Cartagena spain attractions map. Open the left menu of Cartagena. Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Cartagena is part of the autonomous community of Murcia, located in the southeast of the country. The city overlooks the Mediterranean coast and is a major seaport; in terms of population, it occupies the second position in the province, behind the capital.

The resort is located on a plain, with north side it is surrounded by the mountain ranges of El Puerto, Escalona, ​​Columbares, and from the southwest and south - La Muela, El Algarrobo. This makes the area quieter, protected from the northern winds.

Cartagena has a very interesting story, and its advantageous location, on the shore mediterranean sea, for centuries made the city a "tidbit" for many rulers.

Despite the fact that many evidences of life in this territory of prehistoric settlements have been found, it is believed that the formation of a village on this site took place in 227 BC by the decision of the Carthaginian general Gastrubal the Handsome. In this way, the military leader was able to secure control over the rich mineral deposits. The city at that time was called Quart Hadash, it gradually turned into the main Phoenician base. It was from Quart Hadash that the military campaign started on the territory of Italy, which served as the beginning of the Second Punic War in 218 BC.

The city belonged to the Carthaginians until 209 BC, and then the Romans, under the leadership of Scipio Africanus, captured it and renamed it Cartago Nova (this meant “New Carthage” in translation). As a Roman colony, it prospered and developed, but fell into decline after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, and was often attacked by vandals and various external conquerors. Since 1245, Cartago Nova has been part of Castile, after half a century it passes to the Aragonese crown, at the beginning of the 14th century it was returned back. All this time, Cartagena has been in decline, only in the 18th century, when it was turned into the capital of the Mediterranean Maritime Department, the strengthening of positions, the construction of a defensive wall, fortresses, and the Naval Hospital began.

In 1873, as a result of the Cantonal Revolution, the city was badly damaged, after which a gradual restoration began, which gave Cartagena its modern features. The 20th century was the stage of revival and development of energy, shipbuilding, and fertilizer production.

Today it is a prosperous resort, but at the same time calm, provincial. He became the most popular place for tourism and recreation. Beautiful green streets, medieval houses, taverns, unique sights, magnificent nature and the Man Menor lagoon make it a place for romantics.

Climate and nature

Cartagena has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters, a large number of sunny days (about 300 per year) and fairly hot summers. In summer, there is an increase in air temperature up to 40 degrees, in winter (December-January) - an average of 11-12 degrees.

beach season in Cartagena begins in April and ends in October. Warm sea, sun, sandy and clean beaches, favorable microclimate - all this increases the value of the city for summer holiday tourists with children.

The depth of Man Menor lake allows the water to warm up in March, so lovers water sports, as well as those wishing to improve their health in one of the health centers and mud baths located in the lagoon, open the season even this month. The waters of the salt lake are rich in salts, iodine, minerals, so the best and most effective balneological procedures are carried out here.

What to see in Cartagena

The city will be appreciated by all admirers of ancient history and architecture. Here you can see with your own eyes unique monuments that are more than 20 centuries old.

Tourists always start sightseeing in Cartagena from the famous Roman theater. Excavations discovered it in 1988. The theater was built between the 4th and 1st century BC, and was dedicated to Gaius Caesar and Lucio Caesar - these were the grandchildren of the famous Roman emperor Octavian Augustus. The capacity of the theater was 6,000 spectators, the stands were 14 meters high. The theater existed until the 3rd century AD, then a Byzantine market was opened on its territory, which was subsequently destroyed by fire. In the 13th century, the construction of a Christian church began on this site. Today, the Roman theater has been restored as a historical monument, and a museum also operates here. At the same time, the ruins of the Cartagena Cathedral of Santa Maria la Vieja itself, which is also listed as a national monument, are also attractive to historians.

In Cartagena, you can also see the surviving remains of the La Torre Ciega tower, this structure was part of the Necropolis and was used for burials by the Romans. You should definitely just walk through the beautiful streets of the city, visit the Arsenal, the Punic Bastion, see the House of Destiny and old lighthouse at Cape Palos.

