The first urban settlement on the territory of modern Colombia was founded by Indian tribes in the 8th century BC, and was discovered only in 1972. Ciudad Perdida is now called the "lost city", and the second period of the founding of cities began with the beginning of Spanish colonization. We make a short historical and geographical excursion, and visit the largest cities in Colombia, whose population exceeds 400 thousand inhabitants.
1
Bogota
In the Northern Andes, at an altitude of 2,610 m above sea level, the quarters of the Colombian capital are spread. The city was founded by the Spanish colonialists in 1538, and named it Santa Fe de Bogota, which means "Closest to the Stars."
The architecture of the center is represented by the traditional Spanish colonial style. Here are majestic government buildings, behind which a chain of English mansions stretches. Bogotá is developing dynamically and systematically, and one-story suburban slums are replaced by tall skyscrapers.
The country's largest city has a little more than 8 million people, and this is the largest metropolitan area of the Latin American country, with more than 10 million inhabitants.
2
Medellin
The administrative, economic and cultural center of the Antioquia department began with the small village of San Lorenzo back in 1616. And now in Medellin, spread out on the banks of the Porse River, lives 2 million 500 thousand inhabitants.
The most visited attraction is the museum of the famous architect Fernando Botero. On an area of 30 thousand km² there are art galleries, a magnificent sculpture park of the master, recreation areas and studios where modern artists work.
At the end of the last century, Medellin was one of the most dangerous cities in the world, due to the actions of paramilitary groups and the cocaine cartel. Today, the number of murders and crimes has decreased significantly. But about the most dangerous cities in Russia, we somehow wrote on thebiggest.ru pages.
3
Kali
Founded in 1536, the settlement received the name Santiago de Cali, as it laid the settlement on St. James the Mavroborets Day, or as it is called in Spain, Santiago Matamoros.
Historians and geographers argue about the origin of the name. Some believe that the name "Kali" in the language of the Indian tribes paes means "knitting without needles." Others argue that the Aztecs gave a beautiful and unusual name, because in their Kali language this is a house. For some time, the Aztecs controlled this part of the continent.
According to statistics, 2,357,000 people live in Cali. Thousands of tourists and music lovers come here every year to a music festival held in honor of Petronio Alvarez.
Did you know that in Kali is one of the most famous statues of Jesus Christ? TheBiggest recently published an article about this.
4
Barranquilla
The list is continued by the majestic Barranquilla, spread out on the ocean coast, in the north of the country. It is first mentioned in documents under 1629, and since its foundation it is considered the Golden Gate of Colombia.
Today it is the largest port and industrial center of South America on the Atlantic coast. 1 million 600 thousand inhabitants live in and around the city. Barranquilla is famous for its folklore festival, which occupies the 3rd place in Latin America in importance.
The townspeople are proud of their famous natives, among them the world pop star Shakira, as well as Paulina Vega Dieppe, who won the title “Miss Universe” in 2014.
5
Cartagena
The full name of Cartagena de Indias, and it was founded in the Indian territories in 1533. Located in a convenient bay of the Caribbean Sea, the port has become an important trading center, from which gold and silver were sent to the Old World.
Ethnically motley Cartagena is one of the most important tourist centers of the country, as well as the main Colombian port. According to the census, just over 900 thousand people now live in it, and with the suburbs and environs, this figure is 1.3 million.
The famous fortress Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, built in the middle of the XVI century, rises above Cartagena. Other attractions include the central Bolivar square, souvenir shops and a historical museum.
6
Cucuta
The city was founded in 1733, and until 1793 it was called San José de Guazimales. The first part was left, and then the word “Kuruta” was added to it, which in the Bari language means “The Goblin House”.
Before the Europeans arrived, there was a small settlement here, and then around the built church, residential quarters began to grow rapidly. In 1875, Kuruta survived a massive earthquake. After the natural disaster, it had to be built almost anew.
There are many parks in the city, and it is the greenest city in the South American state. Tourists admire Avenue of Light, on which exotic palm trees and ficuses are planted. The pearl of the North is often jokingly called a city without borders, and 750 thousand inhabitants live in it.
