Cartagena (Colombia): Ancient History, Sights, Recreation

The port city, located in the north of Colombia and called the real treasury of world culture, is extremely attractive for curious tourists. The ancient forts and buildings erected in the colonial era, with which Cartagena is famous, cherish the ancient history, and numerous local monuments are protected by UNESCO.

History of the ancient city

After the excavations conducted by archaeological expeditions, it was established that the first people on the territory of the Colombian city appeared before our era. The ancient Indian tribes long tried to restrain the colonization of lands by Europeans, until they retreated before a detachment of Spaniards, who landed in 1533 in search of treasure.

It is considered that it was then that Cartagena was founded. Colombia is proud of the city that has preserved its national and cultural dignity with its unique atmosphere. And he received his name from a Spanish settlement, from where the conquerors arrived.

The place of export of treasures to Europe

Through the port that became the main port in the Caribbean Sea, plundered immeasurable treasures to Europe, and Britain wanted so much to tear it.

Not surprisingly, all the famous pirates were engaged in robbery in this place. Studying the ancient history of the city, researchers know that at least 5 times the brutal attacks of the proud Cartagena were subjected. Colombia shuddered when, in the sixteenth century, the English pirate Francis Drake, who did not know compassion, burnt down the city's main cathedral and held the local population hostage for 3 months, after receiving a ransom that was unbelievable at that time.

Defense, independence and decline of Cartagena

Concerned about this situation, the Spaniards think about the defense of the city, and soon a huge and powerful system of fortifications is built around Cartagena, whose forts are to this day the main local attraction.

In the 18th century, a new attack on the port took place, and only thanks to the correctly erected 11-kilometer fences withstood the heavy and long siege of Cartagena. Colombia in the XIX century, a lot of fighting and spends time behind the negotiations, and the proclamation of independence by the city caused a new round of onslaught on the courageous port, only from the Spanish side.

1821 is the beginning of the decline of Cartagena: military actions, sieges, famine and epidemics lead to the loss of trade ties and the complete destruction of the heroic city.

The long-awaited revival

At the beginning of the XX century a long-awaited revival is taking place: black gold deposits are found in the country, and the construction of an oil refinery in Cartagena begins, after which the pearl of the Caribbean Sea is actively developing. Now the city, actively engaged in trade and industry, is becoming a tourist Mecca for many travelers.

Cartagena: attractions

Cartagena with surprisingly picturesque buildings of calcareous shell rock of pleasant lemon color behind the scenes bears the name of Latin American Venice. Its historical center is the Old Town, surrounded by a fortress wall, which was built almost 200 years ago.

During the time of long sieges, it was destroyed and rebuilt more than once, and now the structure surprises with the power of all tourists. The admiration and the big fortress of the impressive sizes, erected, to resist to Englishmen causes admiration.

Museum of Torture

In the most Spanish city in the world, as it is called by local residents, you can not pass by the unique Palace-Museum of the Inquisition. This vivid historic testimony keeps genuine tools of terrible torture for witches and at the same time is a monument to all those who suffered from them. In the museum, visitors can see the mysterious and gloomy exposition in the walls that used to be cameras, from which no one left alive.

Luxury holidays

The city of Cartagena attracts not only those who are interested in history, this is a great place for all lovers of underwater hunting and surfing. And everyone who prefers a carefree holiday under the bright sun will be surprised by truly luxurious beaches, the largest and most equipped of which is Bocagrande. Receiving not only tourists, but also local residents, this picturesque place is always crowded, and it is necessary to be ready for this.

Not far from the city is the beautiful archipelago of Rosario - the only Colombian park located under the water and consisting of 38 islands that preserve pristine beauty. Beautiful Cartagena, reviews of the rest are always full of emotions, provides an opportunity to spend rich and fun not only day, but also night. Probably, nowhere is there such a vibrant club life as here.

Popular tourist route

Cartagena (Colombia) is considered a very calm city in terms of security, and the locals are friendly to all travelers. A beautiful combination of the tropical sun, caressing the sea, colonial buildings, storing the heroic and heroic history of an independent city, attracts new tourist streams every year.