Colombia is home to Cartagena, the historic Caribbean city founded in 1533. Spanish commander Pedro de Heredia established the settlement, which became one of the Spanish Empire’s most important ports in the Americas.
Cartagena’s strategic harbor made it a center for shipping silver, gold, emeralds, and other goods. Because of its wealth and importance, the city was repeatedly attacked by pirates and rival powers. Its extensive fortifications include the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and the walls surrounding the old city.
The historic center, known as the Ciudad Amurallada, preserves colonial streets, plazas, churches, and colorful buildings. UNESCO added the Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments of Cartagena to its World Heritage List in 1984. Cartagena is sometimes confused with Cartagena in Spain, but the South American city is in Colombia and sits on the Caribbean Sea.