capital of Caldas departamento, central Colombia, situated on a commanding ridge of the Andean Cordillera (mountains) Central, 6,975 feet (2,126 m) above sea level. Its gray cathedral is visible for miles in all directions. Founded in 1848 by colonists from Antioquia departamento, it is the centre of Colombia's most important coffee-growing district. A cement plant is located in the city, as are factories producing agricultural machines, thread, textiles, refrigerators, dry batteries, furniture, and leather goods. The city is the site of the University of Caldas (1943). Manizales is the halfway point on the principal highway between Bogotá and Medellín and is also connected by highway and railroad with Quindío departamento and Cali. An aerial cableway across the crest of the Cordillera Central links Manizales with Mariquita and the Magdalena River. Pop. (2007 est.) 358,488.