Things to Do in Cartagena

Right near the ruins of the Cartagena Cathedral lie the ruins of an ancient Roman Theatre. Infact, the cathedral was built using some of the material from the ruins of the Roman Theatre. The theatre is believed to be built between the 5th and 1st centuries BC. The museum exhibits items discovered in excavations in the area of the Roman Theatre. Trivia- The theatre has a capacity of seating 6,000 people! During its prime, the theatre played an important role.

The Cathedral in Cartagena, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Vieja, was a cathedral of the Diocese of Cartagena. It is located on the hill of La Concepcion. It was attacked during the Spanish Civil War and was also bombed during the war of 1939. It has remained in ruins since then. Head over to see some Romanesque architectural relics.

A completely unique and fascinating museum, the Museo Nacional de Arqueologia Subacuatica is dedicated to underwater archaeology. On display are details regarding the work of underwater archaeologists, their findings and the maritime history of the Mediterranean Sea. Having interactive exhibitions, this museum is a must visit while on your trip to Cartagena.

Away from the hustle- bustle of the city and away from the touristy things, Plage de Calblanque is a Regional park, a nature reserve and a protected area. Full of hiking trails, sandy beaches (some of them are nudist beaches), mountains and cliffs, head over here for some leisurely time or for a day full of hiking, cliff diving and swimming in the sea!

Situated on a hillock overlooking the port and harbour, the Castillo de la Concepcion, aka Castillo de los Patos is a 12th century fortress which offers spectacular views of Cartagena. The beautifully laid out lawns and gardens of the castle are home to peacocks and fowls. Within the Castle is a museum which has exhibitions on the history of Cartagena with its Roman and Moorish ancestry. A contrasting marvel is the panoramic lift that takes visitors up to the castle. While at the castle, do explore the water cisterns, the observation deck and the low archways.

After a ride full of twists and turns, when you finally reach the Bateria de Castillitos, it is a revelation! Castillitos is situated at an altitude of 250 meters, and its facade was built out like an castle medieval following a historicist style with influences of eclecticism and modernism. Home to 3 large cannons, the castle was built as a military defence structure and is fairly new. While there, do explore the underground tunnels and take in the magnificent views of the coastline.

Situated within the Cuartel de Instruccion (a training institute for young marines from 1946 to 1999), the Museo Naval or the Naval Museum has on display information and artefacts pertaining to the marine defence of the area. Exhibits include displays of marine life- from how the vessels are constructed to naval uniforms and flags to artillery to actual submarines.

The Spanish Civil War which took place between 1936 and 1939 affected Cartagena severely. During the war, people used to go underground to seek shelter from the war attacks. The Spanish Civil War Museum is situated in one such shelter. On display are the original components of the shelter (furniture, lighting etc) along with firsthand accounts of the citizens themselves. You will also find photographs showing Cartagena before and after the war. A very touching exhibit.

The Museo de la Muralla Punica contains the remains of the original wall that encircled the city during the period before the Romans occupied Cartagena. The remains of the wall date back to the 3rd century BC. The remains are about 30 metres long. An informative video is played at the museum where visitors are introduced to the rich history of Cartagena. Also at the museum are the remains of the crypt belonging to the hermitage of Saint Joseph.

Situated around 20 minutes’ away from the city centre, Los Nietos is a small coastal village. Boasting of a long, pristine, tranquil virgin beach, many visitors plan a half day trip to the village from Cartagena. The beach is lined with a promenade and a marina.  

Encouraging local artisans and providing a platform for selling their handicrafts, Centro Regional de Artesania has on sale arts and handicrafts created by local craftsmen (from the Murcia region). Shop at this store and take back beautiful and unique souvenirs for your loved ones.

An archaeological discovery, the Augusteum dates back to the Roman era in Cartagena. After studies and research by conducted by archaeologists, it was deciphered that the building structure was used as a college and a temple dedicated to the worship of a religious cult inspired by the Emperor Augustus. If you are unaware of the history of Cartagena during the Roman empire and the religious cult of Emperor Augustus, don’t worry, the museum has excellent audio visual presentations which portray the details.

For history buffs, archeologically interested people and for the curious souls, the Casa De La Fortuna or the House of Fortune is a must visit. Buried under the streets of the city, the House of Fortune is a Roman era villa. Its construction is dated back to the 1st century BC. The structure of the house along with the area it occupies points to the fact that some wealthy family used to stay there. Thus the name. The house museum offers detailed insight into the domestic life of the Roman period.