Tourist Guide to Cartagena – Spain

Cartagena city is located in the area of Murcia and is the second biggest city of the region. The city holds importance for Spain because of its commercial port. This port has played an important role in the economy of Spain since many years. The city is also important as it has the biggest naval base of the country on the coast of Mediterranean Sea.

The name of the city indicates that the city was established by the Carthaginians during the third century BC. Historical research has also proved the presence of the Old Iberian civilization in the same region.

During the Punic Wars, the city was occupied by Romans and during those times the city was named Carthago Nova which is a Latin name and the current name Cartagena is derived from this old name. During the Roman Era, this city experienced great prosperity and development and the Romans used the city as an important industrial center for trade and commerce. The city was an important part of the Roman Empire on account of the presence of silver mines which were located near the city and the city was also noted for the production of its famous fish sausages.

During the fifth century the city was destroyed by the Vandals but some important ruins of Roman times are located in the city and the most famous among these monuments is the famous Roman Theater which was established during the first century.

Catedral de Nuestra Senora is another notable landmark of the city. Constructed during the 13th century, this cathedral was destroyed during the Civil War in Spain.

Castillo de la Concepcion is the ancient fortress which is located near the Port and was constructed during the 13th century. You will also find some remains of the Amphitheatre that existed in Roman times.

Other places worth visiting in the city include the churches in neo-classical and Baroque styles. Among these churches are the Santa Maria Church, Iglesia del Carmen and Santo Domingo Churches. Iglesia de la Cardid is another place worth visiting as it contains a unique collection of Italian and Spanish paintings.

In modern times, a lot of construction has been undertaken in the city of Cartagena and you will many great buildings in the city including the Gran Hotel, the City Hall called Palacio Consistorial, the Palace de Aguirre and the Museum of Modern Arts.