Picture of Balconies are embellished by flowers in Cartagena (Cartagena, Colombia)

Flowers hanging from balconies are a common sight in Cartagena

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A city of balconies, of flowers, of small squares and a defensive wall, of delicate, warm late afternoon light falling right through the streets, Cartagena has plenty of reasons to keep the visitor busy.
An indigenous settlement used to be here before San Pedro de Heredia founded Cartagena de Indias in 1533. It soon developed and gained importance. Within decades, Cartagena was the major assembly point for the Spanish for the treasures they plundered in their newly found colonies in South America. Its main purpose was a trading port for gold and slaves. Consequently, it gained importance as the gateway for South America, but at the same time, as a prime target for pirates and foreign powers. Since the city became very prosperous, the appearance of the city was affected as well. The city was attacked, and sacked, several times, probably most infamously by Francis Drake who destroyed around a quarter of the city in 1586, including the cathedral. In order to defend the newly found wealth and prevent more disastrous attacks, the city needed to be defended. A wall was erected that surrounded the city, and various fortresses built to make conquering this important city next to impossible.
Read more about: Cartagena de Indias

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