Cartagena de Indias is a city from its beginnings to today has greatly influenced the events in Colombia. In pre-Columbian Indians inhabited coasts Caribbean race warriors that would give more problems to a colonizing expedition that dared to disembark in its beaches.

It was now the honor of founding the Spaniard Don Pedro de Heredia, on June 1, 1533, under the name of "Cartagena de Poniente", to distinguish it from "Cartagena de Levante" in Spain, both with similar bays.

The new city would be targeted by the greed of English and French invaders, and their quality is that slave trade and commercial port made it very appealing to foreigners. Therefore their protection and defense were more urgent, beginning in the sixteenth century with the Fort Boqueron (where today stands the Fort of Pastelillo). Then came little by little, the various fortifications that surround the city according to the demands and the evolution of military art in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. But why not save the city from devastating invasions as Baron de Pointis in 1697, which left it in ruins.

In 1610 the first friars arrive Sentencing Court of the Holy Office of the Inquisition, to extend its power to rebuke and surveillance until the time of Independence.

Cartagena de Indias was sometimes viceroys headquarters, as Don Sebastian de Eslava, who ruled for almost ten years in a row, replacing Santa Fe as the capital of the New Kingdom of Granada.

On November 11, 1811 signed the Act of Absolute Independence from Spain, beginning with this 10 long years to achieve full emancipation. Of the many blockades and sieges suffered the Villa de Heredia, include the tax by Pablo Morillo, The Peacemaker, in 1815, which aimed to restore this important location for the Spanish Crown. "Cartagena de Indias, Heroic City" was the title he would win after enduring more than three months of intense siege.

In the Republican era the city entered a long period of stagnation due to the loss of strategic and commercial interest. Can Rafael Núñez, Cartagena during this time of "recession" of Cartagena de Indias, was elected President four times, directing the destiny of the nation from the Heroic, as in Cologne some viceroys did.

The rebirth of Cartagena de Indias in Colombia as a crucial city is given into the twentieth century with the revival of its economy, when its history and legends are only memories of the glorious past of a tourist city that receives the XXI century full of hopes and dreams for the future.

WALLED CITY CHARMS

The magic of Cartagena lies at the foundation of its fortifications, the warmth of its people, the material wealth of its architecture and the infinite cultural expressions of a brave and valiant people.

This city and romance overflows account fascinating anecdotes on the corners of streets and squares, and within the limits of its walls, awaiting the sunset to evoke past struggles.

On sunny days, Cartagena vibrates as the color of its walls and the sea breeze to cool reaches an intense journey through the alleys of the old city.

The rise solemn monuments, ancient cloisters, churches, bastions and remains of bloody battles are the testimony of men and women invincible freedom granted to the "heroic city".

By nightfall, Cartagena is warm, light radiates itself comes alive and transforms. Create a unique atmosphere that guests love and forgotten times transported on a horse-driven carriage.

From the walls, with a beautiful view of the sea, the euphoria grows and inexhaustible party awaits the arrival of the first rays of sun to take with the mystery of the night.

So Cartagena. A city that recounts his past, fascinating stories and reborn delivery in time

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, Cartagena adds to the charm of its colonial architecture, republican and modern, the attractions of a vibrant nightlife, cultural festivals, lush landscapes, beautiful beaches, good food and an important infrastructure Hotel and tourism.

It is pleasant to walk the streets and see the colonial buildings, the Palace of the Inquisition, the Clock Tower, the walls and the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, besides enjoying the warm breeze and quiet from its parks and squares.
Gastronomy is also a party in the city. The alternatives are multiplied for travelers looking to experience new and exotic flavors of local and international cuisine.

Accommodation options are varied. You can choose traditional or exclusive boutique colonial hotels that provide a unique experience for their detail and personalized services.

Cartagena delivers all the charm of its history and legacy of ancestors who made it big and became one of the most important tourist destinations of the country.

Source: http://www.colombia.travel/es/turista-internacional/destino/cartagena

Tourist Guide

Download Bolivar tour guide. 8MB
http://www.colombia.travel/es/descargas/guias_turisticas/Guia_bolivar-web.pdf

Also visit http://colombiaramica.com/en/node/295

Also visit http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartagena_de_Indias

Also visit http://www.cartagenacaribe.com/arquitectura/plazasycalles/plazascalles.htm