doña soledad roman

Why did Doña Soledad Román refuse Rafael Núñez’s first marriage proposal? Doña Soledad Román, a woman of strong character and deep Catholic faith, found herself in a complicated situation. Here, in Cartagena, where she was born in 1835, she lived a life intertwined with politics and tradition. Her father’s botica, a hub for Cartagena’s elite, shaped her early life. It was here that she first met Rafael Núñez, a charismatic politician. Despite their connection, she initially rejected his proposal. A civil marriage contradicted her religious beliefs, a scandal in 19th-century Colombia. Doña Soledad Román was a successful businesswoman, running her tobacco shop, “El Dique”. Her life took a dramatic turn during the 1885 civil war. As Núñez’s support dwindled, Doña Soledad Román used her influence within the Conservative party to rally support for his government. This pivotal moment paved the way for Núñez’s “Regeneration” project, transforming Colombia’s political landscape with the 1886 Constitution and the 1887 Concordat. This agreement, restoring the Catholic Church’s power, reflected Doña Soledad Román’s devout beliefs. It allowed her and Núñez to finally have a Catholic wedding in 1889, after the death of his first wife. Doña Soledad Román’s legacy is one of resilience, unwavering faith, and significant political influence during a tumultuous period in Colombian history. She rests beside Núñez in the Chapel of Las Mercedes, near her beloved El Cabrero estate, a testament to their enduring love story.