You can have a wonderful time at Port Aventura - this is amusement park with a huge number of rides, made like Disneyland. Walking through the park, you can get into the Australian jungle, where, making your way through tropical vines, you can hear screams rare birds, see the wild beast. If there is a desire, then the Wild West with its cowboys will take visitors to the times of the Gold Rush, and you can also see Ancient China with its pagodas and dragons. In the evenings, various shows, performances, fireworks are held in the park.

For those who like to actively relax, the Man Menor lagoon awaits. This perfect place for practicing any kind of sports, it offers diving, yacht racing, boat trips, kite surfing, deep sea fishing. There are water parks on the coast.

Events and holidays

The most striking sight is the feast of the Carthaginians and Romans. The costume show takes place at the end of September and lasts 10 days. The main action is the battle of the Romans and the Carthaginians in the 3rd century BC (it is reproduced on one of the wastelands), for this an impromptu military camp is being built, and locals wear the armor of those times.

How to get to Cartagena

You can get here from Moscow by flight to Alicante airport, and from there by train 1.5 hours away.

Where to stay

The city has many hotels of varying degrees of comfort. In the center there is "Cartagena", from this hotel it is convenient to get to any sights and to the seaport. Not far from the bus station is the Carlos III Hotel, which has modern and comfortable rooms in colorful designs with interesting art elements.

Among cheap hotels, you can pay attention to Campomar, Pencion Manolo II.

If you choose on the coast, then super popular is La Manga Club (with superior rooms, tennis courts, football and golf fields).

When going to Cartagena, do not forget that this is a resort city and the currency should be changed in advance. There are exchange offices in hotels, but the exchange rate is very high.

Buy detailed map cities to calmly walk along the beautiful streets and have time to look at all the sights.

The Spanish city of Cartagena is located on the Costa Cálida in the region of Murcia. It was founded by the Carthaginians in the 3rd century BC. During this time, the city has absorbed many different cultures that have left a mark on its architectural and artistic heritage. So, what to see in Cartagena in one day, and what are the main sights to see in Cartagena if you come to the city for one or two days?

We offer you a plan for sightseeing in Cartagena in one day with a map and a ready route. Most of the main attractions of Cartagena are located in historical center within walking distance. It is quite possible to get around them in one day, if you start walking around the city in the morning and linger for a while in numerous local museums.

Save yourself a map with marked attractions and a ready-made itinerary of what to see in Cartagena in one day. At the end of the article you will find a similar version of the map of Cartagena, in which the main attractions of Cartagena are marked with a ready-made route line. It will be useful to you if you strictly follow our proposed route.

What to see in Cartagena in 1-2 days

We will start our tourist route in Cartagena from the eastern part of the city, since it is on this side that the bus and railroad station from where many begin to explore the city. A ready-made itinerary with a city map will allow you to see Cartagena in one day.

1. Punic fortress wall (Muralla púnica) is the first attraction of Cartagena, which is worth paying attention to on the way from the station to the center of the old city. The construction of the wall dates back to the 3rd century BC. This is one of the few surviving archaeological sites from the Punic Wars between Ancient Rome and Carthage. The city managed to keep the fortress wall in relatively good condition, despite its antiquity.

2. Aguirre Mansion (Palacio de Aguirre) is located 150 meters from the Punic Wall in Plaza de la Mercad. The Art Nouveau building was built by mining entrepreneur Camilo Aguirre in 1901. In the architecture of the palace, it is especially worth paying attention to the luxurious facade, the ceramic dome and the skillful panel with angels in the upper part of the building. In 2009, the Regional Museum of Modern Art was opened in the Aguirre mansion.

