What to see and do in Cartagena, Spain

Visited May 2005

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Cartagena is a coastal city located in the region of Murcia in southeastern Spain and is known for its rich history, architecture, and picturesque port.

Cartagena has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Roman Empire. The city was an important naval base for the Romans and later for the Spanish Empire, and many of its buildings and monuments reflect this rich history. Some of the most notable landmarks in Cartagena include the Roman Theatre, the Punic Wall, and the Naval Museum of the Spanish Armada.

We visited Cartaagena on 5/25/2005 and enjoyed walking thru the city and visiting the Roman Amphitheatre.

Cartagena, Spain was founded around 227 BC. It is one of the most important ports in the western Mediterranean. There is an abundance of Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine and Moorish remains in the city. The mines near Cartagena provided silver and lead for all the Roman Empire. The Roman Amphitheatre was sited where the now abandoned Bullring was built, but only some of the surrounding walls and part of the rooms under the stands are still visible. The Roman Theatre is the second largest of the Iberian Peninsula. The remains of the Santa María la Vieja Cathedral date from the end of the 13th century. It was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. The Castillo de los Moros is across from Concepcion hill. It is a moorish castle built in 1773-1778 and is 820 feet in length.

Cartagena is also known for its stunning architecture, including the modernist buildings that line the Paseo Alfonso XII and the elegant buildings in the historic center. The city's port is one of its most attractive features, with a marina and a promenade lined with restaurants, bars, and shops.

In recent years, Cartagena has become a popular destination for tourists, who come to explore its history, enjoy its beaches, and sample its delicious cuisine. Visitors can also take boat trips to nearby destinations, such as the Islas Hormigas nature reserve, or simply relax and soak up the sun on one of the city's many beaches.

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The wall surrounding the old city of Cartagena.

View of the bull fighting ring.

View of the Roman Amphitheatre.

View of the port from the city.