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Esraa Mahmoud
Esraa Mahmoud
Founded in 227 BC by the Carthaginian Hasdrubal, Cartagena is a lively port city on Spain’s southeastern Mediterranean coast. The city has a long history with a wealth of monuments documenting the influence of many cultures.
Cartagena’s geographical location and proximity to the sea marked its primary functions, trade, and protection of the territory. Various ships are still moored to the city’s shores, and structures from the heyday of the Roman Empire have been preserved in the centre of Cartagena.
Even today, the architecture of the Spanish city is distinctly medieval, but there is something to see for enthusiasts of the later eras, like baroque and art nouveau. As a rather small city, it is easy to go from one place to another in Cartagena. To help you have the best trip in the city, here is our list of the best things to do and the best places to visit in Cartagena.
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Best Places to Visit in Cartagena
Cartagena, a captivating blend of history and tropical paradise, offers an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich heritage by exploring the stunning walled city and its iconic landmarks, or escape to the pristine beaches of the Rosario Islands for ultimate relaxation.
Tour of the Roman Theatre
Of all the wonderful Roman monuments in Cartagena, the 2,000-year-old theatre should be your first port of call. It was recently discovered in 1988 under the ruins of the old cathedral, which had been destroyed during the bombing of the Spanish Civil War.
Cartagena has the second-largest Roman theatre in the Iberian Peninsula. Dating back to the first century, it was opened in honour of the visit of Gaius Caesar, grandson of Emperor Augustus. Behind and visible from the top-tier theatre are the Cathedral of Cartagena and the remains of a Byzantine wall.
About two-thirds of the building materials of the theatre were still in place when it was discovered. The theatre could accommodate more than 6,000 people. It is accessed via a pink building, which also houses the Roman Theatre Museum.
Over three floors, the museum has a huge collection of Roman statues and artefacts, then leads across a glass bridge into the theatre itself. In the museum, you will see the fantastic objects discovered during the excavations, among which is an altar to Jupiter, a statue of Apollo, engraved lintels, plates, and Islamic ceramics of the Middle Ages. Visiting the Roman Theatre and its museum is the perfect start for your activities in Cartagena.
Understanding Ancient History at the Punic Wall
Cartagena has made great efforts to explain its sometimes-complicated history for visitors. This is clear in the Punic Wall Interpretation Centre, which protects the remains of Cartagena oldest part, the Punic Wall, under glass walkways, while a video explains the foundation of Cartagena.
It is of particular historical value because very few remains of Punic Spain remain. During excavations, the 16th-century hermitage of San Jose was discovered. What remains is the monk’s crypt, with bones and skulls resting in several stories of burial niches and a rather macabre representation of the dance of death. The Punic Wall in Cartagena is not like anything you have seen before.
Marvel at the Casa de la Fortuna
You have seen the theatre and the history of the port; now is your chance to know how the rich citizens of Roman Cartagena lived. Cartagena lived through its prime when it was part of the Roman Empire.
The wealth of its citizens derived from trade and abundant silver mines in the surrounding countryside. The Casa de la Fortuna is proof of that. This is a marvellous and well-preserved Roman villa from the first century.
The name of the building comes from a Latin inscription on its back entrance: “Fortuna Propecia,” which means “good luck” and would have greeted all visitors. It is easy to become familiar with the site, so many walls and decorations remain as well as a part of the Roman road outside.
Furniture, tools, and mannequins dressed in period clothing evoke a vivid image of how a wealthy Roman merchant lived. Discovered only in 2000, the villa originally expanded to 2,200 square metres. At the back of the house, you can see part of a Roman road with huge stone slabs and remains of their advanced channelling.
Make sure to visit Casa de la Fortuna and admire the floor mosaics and colourful murals, including a swan, which is the most famous image of the villa.
Discover Art Deco along with the Calle Mayor
Connecting the Plaza de San Sebastián to the north to the Cartagena City Hall, this ravine-like pedestrian street, Calle Mayor, is paved with distinctive blue marble slabs. It is a typical Spanish “Paseo,” where families and couples walk together or meet with friends.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the growing mining industry brought prosperity to the city with its richly decorated houses and public buildings. There are many outstanding examples of that, like the triangular city hall and the casino. FYI: casinos in Spain are not for gambling, but they are the seat of a cultural society.