3. Continuing our route through the sights of Cartagena in one day, we come to House of Destiny (La Casa de la Fortuna). This house was built by the Romans in the 1st century BC and is located a two-minute walk from the Aguirre Palace. The House of Destiny has unusual name because of the inscription on the back entrance FortunaPropitia"- wish good luck. In 1971, the house became a museum, where the former rooms of the owners' house act as exhibition halls: an entrance hall, bedrooms, a banquet hall, Personal Area. Of particular value are the mosaics and frescoes that adorn the former home of wealthy Romans.

4. Augusteum(Augusteum) is part of the Roman Forum and is located on Caballero Street in the old part of the city. The residence Augusteum was founded between the 1st and 2nd centuries and is an important testament to the architectural and social significance of this former Roman city. Priests who worshiped Emperor Augustus met here, i.e. the building was used as a tool to spread the imperial ideology. Due to its public function, it had a serious decorative decoration, as evidenced, for example, by the luxurious marble floors of the residence.

After visiting the Augusteum, we return to our route of sights, which can be seen in Cartagena in one day. You will find many more historical monuments and archaeological sites created by the Romans more than 20 centuries ago.

5. We return to Caridad Street again in order to see Mercy Church (Real Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad), which is located a 15-minute walk from the foot of the Concepción hill. The first thing that will catch your eye is the huge dome of the church, which is the main part of the temple. The basilica was built at the end of the 18th century in neoclassical style. It is dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy, the patron saint of Cartagena.

6. Before approaching the Roman Forum, you can look at san francisco square (Plaza San Francisco) to dilute the visit to the ancient Roman sights of Cartagena with more modern modernist buildings. The area is completely pedestrian, surrounded by palm trees and green vegetation around the perimeter. This great place for walks and meetings with friends. In the center of the square stands a statue of the actor Isidoro Maiques, who was born in Cartagena.

7. House Maestra(Casa Maestre) is considered the main decoration of San Francisco Square. The modernist building was built in 1906 for the wealthy industrialist José Maestra Pérez and his family. The style of the building is very reminiscent of the work of the Catalan modernists, which are located in Barcelona. Now the building belongs to a banking institution, but its magnificent architecture continues to delight tourists.

8. Roman forum (Foro romano de Cartagena) is located next to Plaza San Francisco and is the next point on our itinerary of what to see in Cartagena in one day. The Roman Forum consisted of a set of main administrative buildings and was proof of the great importance of the city of Cartagena during the Roman Empire. This ancient architectural complex has been hidden from archaeologists for more than twenty centuries, but now we can enjoy a tour ancient building. Excavations of the ruins of the Roman Forum have expanded the historical knowledge about the ancient Carthage Nova (the old name of Cartagena).

9. Grand Hotel(El Gran Hotel de Cartagena) is located on Jara Street very close to the Roman Forum. The modernist building was commissioned by businessman and industrialist S. M. Vidal at the beginning of the 20th century. The hotel opened its doors in 1916 and was considered one of the most luxurious in Spain. The building is made of brick and artificial stone, the facade is decorated in the style of French and Viennese modernism and topped with a zinc dome.

10. Along Hara Street from the Grand Hotel, go to Mayor street(Calle Mayor). This is the main pedestrian street of Cartagena, where luxurious modernist buildings are located and a tourist atmosphere reigns with cozy cafes. Here you can stop for lunch or coffee. The street is quite small, it will take you 15-20 minutes to get around it completely, so be sure to look at it, even if you want to see the sights of Cartagena in one day. Mayor Street is home to several interesting modernist buildings, as well as Church of Saint Domingo (Iglesia de Santo Domingo).

11. On main street Mayor is another attraction of Cartagena - skillfully made House of Llagoster (Casa Llagostera). It belonged to the Llagostera family, Catalan textile merchants who settled in Cartagena and belonged to the commercial bourgeoisie of the early twentieth century. The building was built in 1916 by the architect Victor Beltri, who was the author of almost all the most famous modernist buildings of the city that we mentioned (Grand Hotel, Maestra House, Aguirre Mansion). The facade is decorated with ceramic decoration with images of the ancient Roman gods Minerva and Mercury, as well as the coats of arms of Cartagena, Murcia, Barcelona and Manleu.

