Cartagena de Indias facts for kids
Cartagena (pronounced in Spanish; the usual English pronunciation is or), also known as Cartagena de Indias (Cartagena of the West Indies), is a large city seaport on the northern coast of Colombia. It is the capital of the Bolívar Department. As of 2005, it has a population of roughly 895,400. It was founded in 1533 by Don Pedro de Heredia, and named after the port of Cartagena in Spain's Murcia region. It was a major centre of early Spanish settlement in the Americas, and continues to be an economic hub as well as a popular tourist destination.
Images for kids
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According to descriptions that survive, the homes of the prehistoric inhabitants of the city may have looked very similar to these Taíno culture huts in Baconao
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Pedro de Heredia, founder of the city and explorer of its hinterland
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The historic center is surrounded by 11 kilometers of defensive walls. These were complemented by fortifications along the coast, making Cartagena a militarily impregnable city. The walls, made in several stages, were designed to protect the city from continual pirate attacks, was built between 1614 and 1796.
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An illustration of the Raid on Cartegena in 1697 by French privateers. The raid was led by Bernard Desjean, Baron de Pointis, who made off with roughly 2,000,000 livres in loot. The burning settlement is seen in the background (1698, Pierre Landry).
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Siege of Cartagena de Indias of 1741, where Spanish Empire forces of 2,800 men, commanded by Blas de Lezo, defeated the British fleet and armies of 23,600 soldiers under Admiral Edward Vernon. The failed siege was decisive for the victory of the War of Jenkins' Ear, and allowed the Spanish Crown to maintain economic dominance in the Caribbean until the Seven Years' War.
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Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver. Peter Claver was a Spanish-born Jesuit priest who dedicated his life to helping the enslaved Africans, giving them a sense of their own personal dignity. He became the patron saint of slaves, seafarers, the Republic of Colombia and ministry to Africans.
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Baroque Puerta del Reloj, built between 1704 and 1738, was the main city walls gate. This gate is one of the most successful works of the Hispanic American School of Fortification.
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Playa Blanca Beach, Isla Barú, Cartagena
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The Convent of San Agustín at background, convent built in 16th-century, and since 1828 is occupied by the University of Cartagena. Currently, of the original structure of this convent remains only the cloister, the arches and the supporting walls. The tower is of Italian Revival style and as the large interior garden and courtyard.
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The Museo del Oro contains an important collection of over 600 pieces, of gold and pottery, of the pre-Columbian Zenú indigenous culture.
See also
In Spanish: Cartagena de Indias para niños