The street is home to many remarkable buildings, like the former Grand Hotel, now a bank, and the pink and white Casa Aguirre, which also houses the Museum of Regional Modern Art. Finally, make sure to take a break in Cartagena’s most traditional bar, La Tartana.
BaterĂa de Castillitos
Sitting 30 minutes from Cartagena is the spectacular Cape Tiñoso, which is accessible by dirt roads. At its tip of 250 metres, you can admire the extraordinary mountainous landscape of this natural park.
After spending some time at the top, go visit the installation in the area that mixes frivolous architecture with fleshy and sinister artillery guns. It was built in the mid-1930s during the reign of Primo de Rivera as part of a series of batteries defending the coast of Cartagena.
The BaterĂa de Castillitos is an amazing historical site that you must include in your itinerary while in Cartagena.
Castillo de la ConcepciĂłn
Cartagena had long been in decline by the time the Moors arrived in Spain. It is worth noting that for centuries, it was believed that they had not left any mark on the city at all, but excavations of the walls of this Castillo de la ConcepciĂłn proved otherwise.
Located on the hill of the same name, the castle was an Alcazaba, a fortified palace from the Middle Ages. Long before that, it was a Roman temple of Aesculapius, and the cisterns from that time are still intact. After marvelling at the outside of the castle, take the elevator to the top for supreme views of the harbour and coastal mountains.
Riding the Waves on a Harbour Tour
The natural, protected port of Cartagena is the main reason why so many cultures fought over it. To truly appreciate the beauty of the city, we recommend taking a harbour tour to enjoy the best view of the city from the sea. The tour usually passes by the cruise ship dock and commercial port in the open sea, as well as the last two castles that guard the entrance to the port.
There are two options: a catamaran and or a closed boat with a sun deck. Both depart from the quay, crossing Paseo Alfonso XII and down the stairs. The tour in the boat takes about an hour, while the catamaran trip takes 3 hours and includes a stop at the recently renovated castle Fuerte de la Navidad.
Learn More About Cartagena Naval History
It is not surprising that a city so closely linked to the sea has several venues dedicated to maritime history. The Naval Museum, located in a fine 18th-century building right on the waterfront, has a large collection of tall ship models, naval uniforms, medals, and the Peral U-boat, which was built in the late 19th century by the Spanish sailor Isaac Peral for the country’s navy.
The exhibits are devoted to the construction of ships, marine science, the equipment of different types of troops, naval artillery. One of the halls is thematic; its exhibits are devoted to engineering Isaac Peral; his designs, drawings, and personal belongings are shown here. A visit to the Naval Museum is a must while visiting Cartagena!
Shiver in the Spanish Civil War Museum
The Spanish Civil War, fought from 1936 to 1939, also brought suffering and destruction to Cartagena. The 1936-1939 war was one of the darkest moments in Spanish history, and Cartagena did not escape the destruction. The city was a Republican military stronghold, and, as you may have noticed, it was well-defended against the sea.
This made it a target for bombing raids by Nationalist forces (with the help of the Nazis). Shelters were built around the city. At the Civil War Museum, you will understand what people had to do to survive, and you will also see original signs, propaganda posters, and other artefacts.
There are also touching accounts of the conflict, and you will learn how ingeniously the city tried to trick the Nationalist forces into bombing the wrong places.
Liquor 43 Tour
An adult rainy-day option is a tour of one of Spain’s most exported liquors, Liquor 43, distilled right in Cartagena. Book in advance, and you’ll take a two-hour tour of the premises, picking up tons of factual information from your multilingual guide.
Liquor 43 is a 31% alcohol made from 43 different citrus fruits and spices and pairs well with ice and milk. During the tour, you’ll see the production process up close, from mixing to fermentation, ageing, and bottling. Try to avoid being the designated driver, as the tour ends with cocktails!
Become a Bog or a Novel at the Moors and Christians Festival
Visitors in September are in for a treat as they are given the chance to experience history up close and personal. The largest festival, called Moors and Christians, takes over the city for two weeks with reenactments of battles, and thousands of “soldiers” and “civilians” in period costumes take part in plays and parades.
Everyone wears a piece of evening dress and clinks glasses in the Feria Zone (the soccer stadium) in one of the many tents. If you make it to Cartagena in September, make sure to dress up and join the crowds; you will have so much fun!