12. Another Catholic Church of Santa Maria de Gracia (Iglesia de Santa María de Gracia) is located on the parallel Aire street. The project for the construction of the church was born in 1712 with the aim of providing the city with a real diocesan church, since at that time in Cartagena, in addition to the Cathedral, there were only monasteries. The church of Santa Maria de Gracia consists of three naves covered with arched vaults and semicircular arches. Of the eight existing chapels, the most famous is the Medinaceli chapel, built in the Baroque style.

13. Walking along Calle street, you will go straight to Town Hall Square (Plaza del Ayuntamiento). The main attraction of the square is the City Hall (El Palacio Consistorial), built in a modernist style at the beginning of the 20th century. The building is made in the shape of a triangle, in the interior it is especially worth noting the zinc dome and the facade, which is completely made of white marble.

We continue our route through the main attractions of Cartagena, which can be seen in one day. Cartagena is truly amazing city, where unique ancient Roman buildings and modern Art Nouveau buildings side by side.

14. The next attraction of Cartagena - ruins of the cathedral (Catedral de Santa María la Vieja), which are national monument countries. The temple was built in the XIII century in the late Romanesque style, but a few years later the Cathedral was moved from Cartagena to Murcia. At the end of the 19th century, the building was restored and restored in the Neo-Romanesque style. Unfortunately, during the Civil War, the temple was bombed, and this Christian landmark of Cartagena was completely destroyed. On this moment we can only see the preserved ruins of the cathedral.

15. ancient roman amphitheater (Teatro romano de Cartagena) is one of the most outstanding evidence of the Roman settlement in Cartagena. The amphitheater was built in the 1st century BC. in honor of the grandchildren of Emperor Augustus. Limestone, marble, sandstone and red travertine were used to build the columns. The white marble was carved in the workshops of Rome before it was brought to the city. The ruins of the amphitheater were discovered quite by accident only in 1998, and 10 years later it was opened to tourists after reconstruction. The final restoration work will continue until 2020. Very close to the theater is Byzantine Wall Museum(Museo Muralla Bizantina)

16. Even if you decide to see Cartagena very briefly in one day, take the time to climb Concepción hill to the castle of the same name (Castillo de la Concepcion). This place is attractive not only from the point of view of the historical value of the medieval building. The castle is surrounded by a picturesque park with a pond and free-roaming peacocks, and from the hill you can see great view to the city and coast. If you want to save time when going up, then use Panoramic lift (Ascensor Panoramico), which will take you to the top of the hill in a minute.

17. And if you want to take a walk to the embankment of Cartagena, be sure to check out Naval Museum of Cartagena (Museo Naval de Cartagena). The museum houses collections related to naval artillery, mine warfare, uniforms and flags, submarines, military ammunition and history. navy, as well as the legacy of Lieutenant Isaac Peral. Of course, when you plan to see the sights of Cartagena in one day, there is not always time for museums. But if you love military history, the museum will surely impress you.

18. Next to the Naval Museum is another popular attraction of Cartagena - National Museum underwater archeology (Museo Nacional de Arqueología Subacuática ARQUA). You will immediately notice a modern glass complex with an exhibition area of ​​1600 sq.m. The museum invites you to dive into the underwater cultural heritage and take a trip through Spanish history. It provides interactive, graphic and audiovisual presentation of information, which simplifies the process of immersion in history. The museum has two large exhibition halls: one dedicated to shipbuilding and navigation; and the other to sunken ships and ports in the Mediterranean.

Spain offers many tourist routes By different cities, one of which is Cartagena. But before you go there, you need to get to know the features of this place.

