Colombia
Cartagena
Welcome to Colombia! Cartagena is a beautiful old port city on the Caribbean coast, ringed by thick stone walls and filled with rainbow-colored balconies dripping with flowers.
Why is it famous?
Its historic walled old town is one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial cities in the Americas.
Bright yellow, blue, and pink buildings with flower-covered balconies line every street.
How was it built?
Spanish settlers founded the city in 1533, and it soon became a busy port for ships loaded with treasure.
Because pirates kept attacking, engineers spent nearly two centuries building massive stone walls and forts all around the city to protect it.
Amazing facts
The famous Clock Tower Gate, Puerta del Reloj, was once the main entrance through the city walls.
Cartagena's walls and fortresses were designed to survive cannon fire from enemy ships.
Quick facts
- The famous Clock Tower Gate, Puerta del Reloj, was once the main entrance through the city walls.
- Cartagena's walls and fortresses were designed to survive cannon fire from enemy ships.
- Famous pirates and privateers, including Sir Francis Drake, once tried to capture the city's treasures.
- In 1984, the whole walled city and its fortresses became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.