Thanks to a grant of 3 million euros from the Italian Government through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), Cartagena is set to enhance its historical heritage, promote a model of sustainable and inclusive tourism, and strengthen the local economy. The official announcement was made on Friday, January 10, by the Italian Ambassador to Colombia, Giancarlo Maria Curcio, from the Palacio de la Aduana in Cartagena, alongside Mayor Dumek Turbay and AICS Bogotá Director Mario Beccia.
The project, approved last December, involves a series of restoration and protection interventions for key landmarks in the city’s historic center, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site 40 years ago. Specifically, the Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria will undergo restoration, and the city walls (built by Italian engineer Gian Battista Antonelli in the 17th century) will be enhanced with walkways and new infrastructure designed to respect the historical architecture while improving accessibility for residents and tourists.
Strengthening the tourism sector and the local economy represents another cornerstone of the project. In total, 74 traditional vendors will receive training and new workstations. Additionally, 3,600 tourism operators, including artisans, youth, and women, will be trained in urban management, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Turin. These actions aim to dignify informal labor—which accounts for 60% of the working population—and foster more equitable and inclusive development.
“Through this initiative, Italy seeks to strengthen its commitment to Colombia and, specifically, to Cartagena by revitalizing its iconic architectural works and focusing on sustainable and community-based tourism,” emphasized Ambassador Curcio.
This project represents the most significant investment by an international donor in preserving Cartagena’s cultural heritage. “We are very pleased to have Italy’s substantial support in comprehensively preserving Cartagena’s architectural and cultural heritage for the benefit of the local community, both socially and economically, and to ensure the long-term conservation of its historical and cultural resources. Our tourism, in addition to being sustainable, must become a driver of socio-economic inclusion for the most vulnerable communities,” said Mayor Dumek Turbay.
With this project, Italy and AICS reaffirm their commitment to promoting a development model that combines sustainability, inclusion, and cultural heritage enhancement in Colombia.
