Cartagena
Guide to the historic city of Cartagena, located in the Murcia region of Spain.
Cartagena - Costa Calida - Spain
Cartagena is the 2nd largest town in the region of Murcia, it was founded by the Carthaginians in 223 BC. Hannibal used the city as his Iberian capital and named it Quart Hadas, the New City. After conquest by the Romans in 209 BC it was re-named Carthago-Nova or New Carthage.
The Romans, Byzantines and Arabs all took full advantage of Cartagena's perfect natural harbour, surrounded by mountains that were rich in metallic ores. Today this natural harbour is still the home of the biggest Spanish naval base in the Mediterranean.
With the decline of the Roman Empire the city entered a period about which little is known, until the Visigoths dominated the town. In 555 AD the Byzantine troops of Justinian re-conquered the city. It was again under Visigoth control around the year 621 AD, and remained so until the Arab conquest of 734 AD.
In 1245 AD Alfonso 10th re-conquered the city and the Arabs were expelled. The 16th century saw a period of great economical and political revival, sadly brought to a close by the widespread epidemics of that era. However, by the 19th century the area was enjoying new wealth due to the mining industry.
Cartagena is a city where history abounds on every street corner, and although the city has had a period of highs and lows, it enters the 21st Century with an immense programme of restoration and recovery of the many historical and archaeological sights of which this ancient city is so rightly proud.
A Different Perspective by Boat and Bus
A wonderful way to view this ancient city, firstly from the open deck of a modern double decker bus, then by sea around the harbour. Fully equipped with audio guides in various languages, the bus takes a comprehensive yet leisurely route around the city of Cartagena, both ancient and modern. The round trip takes about thirty minutes but gives the visitor all the hints and information necessary to make a more in depth study on foot.
From a position of complete comfort one can see the ancient buildings and old city walls, the archaeological remains from various eras of Cartagena’s past. The bus travels through the historical and the more modern commercial centre of this beautiful city, with busy shops and the many university buildings. Driving past the splendid marine promenade, recently modernised and restored, you arrive to the landing stage for ‘El Barco’, the twin hulled catamaran that takes the visitor on a trip right around the ancient harbour of Cartagena.
During this trip which takes about an hour, commentary is given in various languages telling a fascinating story, not only about the physical features such as the Navidad Lighthouse and Escombreras Islands, but legends and stories about the many castles and fortresses overlooking the harbour.
Still a very important base for the Spanish Navy, there are always various types of warships at their moorships and, if you are lucky, you might see a modern submarine gliding in or out of the harbour. A far cry from the Isaac Peral submarine, which is proudly displayed on the quayside a few hundred metres away. The journey also shows you the commercial side of the harbour, the very busy container depots, the yacht marinas and the small fishing fleet. All in all a very interesting and worthwhile trip, which gives you a really new impression of the Port of Cartagena as you return to it through the bay.
For more information call the Tourist Information office on 968 506 483 or call in the office at Plaza a Bastarreche.
Worth a visit in Cartagena are the Augusteum, the Municipal Archaeological Museum Cartagena and the Punic Ramparts.
Cartagena Links: Cartagena Guide - Cartagena Map - Cartagena Weather - Cartagena History - Cartagena Port - Cartagena Museums - Augusteum - Punic Ramparts - Cartagena Article - Municipal Archaeological Museum
Nearby Places: Torre Pacheco - La Union - Calblanque - Sucina - Aguilas - Fortuna - Lo Pagan - Lorca - Totana
Golf Courses: Roda Golf Resort - Mar Menor Golf Resort - Spain Golf Courses
Related: Murcia - Los Alcazares - Mar Menor - San Javier - La Manga - Mazarron - Murcia Airport Transfers - Builders
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