Cartagena: port, culture and ancient civilizations


Cartagena is the Region’s second largest municipality and is located on the Mediterranean coast.

Founded around 227 BC by the Carthaginian military leader Hasdrubal the Fair. Much of the towns historical background goes back to its coveted defensive port, one of the most important in the western Mediterranean. The city lived its heyday during the Roman Empire, when it was known as Carthago Nova (the New Carthage) and Carthago Spartaria, capital of the province of Carthaginensis.

Cartagena has a unique artistic heritage, with a number of landmarks such as the Roman Theatre -the second largest on the Iberian Peninsula -, an abundance of Byzantine and roman ruins in the city, the unique National Museum of Underwater archeology, to name but a few. Walking in the streets you will see a plethora of neoclassical buildings that prove the big military importance of Cartagena, and numerous Art Nouveau buildings from early 20th century, when the Bourgeoisie settled down in the city due to the growth of the local mining industry in the area. El Cante de las Minas Festival takes place in La Unión, which is one of the most important flamenco festivals in Spain.

Cartagena is not only a very historical city but also very modern one. Today it is now established as a major cruise liner destination in the Mediterranean. The territory around Cartagena city hosts an extraordinary natural wealth and diversity, with a large number of wide beaches that are subject to different levels of legal protection. You can also find 19 golf courses within a 50 kilometer radius. And last but by no means least, Cartagena’s Holy Week, declared an item of International Tourist Interest.

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