade.

First Sightings - 1500 - 1533

Since the failed foundation of Antigua del Darién in 1506 by Alonso de Ojeda, and the subsequent failed city of San Sebastian de Urabá in 1517 by Diego de Nicuesa, the southern Caribbean coast became a bit unattractive to colonizers, which preferred the more known Hispaniola and Cuba. Though, the Casa de Contratación gave permission to Rodrigo De Bastidas to again, conduct an expedition as adelantado to this areas. Bastidas, explored the coast and discovered the Magdalena River delta in his first journey from Guajira to the south in 1527, trip that ended in the Urabá gulf, seat of the failed first settlements. De Nicuesa and De Ojeda noted the existence of a big bay on the way from Santo Domingo to Urabá and Panama isthmus, encouraging De Bastidas to investigate.
In this first trip, he passed away Cartagena de Indias's bay but noted that in future voyages he'll investigate this "immense bay, perfect for ships." This second trip was made in 1530, and the calculations were true: it was an enormous bay of 9 sq mi. with profound waters. After the discovery, De Bastidas returned to Santa Marta, recently founded by him in 1528.

Colonial Era - 1533-1717

Cartagena de Indias was founded the 1st of June, 1533 by Spanish commander Pedro de Heredia, in the former seat of the indigenous Caribbean Calamarí village. See Juan de la Cosa)
   The fame of this prosperous city turned it into the plunder site for pirates and thieves; the legions for the country’s defence soon became insufficient, which is why the kings of Spain decided to approve the construction of castles, forts, and walls that surrounded the city.
   Despite the precautions, the city was attacked many times. In 1544 the French pirate Roberto Baal (aka Roberval) forced Governor Pedro de Heredia to flee and to give him gold to avoid being at the mercy of the invaders. In 1559, the Frenchman Martín Cote also dominated the city. He took huge plunder in spite of Cacique Maridalo's resistance.
Another pirate attack was that of Francis Drake, who disembarked at night and took the city at dawn; he forced the inhabitants to take refuge in the neighboring village of Turbaco, burned the houses and destroyed a nave of the Cathedral. Drake forced the authorities to pay him 107.000 ducats and took some jewelry and 80 artillery pieces.
And in 1568, the Englishman John Hawkins besieged the city for seven days because Governor Marín de las Alas didn't want to carry out a commercial fair in the city; Hawkins couldn't subjugate the city. This was the case in the Raid on Cartagena (1697) by a combined fleet of regular French soldiers under Pointis and buccaneers under Jean Du Casse.
   In order to resist these attacks, during the 17th century the Spanish Crown hired the services of prominent European military engineers to carry out the construction of fortresses, which are nowadays one of Cartagena's clearest signs of identity. This construction took 208 years, and ended with some eleven kilometres of walls surrounding the city, the San Felipe de Barajas Castle, named in honor of Spain's King Philip IV, constructed to repel land attacks, equipped with sentry boxes, buildings for food and weapons storage, underground tunnels; the San Sebastián de Pastelillo Fort, in the neighborhood of Manga; the San Angel battery in Tierra Bomba; the San Fernando fort and the San Jose battery in Bocachica, located strategically at the entrance of the bay to entrench the pirate vessels that attacked the city. In the 18th century, the Vaults were constructed by the Spanish engineer Antonio de Arévalo. Cartagena was a major trading port, specially for precious metals. Gold and silver from the mines in New Granada and Peru were loaded in Cartagena on the galleons bound for Spain via Havana. Cartagena was also a slave port; Cartagena and Veracruz (México) were the only cities authorized to trade with black people. The first slaves arrived with Pedro de Heredia and they worked as cane cutters to open roads, in the desecration of tombs of the aboriginal population of Sinu, and in the construction of buildings and fortresses. The agents of the Portuguese company Cacheu distributed human 'cargos' from Cartagena for mine exploitation in Venezuela, the West Indies, the Nuevo Reino de Granada and the Viceroyalty of Perú.
   On 5 February 1610, the Catholic Monarchs established from Spain the Inquisition Holy Office Court in Cartagena de Indias by a Royal Decree issued by King Philip II. The Inquisition Palace, finished in 1770, is still there with its original features of colonial times. When Cartagena declared its complete independence from Spain on November 11, 1811, the inquisitors were urged to leave the city. The Inquisition operated again after the Reconquest in 1815, but it disappeared definitely when Spain surrendered six years later before the patriotic troops led by Simón Bolívar.
   In March 1741 the city endured a large-scale attack by British and American colonial troops led by admiral Edward Vernon, who arrived at Cartagena with a massive fleet of 186 ships and 23,600 men against only 6 Spanish ships and 3,600 men, in an action known as the Battle of Cartagena de Indias. After weeks of intense fighting, the siege was repelled by the Spanish and native forces led by commander General Blas de Lezo, who inflicted heavy casualties on the English troops. This victory prolonged Spain's control of the Caribbean waters, which helped secure its large Empire until the 19th century. Admrial Vernon was accompanied by American Colonial trooops, including George Washington's brother, Lawrence, who was so impressed with Vernon he named Mount Vernon after him.
   For more than 250 years, Cartagena was part of the Spanish Crown. On November 11th, 1811, Cartagena declared its independence, and began another chapter in its history that has been anything but easy, its title ‘The Heroic City’ is well earned and reflects the life of the city.

