A Relaxing Day In Cartagena, Spain
The Casa Consistorial, or Palacio Consistorial, is the building which houses the Town Hall of Cartagena. Palacio Consistorial, Cartagena.
Cartagena, Spain Friday April 17, 2015
Cartagena has a natural harbor that has made it a coveted port city for centuries and today it’s home to an important naval base. Though less visited than other popular cities in Spain, Cartagena is a great place for travelers to explore its rich beauty and deep history expanding over 3,000 years.
Cartagena’s location and rich history provides visitors with a vast selection of things to do during a day in port. You can explore the city’s castle and its battlements, walk along the historic wharf where ships would dock hundreds of years ago, wander around the walled Old Town, admire beautiful beaches and plazas. Mediterranean cruises to Cartagena, Spain, will give you an opportunity to experience all of it firsthand.
Many charming villages are a short distance from Cartagena, which make for a culturally beautiful way to spend a day in port. Some villages that are popular with tourists include: Murcia, Cabo De Palos, Lorca, Los Alcazares, Santiago De Ribera, and Caravaca De La Cruz.
When in Spain, you’ve got to try the seafood paella.
Cartagena has a rich history that goes back to ancient Roman times. A great way to spend time in port is visiting some of the city’s historical sites, many of which can be seen on a cruise shore excursion. Here are some of the top historical sites you don’t want to miss: Conception Castle, Arsenal de Cartagena, Cerro del Molinete Archaeological Park, Bateria de la Parajola, and Pabellon de Autopsias.
A bottle of wine + fresh cut fruit = Sangria.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN CARTAGENA
PUNIC WALL
Those who like to see ancient history will revel in visiting the Punic Wall in Cartagena, which dates back to the 3rd century BC. The Punic Wall was built by the Carthaginians and was the first defensive wall built in Cartagena. Visitors to Punic Wall can learn more about the structure in the Punic Wall Interpretation Center, and also see a protected part of the wall.
CALLE MAYOR
Get a feel for the central ambiance of Cartagena by walking down its Main Street: Calle Mayor. Vehicles aren’t allowed on this street, making it a peaceful one to amble down while you window shop, get a glass of wine or tapas, and admire the city’s architecture.
ROMAN THEATRE
The Roman Theater located in Cartagena is a modern discovery made in 1988, but its origins date back thousands of years, and it is believed to have been built between the 5th and 1st centuries BC. While in port in Cartagena, you can visit the theater and its adjacent museum to learn more about the ancient structure that could hold 6,000 spectators.
MUSEUMS
If you’re a museum buff, you’re in luck as Cartagena has many interesting and varies museums. Some popular ones to visit include: Roman Theatre Museum, Fuerte De Navidad, Museo Naval, Museo Nacional de Arqueologia Subacuatica, Civil War Shelters Museum, and Museo Historico Militar de Cartagena.