Discover Underwater Archaeology in ARQUA
Stepping inside ARQUA is akin to embarking on a captivating voyage through time, exploring the depths of the Mediterranean and beyond. The museum’s thoughtfully curated exhibits take visitors on a journey spanning millennia, showcasing remarkable artefacts salvaged from shipwrecks and submerged settlements, each whispering tales of maritime trade, naval battles, and the lives of those who braved the seas.
One of ARQUA’s most compelling exhibits focuses on the Phoenician and Carthaginian presence in the region. Delicate pottery shards, anchors forged from lead, and remnants of ancient trading vessels paint a vivid picture of the bustling maritime networks that crisscrossed the Mediterranean centuries ago. These artefacts offer tangible evidence of the cultural exchange and economic prosperity that flourished along these ancient sea routes.
ARQUA doesn’t shy away from showcasing the perils of sea travel, with exhibits dedicated to shipwrecks and the stories they hold. The poignant display of the Bajo de la Campana shipwreck, a 17th-century merchant vessel laden with silver coins, offers a glimpse into the tragic realities of maritime disasters and the meticulous work of underwater archaeologists.
ARQUA’s commitment to research and conservation is paramount. The museum houses a dedicated research centre, where experts meticulously study and conserve recovered artefacts, ensuring their preservation for future generations. ARQUA also plays a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of protecting our underwater cultural heritage, highlighting the threats posed by looting and environmental degradation.
Municipal Archaeology Museum
From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by an impressive collection of artefacts that span centuries, meticulously curated to tell the story of Cartagena from its earliest beginnings. The museum’s strength lies in its ability to seamlessly weave together the narrative of Carthaginian, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic influences that have shaped this captivating city.
The journey begins with the pre-Roman era, where Iberian and Punic relics paint a picture of life before the arrival of the Roman Empire. Striking examples of pottery, weaponry, and funerary objects offer glimpses into the rituals and daily life of these early inhabitants. The museum’s star attraction from this period is undoubtedly the intricately carved marble sarcophagus, a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the Carthaginian civilisation.
The Roman era takes centre stage, reflecting Cartagena’s significant role as a major Roman port and military stronghold. The museum boasts an impressive collection of Roman sculptures, including a majestic head of the Emperor Augustus, as well as exquisitely preserved mosaics, amphorae, and everyday objects that bring the Roman period vividly to life. Walking through these galleries, one can almost imagine the hustle and bustle of the Roman city of Carthago Nova, as Cartagena was known then.
The fall of the Roman Empire did not mark the end of Cartagena’s story. The museum carefully documents the Byzantine and Islamic periods, displaying artefacts that reveal the cultural shifts and continuities of these eras. Fragments of Byzantine architecture, intricate Islamic ceramics, and everyday objects provide valuable insights into the changing face of the city.
A visit to the Municipal Archaeology Museum in Cartagena is more than just a museum experience; it is a journey through time, a chance to unearth the layers of history that have shaped this fascinating city. The museum stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Cartagena, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the past and gain a deeper understanding of the present.
Beaches
Another attraction of Cartagena in Spain is the beaches, which offer a variety of entertainment, such as a diverse underwater world, including coral reefs, recreational areas for children, and sports equipment rentals.
Aside from the Playa de Calblanque mentioned above, the most popular beaches in Cartagena include Calblanque, which is located in a protected area, 15 km from the centre; and Fatares, which is located 12 km from the city, near Mount Roldan, the beach is clean, but it is not easy to get here.
In addition to Cortina, which is located 5 km from the centre of Cartagena, just behind the port, next to the shore are the ruins of two fortresses; and El Portus, which is located 11 km from Cartagena to the west, quiet and secluded.
There is also the Mar Menor lagoon with seawater; on its banks, there are recreational centres where you can undergo procedures with therapeutic mud.
In conclusion, Cartagena is a captivating tapestry woven with threads of history and modernity that leaves an enduring impression on all who visit. Its ancient architecture stands as a testament to bygone eras, while its vibrant culture and stunning coastline ensure it remains a top destination. With a magnetic allure that draws both locals and international travellers, Cartagena is a city that should undoubtedly feature on every explorer’s wish list.