Geography

Location

Cartagena faces the Caribbean Sea to the west. To the south is the Cartagena Bay, which has two entrances: Bocachica (Small Mouth) in the south, and Bocagrande (Big Mouth) in the north. Cartagena is located at 10°25' Norths, 75°32' West (10.41667, -75.5333).1

Climate

Due to Cartagena's tropical location, the climate changes little, with an average high of 32 °C (88.6 °F) and an average low of 25 °C (77 °F) throughout the year. Cartagena also averages around 90% humidity, with a rainy season typically in October. Cartagena receives about 1000 mm (40 inches) of rain per year.

Government

Administrative divisions

The Metropolitan area of Cartagena is formed by:

Northern area

In this area find the Rafael Núñez International Airport, in the neighborhood of Crespo, only ten minutes away from downtown or the old part of the city and fifteen minutes away from the modern area. It must be said that this large area is that with the greatest long-term urban development. Here you'll find the majestic Coralia Américas Hotel, and several educational institutions.
If you decide you'd like to relive the history of Cartagena, go to the Ciudad Amurallada (Walled City), also called "Centro Histórico" and "Corralito de Piedra", where you'll find four sectors, each one with a peculiar story to tell: San Diego, La Matuna, Getsemaní and Santo Domingo.

Downtown

Downtown is undoubtedly the heart of the city and the most evident testimony of its history. It has a varied architecture, mainly of a colonial style, but there are also republican and Italian style buildings, such as the Cathedral's bell tower.
   The official entrance to downtown is through Puerta del Reloj (Clock Gate), which comes out onto Plaza de los Coches (Square of the Carriages). A few steps from there there's the Plaza de la Aduana (Customs Square), next to the mayor's office. Nearby is San Pedro Claver Square, and his namesake's church, as well as the Museum of Modern Art.
   Nearby is the Plaza de Bolívar (Bolívar's Square) and the Palace of the Inquisition to one side. Not to far is the office of Historical Archives which holds Cartagena's history. Next to the archives is the Government Palace, the office building of the Governor of the Department of Bolivar. Across from the palace is the Cathedral of Cartagena which dates back to the 16th century.
   There is another religious temple that you should take time to admire: The restored Santo Domingo Church, in front of Plaza Santo Domingo (Santo Domingo Square). The square was decorated with the sculpture Mujer Reclinada ("Reclining Woman"), a gift from the renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero.
   Another notable building is the Teatro Heredia (Heredia Theater), an architectural jewel located in front of the Plaza de la Merced. A few meters away is the Calle de la Factoría (Factory Street); on it's the Marquis of Valdehoyos House which now functions as the Historical Photographic Library.
   A little bit further on is Augustinian Fathers Convent is the University of Cartagena. This university is a higher education center, opened to the public in the late 19th century. The Claustro de Santa Teresa (Saint Theresa Cloister), which has been remodeled into a hotel, operated by Charleston Hotels became an upscale Colombian hotel chain. It has its own square, protected by the San Francisco Bastion.

San Diego

It was named after San Diego Convent, nowadays the Beaux Arts School Building. In front of it you'll find Convent of the Nuns of the Order of Saint Claire, now the beautiful Hotel Santa Clara. In the surrounding area you'll find Santo Toribio Church, the last church built in the Walled City, and next to it, Fernández de Madrid Square, in honor of Cartagena's hero José Fernández de Madrid, whose statue can be seen here.
Inside the Old City, you've to go to Las Bóvedas (The Vaults), a construction attached to the walls in the Santa Catalina Bastion. From the top of this construction you'll be able to view the Caribbean Sea.

The Matuna

The Matuna is the commercial and financial area par excellence in the city. Here you can also find affordable hotels, like Saint Philip Hotel, and affordable restaurants with good service.