Cartagena on the map of Spain

In the southeast of Spain is a city with a huge history - Cartagena. Around him are high mountains that provide a mild climate. And on the other side stretches the coast of Costa Calida, turning the city into a large port and perfect place recreation that attracts people from all over the world.

Climate and weather in Cartagena

Cartagena (Spain) has a warm climate. The temperature in the city is positive all year round. In winter it is about +10-15 degrees, and in summer about +27 degrees. But in the hot months, the thermometer mark rises above +30. The water temperature in June is +21 degrees, in July and August - +24-25 degrees, so there are many vacationers here. The largest number precipitation occurs in the autumn months, the least - in the summer.

Note! The beach season opens from April and closes only in October, so tourism in the city flourishes almost all year round.

Location of the city on the map

Map of city sights

Located in Spain, Cartagena is rich in sights, so one day to see them is not enough for a tourist.

Historical attractions:

• Palace of the Consistory. It was destroyed, but by the 20th century it was completely restored. Today it is an administrative building with graceful facades, which harmoniously combines several different styles.
• Ruins of the Roman amphitheater. It was built before our era, but archaeologists managed to find it only in the 20th century. The buildings are well preserved, which allows travelers to get acquainted with the history and culture of the Romans who lived here.
• Punic bastion. Built to protect the city, this fortress attracts many history buffs. Nearby is the museum center, where you can see how this building looked before.
• Castle of Concepción. It is located on a hill, so you can admire the bay and the whole city from it. It changed its purpose several times - it was rebuilt from a temple into a fortress, and then into a castle. Now it is a tourist place.
• Llagoster's house. It was built in the central part of Cartagena by order of an influential merchant who lived in the 19th century. This building stands out thanks to the images of flowers and plants, mythical creatures, made in bright colors.

• Santa Maria de Gracia. The style in which it was built is baroque, which makes it quite easy to notice this building among others. The sculptures located inside were created by the Spanish master Francisco Salsillo.
• Church of Mercy. It stands out for its large dome and neoclassical style.
• Cathedral of Cartagena. Only ruins remained of it. It is considered the very first Christian church in Spain.

• Grand hotel. built famous architect Victor Beltri. The dome is made in the form of a crown; decorative finishing is made in the style of French modernism. The interior of the building was completely rebuilt, only the facade remained intact.
• Call Mayor. Pedestrian street where many tourists walk. Here the tourist will see modern buildings, find many cafes, restaurants and shops and will be able to feel the atmosphere of the city.
• Saint Francisco Square. Lots of modern style houses, monuments, places to eat. The square looks especially beautiful and romantic in the evenings.

Beaches and resort in Cartagena

Located on mediterranean coast beaches attract tourists with their golden sand, which is recognized as environmentally friendly. Along the coast, the depth is shallow, everything is strewn with sand, so it is quite comfortable to relax here with a child. However, you need to be careful: further the bottom is rocky.

Grand Hotel and its crown dome

Several beaches located in Cartagena or near it:

• Calblanque. To get to this beach, you need to drive 15 km from the city. The purest water and the beauty of nature will definitely please the traveler. The only negative is that the beach is often crowded, so sometimes it is closed before lunch due to the large number of people.
• Cortina. For comfortable rest there are not only showers, convenient places where you can have a picnic, but also various cafes and even playgrounds. The route from the city center to this place is 5 km, you can walk on foot, and along the way you have the opportunity to look at ancient buildings, which previously played the role of protective structures. Extreme lovers can find here necessary equipment for diving.
• Fatares. From this small beach open beautiful views Mount Roldan. It is not easy to get to it: either with the help of a boat, or by walking through the entire park. That is why this place is one of the cleanest. A kilometer from the beach you can see the small rocky island of Palomas.
• Mar Menor lagoon. The name translates as "small sea". Although this place is located not as close to the city as the previous ones, it is really worth a visit. There are no enterprises that pollute water or air - everything is absolutely clean. In summer, the water warms up to 30 degrees and above. Nearby there are many centers where treatment is carried out with the help of mud and water of the Mar Menor, which is considered curative.

