Founded in 1540 on the banks of the River Magdalena, Mompox played a fundamental role in the Spanish takeover of northern South America. From the 16th to 19th century the city developed in parallel with the river, with the main street acting as a dike. The historic centre has preserved the harmony and unity of the urban landscape that was built then. Most of the buildings are still being used for their original purposes, providing an exceptional picture of what a Spanish colonial city was like.