Cartagena Spain
Overview of the city of Cartagena Spain.
Cities of Spain - Cartagena
Whilst partaking of a stroll around the medieval city of Cartagena in south-eastern Spain and you can sense the history oozing from every wall and street. Cartagena was founded long ago in ancient times (approximately 227 BC) by the Carthaginians ruled by Hasdrubel and they named it named Quart Hadas.
Hasdrubel subsequently died in 221 BC and was replaced by the famous Hannibal (of elephant fame) who established the city as his Iberian capital, impressed by its natural deep harbour bounded by massive, rocky promontories. In 209 BC Cartagena was conquered by the Romans and the name was changed to Carthago Nova. It was re-conquered in later years by the Visigoths and the Moors who all left their distinctive mark on the city.
Various monuments exist from these ancient times including the Roman theatre from the First Century BC, the Punic ramparts (227 BC), the Litema from the Arab presence and the Augusteum one of the best archaeological sites in Cartagena, also Roman and from the First Century BC - the meeting place for the priesthood of the Emperor Augustus.
Predominantly because of its strategic location and its natural deepwater harbour Cartagena has for many centuries been an important commercial centre and was considered to be one of the richest cities of the ancient world. It still is Spain’s primary commercial port and naval base and is renowned as the birthplace of the first modern submarine (1884) - proudly displayed on the quayside. This submarine was designed by Isaac Peral who was himself from Cartagena, the submarine, though, was in fact built in Cadiz. Cartagena Spain has also been a significant mining area, the nearby mountains being exceptionally rich in metallic ores.
The Cartagena area has some of the finest gastronomy in Spain, based mostly on fish and seafood but also including the area's locally grown fruit and vegetables, the Murcia region is very important for agriculture and citrus fruits in particular. Some examples include la ensalada cantonal ( a salad featuring salted fish), caldero, el pulpo a la plancha and el caldo con pelotas (meatballs in broth).
One activity carried out along the surrounding coast is scuba diving - the crystal clear waters are perfect for this popular pursuit and a wide variety of fish species can be spotted including stonefish, morays and octopus. If you are very lucky you may even see the remnants of ancient wooden galleons, many of which sunk off this coast during many centuries of wars and conflict.
Modern day Cartagena is undergoing significant changes with a huge revival program and the city is looking forward to renewed success and prosperity.
Cartagena Links: Cartagena Guide - Cartagena Map - Cartagena Weather - Cartagena Port - Cartagena Museums - Augusteum - Punic Ramparts - Cartagena Article - Municipal Archaeological Museum - Cartagena History
Golf Courses: Roda Golf Resort - Mar Menor Golf Resort - Spain Golf Courses
Related: Murcia - Cartagena - Los Alcazares - Mar Menor - San Javier - La Manga - Mazarron - Murcia Airport Transfers - Builders
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