Cartagena de Indias

Cartagena de Indias or Cartagena, is the capital of the State of Bolívar, Colombia.  It was founded in 1533 by Don Pedro de Heredia. It is the main tourist destination in Colombia and the fifth city in the country in terms of population, after Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and Barranquilla.  Since 1991 Cartagena has been a Tourist and Cultural District.  The city is located on the shore of the Caribbean Sea and is one of the most important tourist centers of Colombia, as well as the second most important urban center in Colombia’s Caribbean region, next to Barranquilla.

Since its founding in the 16th century and through the Spanish Colonial period, Cartagena de Indias was one of the most important ports in América.[ ]On On November 11, 1811 Cartagena declared its independence from Spain. This day is a national holiday in Colombia and in the city it is celebrated during four days known as the “Fiestas de Independencia” (Independence Celebrations) or “Las Fiestas de Noviembre” (The November Celebrations). Since 1933, the 11th of November has been the day of election and crowning of Miss Colombia in the National Beauty Pageant.

Through time, Cartagena has developed its urban zone, preserving the historic downtown and becoming one of the most important ports in Colombia, as well as renowned tourist destination. Its total population is 892,545 and in the metro area it is 988,078, including the towns of Turbaco, Arjona, Turbana, Santa Rosa, Santa Catalina, Clemencia, María La Baja, Mahates, San Etanislao, Arenal and Villanueva, with Cartagena as its nucleus. Its historic center, the «Walled City», was declared National Patrimony of Colombia in 1959 and Historical Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 1984.  In 2007 its military architecture was recognized as the fourth wonder of Colombia.