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 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.

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

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

Other places named Cartagena exist in the broader region, reflecting the common usage of the name in Spanish-speaking countries.