Cartagena: more than 2,200 years of history that refuse to stay quiet
Founded by the Carthaginians in 227 BC, Cartagena combines a Roman theatre, city walls, modernist façades and a naval port: our guide to visiting, with Roman Theatre Museum prices.
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In some cities, history hides in museums; in others, it jumps out at you round the corner. Cartagena belongs to the second group. Founded in 227 BC by the Carthaginian general Hasdrubal as Qart Hadasht, then the Roman Carthago Nova and later a great naval port of the Spanish crown, it layers the centuries with disarming ease. Half an hour from the Mar Menor, it is the Costa Cálida’s must-see cultural visit.
The Roman theatre, the star of the show
Buried for centuries beneath the houses of a working-class neighbourhood, the Roman theatre was rediscovered in the late 20th century and spectacularly restored. The museum, designed by architect Rafael Moneo and opened in 2008, is a triumph: you enter through a town palace, walk through underground galleries and exhibition rooms… and emerge onto the seating, facing the stage, with the city and the sea behind. Pure theatre.
Wandering the city
Calle Mayor and the centre: Cartagena enjoyed a mining boom in the early 20th century that left it with many modernist façades, ornate balconies and grand townhouses. Stroll with your head up.
The port: the city faces the sea, with a long waterfront, tourist boats touring the bay and the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (ARQVA), fascinating for understanding ancient Mediterranean trade.
Concepción castle: it overlooks the city and offers one of the best views of the bay and the theatre.
Two festivals worth knowing
Cartagena is famous for its Holy Week, with spectacular processions, and its Carthaginians and Romans festival in September, which re-enacts the city’s ancient history. Both are officially of international tourist interest.
Our tips
Come on a Tuesday late in the day to enjoy free entry to the Roman Theatre Museum during the last two hours.
Avoid Mondays: the museum is closed.
Start with the theatre, then let the streets of the centre carry you along: everything is easy to explore on foot.
Explore more
Further north, the dunes and pine forest of Guardamar del Segura are worth the detour. And to stretch the day out around a table, our tapas guide awaits.