On a note! For those who do not like just sunbathing, there are many entertainments: yachting, diving, sailing and more.

Special discount cards are issued for tourists. Their advantage is that they allow you to visit the sights of the city, and sometimes cultural events at a discount; it will be cheaper and travel to public transport. This card is called a city pass, and you can get it at the airport, some hotels or travel agencies.

The area of ​​the lagoon is about 135 sq. m

There is an opportunity to return a small part of the money spent. To do this, you just need to take checks for VAT refunds. This simple trick will help you save some money.

Important! When walking around the city, it is better to put money in your inner pockets and not take large amounts. For safety reasons, it is not recommended to put them in bags or backpacks.

Based on the experience of tourists who have already visited Cartagena or another city in Spain, there are a few general tips:

• Do not forget that photography is not allowed in all places.
• You need to purchase a SIM card with a favorable and convenient tariff. As for the Internet, in many places in the city - parks, cafes, hotels - there is Wi-Fi.
• Choose a good place for lunch or dinner, the locals themselves will help. How? You just have to see where most of the locals sit - most likely, there is a place with quality and tasty food.
• Don't take too many things. Some items can be bought in Spain at lower prices.
• Many people recommend using Airbnb or Roomguru to search for accommodation, which will help you find a more profitable and suitable option.
• Before traveling, you need to make a wish list: for example, try local dishes, buy tickets for a tour.
• There are not many signs in Spain, so finding a building by address can be difficult.
• Most of the locals do not speak English and do not understand Russian, so it is recommended to stock up on a Spanish phrase book.
• During the siesta (approximately from 2 to 4 pm), most of the establishments are closed. It is better to clarify the opening hours of banks, as they close early.

View of the city from a bird's eye view

Note! During registration for check-in at a hotel or inn, the staff does not have the right to pick up and leave the personal documents of the tourist.

In order to properly plan a trip and meet your budget, it is important to think through all the details in advance. Now there are various services where you can profitably purchase tickets or get discounts on different types services for tourists.

Cartagena (Spain) - the most detailed information about the city with a photo. The main attractions of Cartagena with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Cartagena (Spain)

Cartagena is a city in the southeast of Spain in the autonomy of Murcia. It is one of the oldest ports in Europe, founded by the Carthaginians. Cartagena is an amazing mix of several cultures, from ancient Romans and Phoenicians to Arabs and Spaniards. With one of the best natural harbors in Spain and surroundings rich in mineral ores, the city played importance over the millennia. Here you can see the ruins of an ancient Roman theater, medieval Moorish fortifications and interesting buildings modernism.

Like many ancient cities, Cartagena can be divided into two parts: the historic center and Puerta del Cartagena (coast). The historical center contains the main attractions and architectural monuments. On the coast there is a marina, on the promenade there are many cafes, restaurants and bars.

Geography and climate

Cartagena is located on the Costa Cálida in southeastern Spain and is surrounded by mountain ranges Sierra de Almenara and Sierra de Algarrobo. The climate is arid or Mediterranean semi-arid. About 300 mm of precipitation falls per year. Average annual temperature is about 20 degrees. Most cold month- January, average temperature which is 13.7 degrees with a plus sign. Summer is dry and hot.

The beaches of Cartagena

The coastline of Cartagena has a length of more than 30 km. There are many excellent sandy beaches here: Cala Cortina, Islas Menores, El Galua Beach, Playa del Casteller, Playa de Bahia, Playa de Nares.

Best time to visit

Best time to visit - April-June and September-November.

