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Cartagena

Cartagena is a place name that may refer to several cities and towns in the Spanish-speaking world. The name stems from Cartagena in Spain (known in antiquity as Carthago Nova) and was later used by Spanish explorers for settlements in the Americas. The most commonly referenced Cartagenas are in Colombia, Spain, and Chile.

Cartagena, Colombia, commonly called Cartagena de Indias, is a major port city on the Caribbean coast and

Cartagena, Spain, is a city in the Region of Murcia on the Mediterranean coast at the mouth

Cartagena, Chile, is a port city and commune in the Valparaíso Region, located on the Pacific coast.

Other places named Cartagena exist in the broader region, reflecting the common usage of the name in

the
capital
of
the
Bolívar
Department.
It
was
founded
in
1533
by
the
Spanish
and
grew
as
a
strategic
naval
base
and
commercial
hub
during
the
colonial
era.
The
walled
city
and
fortress
complex,
the
Ciudad
Amurallada,
is
a
UNESCO
World
Heritage
Site.
Today
the
city
has
a
diversified
economy
centered
on
ports,
tourism,
and
services,
and
it
is
known
for
its
colonial
architecture,
beaches,
and
historic
district.
of
the
Segura
River.
It
has
ancient
roots
dating
to
Phoenician
and
Carthaginian
times
and
later
developed
as
a
Roman
and
medieval
naval
and
mining
center.
Modern
Cartagena
hosts
a
naval
base
and
an
industrial
economy.
Notable
sights
include
the
Roman
Theatre,
archaeological
museums,
and
coastal
fortifications,
reflecting
its
long
military
and
maritime
history.
It
has
a
history
as
a
fishing
and
shipping
community
and
today
serves
as
a
regional
center
for
agriculture
and
tourism,
with
beaches
and
a
traditional
waterfront.
Spanish-speaking
countries.