Murcia Tourist Information - Around Murcia - Cartagena

Cartagena

Located on the Costa Calida, Cartagena was founded by the Carthaginians - a city with a 3000 year old history. Its harbour made it strategically important. In the Roman era it gained great commercial importance, and became one of the richest cities of the world. Its harbour was protected by forts and its old quarter is still surrounded by the ancient city walls. Cartagena’s military legacy is evident in the several fortresses, watchtowers and its harbour.

Here you will get to see the prototype of the first submarine by Issac Pearl. Cartagena is the capital of the Spanish Navy's Maritime Department of the Mediterranean. In Torres Park, the castle of la Concepcion is worth a visit. It was the fortress for the Carthaginians as well as the Romans, and the Arabs. An ancient cathedral was discovered in 1987, it is still being excavated. This cathedral- vieja is considered to be one of the oldest and most important cathedrals in Spain.
The imposing city hall “Palacio Consistorial” is also something to be seen.
Some of the buildings representing this artistic trend are the Casino, the Gran Hotel, the Train Station and the Casa Maestre and Casa Dorda. There are two important museums in the city: The Municipal Archeological Museum many of the pieces found on the cathedral excavation site are on display here among other objects. The National Marine Archeology Museum: an important collection of ships of all builds from various times. Also, navigation instruments from old vessels, maps, charts and other such items of interest.

The Calle major area of the city is modern. It is also famous for its modernist buildings. You can take a stroll through these streets to look at buildings like Casa Cervantes and Casa Llagostera - their tiled façade with allegoric images of Mercury and Minerva.

The city has undertaken “Port of Cultures” project. It has been undertaken with the aim of familiarize visitors with the heritage of its rich past, its great natural wealth and its progress through the centuries.

Cartagena’s beaches are among the best among the region sporting the blue flag of quality. The La Manga Club is close by and you can head there to enjoy golf, tennis and horse riding along with luxurious facilities for accommodation.