Murallas de CARTAGENA | en 24 Minutos

History of Fortifications in Cartagena de Indias

Introduction to Cartagena's Military History

• Andrés Cervantes introduces the topic, focusing on the fortifications of Cartagena de Indias and their historical significance.

• He notes that while many battles occurred, only a few defeats led to significant changes in military infrastructure.

Early Foundations (1533 - 1586)

• The fortress built by Pedro de Heredia was primarily a stockade for protection against wildlife and indigenous threats.

• In 1566, construction began on Boquerón fort to secure the southern front, closing access to the Bay of Las Animas with chains.

• Sir Francis Drake's attack in 1586 highlighted vulnerabilities; he successfully ransomed the city, prompting urgent fortification efforts.

Strategic Developments Post-Drake (1595 - Early 1600s)

• Bautista Antonelli was commissioned in 1595 to redesign fortifications, advocating for thicker walls better suited for cannon fire.

• The early 1600s saw replacements of older forts due to natural wear; San Matías replaced Punta Icacos fort.

Expansion and Reinforcement (1614 - 1631)

• Cristóbal de Roda took over Antonelli’s project from 1614 until his death in 1631, overseeing significant bastion constructions.

• New bastions were strategically placed further from the city to allow agricultural land within walls during potential sieges.

• A drawbridge was constructed at the mouth of the bridge as a defensive measure against enemy access.

Final Adjustments and Challenges (1631 - 1636)

• The Santangel fort was built but quickly deemed ineffective; strategic rethinking led to dismantling certain forts for interior bay fortification.

Fortifications of Cartagena: Historical Overview

Early Fortifications and Strategic Importance

• The suburb area began to be fortified by the Franciscan community in 1631 under Francisco de Murga, starting with the bastion of San Lorenzo to protect against threats.

• The fortification aimed to control contraband and secure access to the port spring, leading to the construction of additional bastions like Santa Isabel and San José.

• Getsemaní's annexation increased surveillance from these bastions, making Media Luna gate the primary land access point to Cartagena.

• To enhance protection at this entrance, a ravelin was built on the bridge; however, other lesser-used entrances required guarding as well.

• The period ended with Francisco de Murga's death in 1636, marking a transition in military strategy.

Shifts in Military Strategy (1640 - 1697)

• A seemingly minor event in 1640 involving Portuguese slave ships running aground led to significant changes in Cartagena's military approach.

• Plans were made to fortify Bocachica by dismantling older forts; however, delays resulted in abandonment while new defenses were constructed.

• By 1683, efforts culminated in connecting bastions with stockades that limited boat passage but secured city defenses significantly.

• In April 1697, during a conflict between Spain and France, Baron de Pointis attacked Cartagena, capturing key forts and causing extensive damage.

• This defeat necessitated major adjustments to fortifications under Juan de Herrera’s direction following heavy losses.

Reinforcement Efforts Post Defeat (1714 - 1741)

• In response to earlier vulnerabilities exposed during battles, new batteries were constructed around Bocachica starting from 1714 for better defense.

• Significant rebuilding efforts included reinforcing San Felipe castle due to its proven military importance after previous conflicts highlighted its weaknesses.

• By the late 1720s, various fortifications were repaired or rebuilt; however, some structures like Manga fort remained neglected despite their strategic significance.

• Anticipating war with England in 1739 led to temporary reinforcements at San Felipe using wooden structures for immediate defense needs.

• The siege by Edward Vernon in 1741 revealed critical flaws as he neutralized several forts before advancing towards inner bay defenses.

Consequences of English Siege

• Vernon's successful siege allowed him access through Bocachica after destroying key batteries that had not been effective previously.

The Siege of Cartagena: A Historical Overview

The Initial Siege and Defense

• The Spanish army took refuge in the castle of San Felipe as the enemy approached, believing victory was near with only one fortress left to conquer.

• The castle's strategic position allowed it to bombard the enemy; however, attempts to attack were futile, forcing the English army into the jungle where many fell ill or deserted.

• After suffering numerous casualties, the English retreated, marking a significant victory for Cartagena. It is suggested that had Cartagena fallen, Latin America might have been predominantly English-speaking today.

Fortification Developments (1741 - 1798)

• Following the siege, a rethinking of defensive strategies began in 1741. Many fortifications required repairs and reinforcements.

• Viceroy Sebastián de Eslava ordered improvements at Boquerón and construction of San Sebastián del Pastelillo by Juan Bautista Mac Evan.

• Efforts were made to maintain Bocagrande's closure to protect Bocachica’s fortifications; however, success was limited during this period.

Construction of New Defenses

• New fortifications included San Fernando on ruins of San Luis and reconstruction efforts at San José fort in Bocachica.

• By completing Cerro de San Lázaro's defenses and Media Luna Gate bastions, attackers faced formidable obstacles when approaching Cartagena.

• Modifications were made to deteriorating structures like the San Carlos bastion which became Ballestas platform due to natural wear.

Enhancements Against Natural Elements

• In the 1770s, a marina breakwater was completed to mitigate wave impacts on walls; efforts continued with Bocagrande breakwater construction finished in 1778.

• While effective in protecting fortifications, these structures inadvertently created beaches that reduced wall effectiveness; additional breakwaters were constructed for reinforcement.

Final Fortification Works and Independence Struggles

• By 1798, major works including Santa Clara vault completion marked an end to this phase of fortification development making Cartagena nearly impregnable.

The Path Towards Independence (1810 - 1821)

• As Spanish territories rebelled around 1810, Cartagena also sought independence leading to Pablo Morillo's siege in 1815 lasting almost four months under dire conditions for residents.

• With supplies running out and desperation setting in among civilians who resorted to eating pets or rats, leaders eventually abandoned the city leaving it vulnerable again.

The Longest Siege for Freedom

• Following years of battles for independence across Colombia, by July 1820 most regions were free from Spanish control except Cartagena which faced another prolonged siege lasting approximately 15 months until October 1821.

The Transformation of Cartagena's Fortifications

Decline of Fortifications and Urban Development

• By the end of the 19th century, many fortifications in Cartagena, including the Palo Alto hornabeque and Mass and Crespo batteries, fell into disrepair as they lost practical use. A notable construction during this time was a clock tower built over the mouth of the bridge.

• The city's growth outside its walls led to urban interventions known as “El Murallicide,” as access to the walled center became limited to one door with curfews.

Demolition and Reconstruction Efforts

• In 1883, significant demolitions occurred, including the Media Luna door and ravelin, which were used to construct the Heredia bridge. This trend continued with further demolitions in subsequent years.

• To address unhygienic market conditions throughout Cartagena, in 1904, bastions Santa Isabel and Barahona were demolished to create a base for what would become Gethsemane market.

Expanding Infrastructure

• In 1905, efforts to improve mobility in Getsemaní resulted in cutting through a stretch of wall. New openings were created for better connectivity between neighborhoods.

• During celebrations for Cartagena's independence centenary in 1911, part of the wall between bastions San Francisco and San Ignacio was demolished for expansion purposes.

Health Concerns Leading to Further Changes

• Following Panama Canal regulations established in 1914 that required quarantine for ships from unhealthy ports like Cartagena, sections deemed unsanitary were demolished.

• An explosion in 1938 destroyed remaining parts of Santa Cruz castle that had been used as a gunpowder warehouse, leaving only vestiges today found at a naval club.

Recognition and Preservation Efforts

• In the latter half of the 20th century, awareness grew regarding architectural heritage; restoration efforts began on remaining fortifications. Notably, San Juan del Manzanillo was transformed into an official residence by architects Rogelio Salmona and Germán Téllez around 1980.