Getsemaní neighborhood

This is one of the most representative neighborhoods in Cartagena. African people who were brought as slaves used to live here. Parque Centenario (Centennary Park) is the most prominent place in this area; built in 1911, it commemorates a century of independence.Inside, often obscured, you'll find some interesting monuments, including one dedicated to the military. Parque Centenario also serves as a local police station and a mid afternoon pulpit for aspiring evangelists. Over the years, the park has acquired, through various means, a sloth, two Gila Monsters and a few monkeys. The Eastern edge of the park is split between a really good used book pavilion (with English books stowed away for the industrious traveller) and a selection of Seafood joints. Their seafood kiosks are often stocked by homeless folk fishing and bringing them to the various kiosks. This would cause a wary traveller to think twice before eating at one of these. On the other hand, these kiosks all run 24 hours, so there's always food available. In this very same area you'll find Cartagena's Convention Center, Third Order Church and San Francisco Cloister. You will also see San Roque and of the Trinity churches, in the square with the same name. Note that the entirety of the Old City has the same architectural styles as the area surrounded by The Walls. There is a great boutique hotel in this neighborhood called Casa El Carretero

. It has been featured on the New York times and Travel & Leisure.

Bocagrande

Bocagrande (Big Mouth) is the most modern area of the city, with many hotels, shops, restaurants, nightclubs and art galleries. It forms part of a land extension delimited by Cartagena Bay to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the west, where you'll find El Laguito (The Little Lake) and Castillogrande (Big Castle), two renowned neighborhoods. Its particular appeal are the beaches and nightlife. All over Avenida San Martín (Saint Martin Avenue), which is the backbone of the area, you'll find several business premises, restaurants and hotels. Bocagrande (Big Mouth) is the most modern area of the city, with many hotels, shops, restaurants, nightclubs and art galeries. It forms part of a land extension delimited by Cartagena Bay to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the west, where you'll find El Laguito (The Little Lake) and Castillogrande (Big Castle), two renowned neighborhoods. Its particular appeal are the beaches and nightlife. All over Avenida San Martín (Saint Martin Avenue), which is the backbone of the area, you'll find several business premises, restaurants and hotels.
The beaches of BocaGrande, laying along the Northern shore, are muddy affairs. There are breakwaters about every two hundred yards and the desired azure of the Caribbean is lost by the almost sea level rise of the beach and the lack of proper waste disposal in the city. It takes about seven minutes worth of a boat ride out to sea to see the color that you desire of the Caribbean however.
On the bay side of the pensinsula of Boca Grande is a spectacular seawalk. The centre of the Bay holds a statue of the Virgin Mary. The seawalk is the site of an interesting showing of the various contestants of the Miss Colombia Pageant during that festival.

Touristic Sites and Attractions

Islas del Rosario

India Catalina

Steps of La Popa mount

El Castillo de San Felipe (Particularly the tunnels.)

The Walled city of Cartagena

El Cartagena Gold Museum

The Palace of the Inquisition (or the Torture Chambers)

The Underground Tomb

Hard Rock Cafe (located in Downtown)

Las Bóvedas

Playa Blanca, Barú (located in the island of Barú)

El Reloj (clock tower)

Architecture

Cartagena has experienced heavy urban development in recent years, particularly with the construction of new skyscrapers. As of October 2007, there were 42 high-rises under construction, including an effort to create Colombia's tallest, the Torre de la Escollera. The new high-rise, extraordinarily narrow, was expected to be completed in early 2007, and was planned to stand at and have 58 floors. However, a construction defect, accentuated by the strong Caribbean winds, has led to its dismantling. A new, twenty-story building will be constructed in its place. The building reached the 56th floor (in girders, solely) before the wind bent the structure severely.

Transportation

Rafael Núñez International Airport

Culture

World Heritage site

The Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments of Cartagena were selected in 1984 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization for being located in a bay by the Caribbean Sea, having the most extensive fortifications in South America. A system of zones that divides the city into three neighborhoods: San Pedro, with the cathedral and many Andalusian-style palaces; San Diego, where merchants and the middle class lived; and Getsemani, the 'popular quarters'.

In Popular Culture

Cartagena gained modern notoriety in the 1984 hit movie, Romancing the Stone when romance novelist Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner) travels to Cartagena to deliver a treasure map in an effort to ransom her kidnapped sister. The Cartagena scenes were actually filmed in Mexico, and it doesn't reflect the real Cartagena.

In that movie, Michael Douglas' character refers to it as Cartage(ny)a. This has largely been adopted by tourists and is a constant thorn in the sides of locals. The "N" in Cartagena is solid. You will find only one business in the entire city that refers to this film.

The first chapter of Brian Jacques' novel The Angel's Command takes place in 1628 Cartagena.

The movie "Love in the Time of Cholera (film)" released on November 16, 2007 in the USA, is filmed in Cartagena.

The movie "The Mission (film)" released in 1986 with Robert De Niro was filmed in Cartagena and Brazil. The interpreter for the director was a Colombian who had recently moved to Canada.

The poem “Románc” by Sándor Kányádi is talking about the beauty of Cartagena.

Sister cities

Seville, Spain

Havana, Cuba

Coral Gables, Florida, United States

Miami, Florida, United States

Saint Augustine, Florida, United States

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Cancún, Mexico

Manila, PhilippinesFurther Information

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