Cartagena – the most detailed information about the city with photos. Cartagena main attractions with descriptions, travel guides and maps.
The City of Cartagena (Spain)
Cartagena (Spanish: Cartagena) is a city on the southeastern coast of Spain in the Murcia region. It is one of the oldest ports in Europe, founded by the Carthaginians. Cartagena is an amazing mix of several cultures: from ancient Romans and Phoenicians to Arabs and Spaniards. With one of the best natural harbors in Spain and its surroundings rich in mineral ores, the city has played an important role for millennia. Here, you can see the ruins of an ancient Roman theater, Medieval Moorish fortifications, and interesting modernist buildings.
Like many ancient cities, Cartagena can be divided into two parts: the historic center and the Puerta del Cartagena (the coastline). The historic center contains the main landmarks and architectural monuments. The coastline is home to a yacht port, and the promenade is lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars.
Geography and Climate
Cartagena is located on the Costa Cálida coast in southeastern Spain and is surrounded by the Sierra de Almenara and Sierra de Algarrobo mountain ranges. The climate is arid or Mediterranean. About 300 mm of precipitation falls per year. The average annual temperature is around 20 degrees. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 13.7 degrees Celsius. Summers are dry and hot.
Beaches of Cartagena
The coastline of Cartagena is more than 30 km long. There are many excellent sandy beaches here: Cala Cortina, Islas Menores, El Galua Beach, Playa del Casteller, Playa de Bahia, Playa de Nares.
Practical Information
- Population – 214,200 people.
- Area – 558.08 square kilometers.
- Language – Spanish.
- Currency – Euro.
- Visa – Schengen.
- Time – Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
- Tourist information center is located at: Palacio Consistorial. Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- Best time to visit – April-June and September-November.
History
The first settlement in the area of Cartagena was founded by Iberian tribes. The first mentions of the city date back to 227 BC, when the Carthaginians established the city of Qart Hadasht here, which gave them control over the mines of the southeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. Later, the new city became one of the main naval bases of the Phoenician state. Around 209 BC, Cartagena was incorporated into the Roman Empire. The city was renamed Carthago Nova, meaning New Carthage. Cartagena became one of the most important Roman colonies on the Iberian Peninsula, second only to Cordoba and Tarragona (Tarraco). In the 5th century AD, the city was sacked by the Vandals.
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the establishment of Visigothic rule in Spain, Cartagena was conquered by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The city became the capital of the Byzantine province and was renamed Carthago Spartaria. In 662, the Visigoths captured and completely destroyed the city. Later, Cartagena was conquered by the Moors.
In 1245, Cartagena was reclaimed by the King of Castile. In 1296, the city became part of the Kingdom of Aragon, but nine years later it returned to the Castilian crown, becoming an important commercial and military port. In the 16th century, the strategic and military importance of Cartagena grew. The city became one of the largest and most important naval bases in Spain. In the 18th and 19th centuries, many industrial and military facilities were built here. In the 20th century, Cartagena developed energy and shipbuilding industries.
How to Get There
The nearest airports are located in Murcia and Alicante. There is regular rail service between Cartagena and Murcia. Murcia is easily accessible from Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville.
Shopping and Purchases
Most shops and the El Corte Inglés shopping center are located on the pedestrian promenade starting from the harbor.
Cuisine
The gastronomy of the region is characterized by richness and diversity, due to the proximity of the sea and the large amount of agricultural land. Typical dishes of the local cuisine include paella, fish, and seafood (fried, baked, and salted), fancy bread, gazpacho seasoned with breadcrumbs, vegetables with sausages and meat, rice with snails, braised turkey with celery, rabbit with chestnut.
Attractions
The Roman Theater – an ancient structure around two thousand years old. The ruins of Roman buildings were discovered in 1988 under the old cathedral, which was destroyed during the Civil War. The theater is preserved by two-thirds, which allowed for very detailed restoration. During the excavations, amazing artifacts of the past were found: the altar of Jupiter, the statue of Apollo, and medieval Arab ceramics. All of this is now preserved in the Museum of the Roman Theater.
The Castillitos Battery is located on the Tiñoso cape, a 30-minute drive from Cartagena. It was built in the 1930s to protect the coast. The bizarre towers in a medieval style are combined with the mountains and look strange next to the ominous black batteries.
The former cathedral of Cartagena is located next to the Roman theater. The building was destroyed during the Civil War, but it is still considered a national monument. The cathedral itself is known since the 13th century and is built in the Neoromanesque style.
The Royal Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy or Nuestra Señora de la Caridad is a Catholic temple in the Neoclassical style. It dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The basilica was built on the site of a 17th-century hospital, modeled after the Pantheon in Rome.
El Carmen – an 18th-century Catholic church in the Baroque style, located in the historic center of Cartagena. It was part of the Carmelite monastery until the 19th century.
San Domingo – a 17th-century Catholic church in the Baroque and eclectic style. It was built as an addition to the San Isidoro monastery of the Dominican order. The church consists of a rectangular nave with brick walls. The most outstanding part of the temple is the richly decorated brown chapel, built in 1690 and rebuilt in the 18th century.
The center of Cartagena is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture. The most beautiful modernist buildings are: Palacio Pedreño, Casa Cervantes, Palacio de Aguirre, and Gran Hotel. The most outstanding and beautiful building in this style in Cartagena is the Palacio Consistorial, built in the late 19th century. The facade of the building is entirely made of white marble and crowned with domes covered with local zinc.
Calle Mayor – the main pedestrian boulevard of the city, paved with bright marble tiles and lined with numerous shops and restaurants.
The Most Interesting Museums of Cartagena:
In addition to the Roman Theater Museum, we recommend visiting:
- The Municipal Archaeological Museum – has collections ranging from Neanderthal remains and Phoenician ceramics to tools found in Roman mines in the mountains on the outskirts of the city.
- ARQUA – the Maritime Archaeological Museum. This is a place where you can see wonderful historical artifacts recovered from the bottom of the sea, as well as a research center for experts and scientists in this field.
Accommodation
Cartagena offers a wide range of accommodation options for tourists to suit any taste and budget. From luxurious five-star hotels to cozy inns and guesthouses. The city also has many apartments and flats for rent, both short-term and long-term.
Accommodation prices in Cartagena are quite moderate, especially compared to other popular resorts in Spain. On average, the price per night in a hotel starts from 50 euros, and renting an apartment for a week will cost from 300 euros. More budget options, such as hostels and apartments, can be found from 20-30 euros per night. The most favorable prices are usually offered for advance bookings.
Conclusion
Cartagena is an ancient Spanish port rich in history and culture, which has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Murcia. Wonderful beaches, historical landmarks, vibrant architecture, and the picturesque surroundings of the city attract visitors throughout the year. Here, entertainment and relaxation, gastronomic delights and active recreation are combined. Cartagena is the perfect place for those who want to discover the real Spain with its authentic history and charm.