Practical information

1. The population is 214.2 thousand people.
2. The area is 558.08 square kilometers.
3. The language is Spanish.
4. Currency - euro.
5. Visa - Schengen.
6. Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
7. Tourist information Center located at Palacio Consistorial. Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

Story

The first settlement on the site of Cartagena was founded by Iberian tribes. The first mention of the city dates back to 227 BC, when the Carthaginians founded the city of Quart Hadasht here, which provided them with control over the deposits of the southeastern part. Iberian Peninsula. Later new town turned into one of the main naval bases of the Phoenician state. Around 209, Cartagena was incorporated into the Roman Empire. The city was renamed Cartago Nova, meaning New Carthage. Cartagena became one of the most important Roman colonies in the Pyrenees, second only to Cordoba and Tarragona (Tarraco). In the 5th century AD, the city was sacked by the Vandals.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the establishment of the power of the Visigoths in Spain, Cartagena was conquered by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I. The city became the capital of the Byzantine province and was renamed Cartago Spartaria. In 662, the Visigoths captured and completely destroyed the city. Later, the Moors conquered Cartagena.

In 1245, Cartagena was conquered by the king of Castile. In 1296, the city became part of the Kingdom of Aragon, but after 9 years it returned to the Castilian crown, turning into an important commercial and military port. In the 16th century, strategic and military value Cartagena is growing. The city becomes one of the largest and most important naval bases in Spain. In the 18-19th century, many industrial and military facilities were built here. In the 20th century, energy and shipbuilding developed in Cartagena.

Shopping and shopping

Most of the shops and El Corte Inglés shopping center are located on the pedestrian walkway that starts from the harbour.

Food and drink

The gastronomy of the region is distinguished by its richness and diversity, which is due to the proximity of the sea and the large amount of agricultural land. typical dishes local cuisine: paella, fish and seafood (fried, baked and salted), figured bread, gazpacho seasoned with bread crumbs, vegetables with sausages and meat, rice with snails, braised turkey with celery, rabbit with chestnut.

Attractions

The Roman theater is an ancient building, whose age is about two thousand years. The ruins of Roman buildings were discovered in 1988 under the old cathedral, destroyed during civil war. The theater was preserved by 2/3, which made it possible to carry out its very detailed restoration. During the excavations, they found amazing artifacts past: the altar of Jupiter, the statue of Apollo, medieval Arabic ceramics. All this is now kept in the museum of the Roman theater.

The Castillitos Battery is located on Cape Tinso, a 30-minute drive from Cartagena. It was built in the 30s of the 20th century to protect the coast. The whimsical medieval-style towers blend in with the mountains and look strange next to the menacing black batteries.

Former Cathedral Cartagena is located next to the Roman theatre. The building was destroyed during the civil war, but is nevertheless considered a national monument. The cathedral itself has been known since the 13th century and was built in neo-Romanesque style.

The Royal Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy or Nuestra Señora de la Caridad is a neoclassical Catholic church. It belongs to the period from the 18th to the 19th century. The basilica was built on the site of a 17th-century hospital, modeled after the Pantheon in Rome.

Del Carmen is an 18th century baroque Catholic church located in the historic center of Cartagena. It was part of a Carmelite monastery until the 19th century.

Saint Domingo is a 17th century baroque and eclectic Catholic church. It was built as an addition to the monastery of San Isidoro of the Dominican order. The church consists of a rectangular nave with brick walls. The most prominent part of the temple is the ornate brown chapel built in 1690 and rebuilt in the 18th century.

The center of Cartagena is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture. The most beautiful buildings of modernism: Palacio Pedreño, Casa Cervantes, Palacio de Aguirre and Gran Hotel. The most outstanding and beautiful building of this style in Cartagena is the Consistory Palace built at the end of the 19th century. The facade of the building is entirely made of white marble and topped with domes, which are coated with local zinc.

Calle Mayor - chief pedestrian boulevard city, lined with bright marble tiles with many shops and restaurants.

• Municipal Archaeological Museum- has collections ranging from Neanderthal remains and Phoenician pottery to tools found in Roman mines in the mountains on the outskirts of the city.
• ARQUA - Maritime Archaeological Museum. This is a place where you can see wonderful historical artifacts that have been pulled from the bottom of the sea, as well as a research center for experts and scientists in this field.

