Cartagena History: January 25th – Bula de la Santa Cruzada & More

Cartagena, Spain, boasts a rich and layered history, revealed in daily records stretching back centuries. On January 25th, events ranging from military preparedness to artistic recognition and even encounters with shifting religious allegiances unfolded within the city walls. This glimpse into the past highlights the dynamic nature of Cartagena and the challenges and triumphs of its people.

A City on Alert: Military and Civic Life in Early 17th Century Cartagena

In 1601, the city’s regidores – council members – compiled a detailed list of Hijosdalgos, individuals of noble birth, to ensure they weren’t unnecessarily called upon for military service. This demonstrates a concern for maintaining a functional citizenry while also upholding military readiness. A year later, in 1602, the Cabildo authorized payment of one hundred reales to Pedro Ros for his skill in bullfighting, a popular form of entertainment.

Did You Know? In 1605, a new bell for the city tower cost 2,589 reales, weighing between fourteen and fifteen quintales.

The need for civic upkeep extended beyond entertainment. In 1605, the bell of the new tower clock broke, prompting a commission to Gaspar Berenguer, a metalworker from Orihuela, to create a replacement. This new bell was substantial, weighing between fourteen and fifteen quintales and costing 2,589 reales. Practical concerns also extended to public safety; in 1615, Juan Alonso was paid four ducats by the Ayuntamiento for killing two wolves within city limits.

Papal Influence and Shifting Allegiances

The year 1619 brought a significant religious and political event: the arrival of an alguacil bearing the Bula de la Santa Cruzada, a papal bull offering indulgences to those who financially supported the Crusades. The city’s Alcalde ordered accommodations be found for the alguacil, underscoring the importance placed on disseminating this message. The Bula de la Santa Cruzada, originating in the 11th century with Pope Urban II, initially offered spiritual benefits to those participating in or supporting wars against non-believers. Over time, these benefits expanded to include indulgences and were used to fund not only military campaigns but also church construction and repairs, continuing until 1966.

Expert Insight: The arrival of the Bula de la Santa Cruzada illustrates the enduring influence of the papacy on European affairs, even in a Spanish port city. While the Crusades themselves had largely concluded, the practice of issuing these bulls continued for centuries, demonstrating the Church’s ongoing efforts to raise funds and maintain spiritual authority.

Later events reveal the complexities of international relations. In 1656, the arrival of the Marqués de los Vélez, the King’s adelantado, coincided with a city-wide alert triggered by the sighting of a Dutch naval squadron. Fortunately, the squadron proved to be from a friendly nation, allowing the Marqués to focus on fortifying Cartagena’s defenses.

From Vagrants to Renegades: Life in 18th and 19th Century Cartagena

Life wasn’t always about grand defenses or religious decrees. In 1752, Matías Fernández, a former military musician deemed a vagrant, was assigned to work at the Royal Arsenal. More dramatic events unfolded in 1770 when three soldiers from the Flandes regiment and one from the Navy deserted and sought refuge on a Moroccan ship. When confronted, they declared they had renounced their faith and converted to Islam.

Cartagena also saw moments of naval success. In 1806, a falucho – a small, fast sailing vessel – commanded by Alférez de Fragata D. Isidoro del Postigo, captured and sank an English ship that had been preying on Spanish vessels and holding Spanish prisoners. Political life also progressed; in 1810, Don Ciro García was elected as Cartagena’s deputy to the Cortes after a contested vote.

The 19th century also brought artistic promise and tragedy. In 1837, the poet José Martínez Monroy was born, but his life was cut short at the age of 24, despite showing great potential. In 1863, Don Emilio Manuel de Ortega was appointed Alcalde of Cartagena. A severe storm in 1870 capsized the laúd “San Ramón” in the Escombreras bay, but all six occupants were rescued by the guardacostas “Iluro”.

Modern Cartagena: Shipbuilding and Leisure

The 20th century saw Cartagena embrace industrial progress. In 1961, the cargo ship “María Luisa Velasco,” measuring 116.43 meters in length, was launched from the Bazán shipyard. In 1971, construction began on the La Manga Golf Course, designed by Gregory Peters, with a photograph showing him alongside Sean Connery. Finally, in 1997, the minesweeper “Segura” was launched, capable of carrying a crew of 41 and displacing 585 tons.

These historical records, compiled in the recently published book EFEMÉRIDES DE CARTAGENA by Juan Manzanares García, are available for purchase by emailing [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Bula de la Santa Cruzada?

The Bula de la Santa Cruzada was a papal document offering spiritual benefits, such as indulgences, to those who financially contributed to the Crusades. It originated in the 11th century and continued to be issued until 1966.

Who was the Marqués de los Vélez?

The Marqués de los Vélez was the adelantado of the King who arrived in Cartagena in 1656 to defend the city after the sighting of a Dutch naval squadron.

What happened in 1806 involving a Spanish falucho?

In 1806, a falucho commanded by Alférez de Fragata D. Isidoro del Postigo sank an English ship that had been capturing Spanish vessels and holding Spanish prisoners.

Considering the long history of Cartagena, how might modern challenges – such as tourism or economic development – be viewed by those who lived through the events documented in these historical records?