7
Soledad
Soledad was founded in 1640, and for the first time a settlement with this name is found in documents under 1598. It was at this time that the first Europeans came here.
The Spaniards relocated here only 8 Indians who built a pig farm. So the story of Soledad begins with it. He received the status of the city in 1813, and in 1830 the first president of the country, Simon Bolivar, was treated in one of his hospitals.
590 thousand inhabitants live in Soledad, but it is considered the fastest growing in Colombia. In 1959, the Ernesto Cortissos Airport began operating here, which at that time was the largest in the country.
8
Ibague
In the heart of Colombia are the squares, streets and residential areas of Ibague, which was founded in 1550. The founder is considered Antonio Lopez Galarsa, who originally named the settlement of Villa de San Bonifacio de Ibague del Valle de las Lanzas.
During the period of the Republic of New Granada, when Colombia was just forming as an independent state, Ibague was the capital of the newly-formed state. The city developed, and in 1908, when the department of Tolim was formed, it became its center.
Tourists come here because the huge Los Nevados National Park is nearby. In the city, among the attractions stand out the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the Bolivar Park.
9
Bucaramanga
The most beautiful city in the country was founded in December 1622, and was considered during the period of Spanish expansion the most significant settlement in the north of the South American continent.
Around Bucaramanga rise the high peaks of the Cordillera. Among the peaks and mountain gorges is the Chikamocha National Park, and in the city itself there are many beautiful places that tourists like to visit.
The city has a population of 516 thousand inhabitants, and this is the last number of inhabitants which exceeds half a million people. In tourist guides Bucaramanga is often called the city of parks. There are many pedestrian areas, beautiful shopping centers and architectural monuments of different historical eras.
By the way, there is a very interesting article about the largest cities in the world on thebiggest.ru.
10
Monteria
On both banks of the Sinu River are picturesque quarters and streets of the town of Monteria. According to the census, 422.17 thousand people live in it.
It was founded by the Spanish officer Antonio de la Torre y Miranda, who in 1777 ordered the construction of several residential buildings here. The rural settlement developed rapidly, and in 1807 Monteria appropriated the status of a city.
In 1952, Monteria became the administrative center of the province of Cordoba. From the north, the city rests on the Caribbean coast with magnificent comfortable beaches. In addition, it is an important transport hub, as there is a river port.
11
Manizales
In the picturesque valley of the Cauca River in the foothills of the Central Cordillera in 1848, the city of Manizales was founded. The economy specializes in agriculture.
In addition to agriculture, the textile and shoe industries are developed here, and part of the population is engaged in mechanical engineering. According to the census, 420 thousand inhabitants live in the city. Among the historical sites of interest is the Immasulada Concepcion Church, as well as the mountain cable car, along which coffee is transported. Since 1968, a festival has been held in the main square that gathers thousands of participants.
Not far from the city is the volcano Nevado del Ruiz, which is why frequent earthquakes occur here. Manizales in 1875 and 1878 was completely destroyed, but thanks to the hard work of the inhabitants it was quickly restored.
12
Santa marta
The city with a romantic name is the center of the department with the same beautiful name Magdalena. It was founded not far from the Sierra Nevada mountain system in 1525, and named after St. Martha.
The growth of the urban settlement was the construction of a canal to the Magdalena River. A river port began to function, linking the northern regions of the country. From Bogota in 1961, a railway line was drawn here, which contributed to the development of tourism. In Santa Marta, 416 thousand people live.
The main attraction of Santa Marta is the archaeological museum, which contains unique artifacts of the pre-Columbian era. Tourists also enjoy visiting the ruins of the ancient monastery of San Domingo and Tayrona Park.
Finally
The largest cities in Colombia are evenly distributed throughout the country. This is a highly urbanized state, if you look at the population, because only 30% of citizens live in rural areas. A synthesis of two civilizations is noticeable in all the settlements of the country. The first, introduced by the Spanish conquistadors, and the second, formed within the indigenous Native American population. That is why Colombian cities are unique in their architecture, culture and traditions.
And here is a map with the cities of Colombia marked in the article:
Posted by Valery Skiba