Cartagena

The city of Cartagena stands out as one of the most historically significant places on the peninsula. Nestled in the province and autonomous community of Murcia, it is one of the largest Mediterranean coastal hubs. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Byzantines have all passed through its territory.

Cartagena occupies part of the Bay of Mazarrón and provides access to the Mar Menor from the East, making it a significant reference point in the Mediterranean for millennia.

The city was founded by the Carthaginians in 227 BC, specifically by the general Hasdrubal the Fair, who defeated the Iberians living in the area and named it Qart Hadasht (New City). Less than a century later, it was captured by Scipio Africanus in 209 BC. The general renamed it Carthago Nova. During the Roman era, the city grew significantly, becoming a very important commercial centre. With the decline of the Empire, Carthago Nova was attacked by the Vandals in the 5th century and subsequently recovered by the Byzantines.

Cartagena grew considerably during the Andalusian period. The current hill of Concepción had a fortified alcazaba, a precursor to the current castle. It was known as Qartayannat al-Halfa until it was conquered by the Infante Alfonso of Castile in 1245. In the following centuries, up to the present day, the city became a key port for Spain, vital for the navy and the location of several battles.

Today, Cartagena boasts a unique historical heritage. Above all, the Roman Theatre, discovered in 1988 and still being restored today, stands out. Its size is truly impressive, with a total of over 7,000 seats. Also notable are the Foro District site, the House of Fortune, the amphitheatre, and the remains of the Punic wall.

From the medieval period, the castles of Atalaya, Concepción, Despeñaperros, Moros, Galeras, and San Julián are much visited. This set of coastal fortifications was built to defend the area. The Cathedral, with its unique Neo-Romanesque style, is also worth mentioning.

Cartagena also has a very interesting array of museums, from the Roman Theatre Museum to the Archaeological Museum, including the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, unique in our country.