The port city of Cartagena belongs to autonomous community Murcia. Cartagena stands on a plain, surrounded by mountain ranges. The historical part of the city is located between five hills.

The first evidence of human habitation in what is now Cartagena dates back to the 4th century BC. In 227 BC. e. on this place the Carthaginians founded a city called Quart Hadast. After 18 years, the Romans took power over the city under the command of Scipio. The city began to be called - Cartago Nova.

Under the Romans, the city developed rapidly - rich mineral deposits and a good location contributed to this. Emperor Octavian August engaged in the reconstruction of the city. The Forum and the Roman theater were built. Before the beginning of our era, Cartago Nova became the third most important city in Spain. It received the status of a citizen-run colony.

When the Roman Empire fell, the Byzantines came to Cartago Nova. Emperor Justinian I renamed the city Cartago Spartaria. In 621 it was captured by the Visigoths, and in 734 by the Arabs. During their reign, Cartagena, fairly devastated by wars, again experienced an upsurge. A fortress was built on Mount Concepción and a mosque.

King Alfonso X in 1245 he conquered Cartagena. After that, the decline began again, as in the whole Christian Spain. At this time, several Christian monasteries settled here. Monastic orders influenced the cultural and religious life of Cartagena.

Stagnation (stagnation of production and trade) continued until the 18th century - until the city was made the center of the Mediterranean Maritime Department. Cartagena was fortified, the castle, preserved from Arab times, was restored, and naval hospital (Hospital Militar de Marina), new residential buildings and Arsenal. The population has grown to 15,000.

The 19th century for Cartagena was marked by the growth of the mining industry. In 1873 the Cantonal Revolution took place. The rebellious city was again destroyed, reconstruction was required. In the 20th century, a large number of modernist buildings were built, culture developed. After the civil war, energy, the chemical industry, and shipbuilding were developed.

Modern Cartagena has a rich cultural heritage. All civilizations and peoples that have ever been on its territory have left their mark in the form of historical monuments.

From the era of the Carthaginians survived ruins of the Punic bastion They date back to 227 BC. e. From the time of Roman rule remains Roman antique amphitheater (Teatro romano de Cartagena). Now it is also in ruins: stone columns, sculptural decor, part of the arena have been preserved.

Other Roman monuments include: Roman Colonnade, Decumanus and Augusteum, "House of Destiny" (Casa de la Fortuna). The remains of the Necropolis have been preserved - La Torre Ciega tower.

Byzantine bastion And Church of Santa Maria la Vieja (La Catedral de Santa Maria la Vieja) (XIII century) also came down to us in a ruined state.

The center of today's Cartagena is considered Plaza de España. It is a huge rotunda with an internal square and a fountain.

A pedestrian street has been created for walking around Cartagena - Calle Maior. It starts with Plaza San Sebastian. Architectural style most of the houses belong to the Art Nouveau of the early twentieth century. Among the buildings on Calle Maior stands out house of Cervantes- the work of an architect Victor Betri. Not far from it is a baroque Church of Santo Domingo(1695).

On the Plaza del Ayuntamento is a palace - Palacio Consistorial — beautiful building, built Thomas Rico Valarino in 1907

On a hill in the city Torres park There is Observation deck. The ruins of the Roman theater, the seaport and the cathedral are clearly visible from it.

Located near Cartagena Mar Menor beach. It is a shallow lagoon separated by a narrow isthmus from the Mediterranean Sea. The water here warms up so intensely that you can swim in the lagoon almost all year round.

Cartagena invites guests to city holidays. The brightest of them is "Carthagineses and Romanos". The costumed action "Carthaginians and Romans" is a historical reconstruction. It is held annually in September. People in ancient costumes and military armor these days can be found on all the streets of the city.

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