Which country contains the city of Cartagena de Indias?

Cartagena de Indias is a city in Colombia. It stands on the Caribbean coast and is the capital of Bolívar Department, making it one of the country’s most important historic ports and tourist destinations.

Spanish commander Pedro de Heredia founded the city on 1 June 1533 near an Indigenous settlement called Calamarí. Its sheltered bay and access to inland routes made it a crucial port of the Spanish Empire. Silver from the mines of Potosí passed through Cartagena on its way to Europe, while the port also became a major entry point for enslaved Africans.

Because of its wealth, Cartagena repeatedly faced attacks by pirates and rival European powers. Massive walls and forts were built around the city, including Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. The historic walled city and its fortifications became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

This Cartagena should not be confused with Cartagena in Spain, the Mediterranean port after which the Colombian city was named.