Cartagena, with about 220,000 inhabitants, is the second city of the Region of Murcia and one of the most important ports on Spain's Mediterranean coast. It lies on a deep bay sheltered by hills, which has made it a naval base for millennia. It is home to the Spanish Navy's main arsenal.
History
It was founded in 227 BC by the Carthaginian general Hasdrubal as Qart Hadasht, "new city", the same name that gave Carthage its name. Taken by Scipio in 209 BC, it became Roman Carthago Nova, rich from silver mines. In the 18th century the Bourbons made it capital of the Mediterranean Maritime Department and built the Arsenal and fortifications. In the 19th and early 20th centuries wealth from the mines of the Sierra Minera paid for modernista buildings. It was the last city to hold out for the Republic in the Civil War.
What to see
- The Roman Theatre, discovered only in 1988 beneath the oldest quarter, one of the largest and best preserved on the peninsula, with a museum designed by Rafael Moneo.
- The Castillo de la Concepción, on the hill, with a panoramic lift and views over the port.
- El Molinete, an archaeological park with Roman baths and houses, and the Roman Forum district.
- The modernista streets, such as Calle Mayor and Calle del Carmen, with the Palacio Consistorial, Casa Cervantes and the Gran Hotel.
- ARQVA, the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, with the Phoenician wrecks of Mazarrón and the treasure of the frigate Mercedes.
- The Naval Museum, the submarine of Isaac Peral, a pioneer of underwater navigation, and the Civil War shelters.
Festivals
- Holy Week, of international tourist interest, with austere and spectacular processions organised by the brotherhoods of the californios and marrajos.
- Carthaginians and Romans, in September, re-enacting the city's ancient history with camps, battles and parades.
Around Cartagena
The Mar Menor, the large salt lagoon, with La Manga, the beaches of Calblanque regional park and the mining town of La Unión, with its Cante de las Minas festival devoted to miners' flamenco.
Getting there
Región de Murcia airport, at Corvera, is about 35 km away; Alicante's is not far either. Cartagena is linked by train with Murcia and Madrid. See also Murcia.