Manizales, city in western Colombia, capital of Caldas Department, in the western Cordillera Central mountains. Manizales is connected by rail with Buenaventura and by aerial tramways that traverse the mountains and transport coffee to a town on the Bogotá railroad. A trade in coffee, cocoa, and gold is carried on. Industries include the manufacture of textiles, matches, footwear, and pharmaceuticals and the distilling of liquor. Manizales was founded in 1848. After a fire in 1925, it was rebuilt into a modern city. Located here is the University of Caldas (1943). Population (1997 estimate) 358,194.
