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Cartagena was founded by the
Carthaginians as Cartago Nova, New Carthage, in the third century B.C. and when
taken by the Romans only twenty years later was one of the richest cities in the
world. It is an ancient port, one of Spain's most important commercial and navals, the second most important city in the region and the centre
of the Mediterranean Maritime Department. As a city from the Roman period it
boasts the ruins of a Roman theatre, archaeological museums plus a number of
interesting examples of military and modernist exhibits and architecture. The
rich legacy of Cartagena stretches along the shores of its marina. The Sea Wall,
built by Carlos III (18th century), marks the boundaries of its historic quarter.
Facing the Mediterranean are two features which are clearly linked to the sea:
the prototype submarine designed by the inventor from Cartagena Isaac Peral and
the National Museum of Maritime Archaeology.
Other places of interest within Cartagena include the Church of Santa Maria La Vieja, the Torre Ciega, Torres
Park and the Castle de la Concepcion. One of the prettiest areas in the city is
its port, where you can find the Modernist Town Hall, and several monuments,
such as the one dedicated to the Heroes of Cavite and Santiago de Cuba. |
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