Santa Cruz de Mompox

Site: Historic Center of Santa Cruz de Mompox

Location: Colombia

Year Designated: 1995

Category: Cultural

Criteria: (iv)(v)

Reason: Mompox’s well-preserved historic center is an incredible example of a 16th-century Spanish colonial city in the Americas.

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Mompox was founded in 1540. In the colonial era the remote interior town thrived because of its island location in the midst of the Magdalena River—an economic and transportation lifeline from the ocean to the Andes Mountains. In its heyday Mompox was a wealthy city home to a royal mint and storehouses of precious metals and jewels.

Mompox’s prosperity was reflected in its architecture and stately buildings, and squares sprang up on whitewashed streets as the town grew along the riverbank. The city was even a source of strength to frequent visitor Simón Bolívar, who raised troops here in the struggle for the independence of Gran Colombia.

But the town’s fall was a hard one. The river began silting up in the 19th century. Large boats were forced to seek other routes and Mompox was gradually left behind. In more recent times Colombia’s unsettled politics and criminal violence hit the Magdalena Valley region hard. Mompox was long off-limits to visitors because paramilitaries and narco-terrorists were warring.

While the city slumbered on its isolated island, the magnificent historic center and colonial architecture remained preserved and largely unaltered, if a bit decayed, home to perhaps 30,000 people.

Now that the Magdalena Valley is once again safe, visitors are beginning to rediscover an incredible piece of South America’s colonial history. Many of the town's historic buildings are still being used for their original purposes, including churches, palatial homes, schools, city hall, and even the San Juan de Dios hospital.

The ancient trades, too, still flourish here. The city has long been famed for gold jewelry, and modern artists do a fine job of carrying on the tradition.

How to Get There

One reason for Mompox’s time capsule atmosphere is that it’s not easy to reach. There is no bridge to the island and riverboat access is seasonal and sporadic. Most trips involve long, rural drives and a local ferry across the Magdalena. Access is easiest from the Caribbean coast—buses from Cartagena take about eight hours. The Bogotá trip necessitates a 14-hour-plus bus ride and an additional two and a half hours in a hired 4 x 4.

When to Visit

Mompox has only one real high season—the Semana Santa (Holy Week) festival celebrated across South America (and beyond) the week before Easter. It’s an exciting time to visit but advanced planning is essential because accommodations may be scarce.

How to Visit

The pace of life is slow in Mompox. Incredible sights dot the historic center and the place appeals most to those who simply like to wander, relax, and absorb the atmosphere.