cartagena

Cartagena

Very few European cities have the rich and monumental history that is possessed by Cartagena. It was founded almost 2,300 years ago under the name of Quart Hadast. It name as we know it today is derived from its Latin Title Cartago Nova. As well having an abundance of culture Cartagena is also naturally blessed with a coastline that is nothing short of spectacular. One of its beaches Calblanque beach - is part of a nature reserve.

The rich legacy of Cartagena stretches along the shores of its marina. It is a maritime legend and was hugely important in the War of Spanish Succession and the in the War of Independence. The Sea Wall marks the boundaries of its historic quarter. Next to this walled historic quarter is the Military Arsenal, Its walls house the only entrance gate to the city still standing.

The city's seafaring history is evident in many areas and through some of its monuments and architecture. Visitors can enjoy pondering over the prototype submarine designed by the inventor from Cartagena Isaac Peral and the National Museum of Maritime Archaeology which houses the National Centre of Underwater Archaeological Investigation.

The entrance to the town centre is dominated by the Palacio Consistorial or City Hall, a gem of modernist architecture. Amongst the various places of interest that are essential to visit are Catedral Vieja (the Old Cathedral) or the Cathedral of Santa Maria; whose remains stand on the steps of a Roman Theatre discovered in 1987. This structure dates from the 1st century BC and is one of the most important in Spain.

Many of the pieces found on this site can be seen in the Municipal Archaeological Museum, In Torres Park the medieval Castillo de la Concepcion; whose ruins are surrounded by fine gardens, commands a splendid view of the city and harbor, the Byzantine Wall; which, despite its name, is also Roman, and it is the remainder of the Roman road, and the Castle of la Concepcion; a fortress of Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs and Castilians.

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