City Hall, Cartagena

The Cartagena City Hall is one of the prominent modernist landmarks in the region. Designed by the Valladolid architect Tomás Rico Valarino, this magnificent structure was constructed between 1900 and 1907. The construction of the City Hall was a response to the thriving growth that Cartagena experienced in the early 20th century. The preexisting town hall, characterized by Herrerian style and dating back to the 16th century, had become inadequate to meet the demands of the city's expansion. Hence, in 1900, work commenced on the new Town Hall, replacing the old one, and culminated in 1907.

The Cartagena City Hall boasts a unique triangular architectural design. Its façade is entirely crafted from white marble, creating a striking visual contrast with the distinctive zinc domes that adorn the roof. The exterior of the building is adorned with recurring representations of the city's emblems: the castle of the Conception from the city's coat of arms and the mural crown, bestowed upon the city by the Roman general Scipio Africanus following his conquest of Carthago Nova.

Upon entering the building, one is immediately captivated by the grand imperial staircase. It serves as the focal point around which various municipal offices, including the plenary hall and the mayor's office, are arranged. The Cartagena City Hall also boasts an impressive collection of cast iron works, such as columns and lamps, that enhance its architectural splendor. Additionally, within its halls, a remarkable array of paintings depicting illustrious figures from the city's history, dating back to the 18th century, can be found.

Despite its grandeur, the Cartagena City Hall faced a significant challenge in its history due to its foundation being built on unstable reclaimed land from the sea. This poor foundation system led to a progressive process of structural deterioration, necessitating restoration efforts. In 1995, the building was temporarily closed for extensive restoration and consolidation works.

The restoration process, however, encountered delays and legal complications related to the construction contract, which prolonged the endeavor for eleven years. Finally, in 2006, the restoration and consolidation efforts were successfully completed, and the Cartagena City Hall once again radiates the same splendor that it possessed when inaugurated a century ago. This iconic building remains a testament to the architectural heritage of Cartagena and stands as a symbol of the city's growth and progress throughout its history.