Ancient history
Many cities around the globe can claim a history that predates our era, and one such city is Spanish Cartagena, which has been home to five distinct civilizations throughout its long existence.
The earliest settlement on the site of Cartagena emerged in the 6th century BC, known as Mastia, established by the ancient Iberians, the original inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula. The area was later conquered by the Carthaginians, who founded the city in 227 BC, naming it Qart Hadasht, meaning “New City.” Almost immediately, Qart Hadasht rose to prominence as the capital of Carthaginian territories on the peninsula, serving as a base for their incursions into the Roman Empire.
In 209 BC, the Roman general Scipio captured Qart Hadasht, bringing it under Roman control and renaming it Carthago Nova, which retained a similar meaning. Carthago Nova became the third city in Spain to achieve the status of a Roman colony, providing its citizens with the numerous benefits of Roman civilization, including access to theaters and Roman courts.
Following the decline of the Roman Empire and the rise of Germanic kingdoms in Spain during the 6th century, Carthago Nova fell to the Byzantine emperor Justinian I, leading to another name change to Cartago Spartaria, as it became the capital of the Byzantine province in Spain.
The city earned its fourth name under Arab rule, becoming known as Qartayannat-al-Halfa. Thanks to Muslim rule, Cartagena was able to recover and flourish after being nearly destroyed by the Visigoths in 622.
In 1296, during the Reconquista, Cartagena was reclaimed by King Jaime II of Aragon, becoming part of the Kingdom of Valencia, and finally adopted its current name. In 1503, Queen Isabella I of Castile declared Cartagena a part of the unified Kingdom of Spain.
During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Cartagena served a crucial defensive role and became the base for royal galleys. It was from this strategic location that Spain managed its territories in Italy, Turkey, and North Africa.
In the 19th century, following the loss of its last colonies, Cartagena emerged as a key center for the revival of the Spanish navy. Additionally, the mining industry gained significant prominence, making the city a leader in this sector throughout Spain by the early 20th century. In 1939, Cartagena was the last city to fall to Franco’s troops. Under his dictatorship, the city rapidly advanced in the energy sector and shipbuilding, establishing itself as one of Spain’s major cities.
Tour of Cartagena
Geography of Cartagena
Thanks to its geographical location, Cartagena has been home to various civilizations since ancient times, each leaving an indelible mark on the city. Monuments of art and architecture can be categorized into four distinct eras based on their construction and cultural influence.
The first era is the archaeological period, encompassing everything created before the 16th century. Notable sites from this period include the Roman Theater, built in the 1st century BC; the Augusteum, the residence of priests dedicated to Emperor Octavian Augustus; the Punic Wall (Muralla púnica), constructed in 227 BC with the founding of the city by the Carthaginians; and the Casa de la Fortuna ( House of Destiny ), a Roman residence featuring preserved mosaics and wall paintings from the 1st century BC. The Castillo de la Concepción (Castle of Concepción) has stood since the 13th century, alongside many other fortifications such as Atalaya, Despeñaperros, Galeras, Moros, and San Julián. Additionally, the Roman amphitheater and the Catedral de Santa María la Vieja, built in the 13th century but destroyed in 1939 during Franco’s bombings, are significant landmarks from this era.
The Baroque and Neoclassical periods are represented by structures like the former Hospital de Marina (now housing the Polytechnic University), the Charles III Wall, the School of Guardsmen, the Arsenal of Cartagena, built in the 18th century, and the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad (Royal Basilica of Our Lady of Charity), which has stood since the 19th century.
The Art Nouveau and Eclectic era contributed notable buildings such as the Cervantes House Museum (1900), Aguirre Palace (1901), Maestre House (1906), and Gran Hotel (1916), all designed by renowned architect Victor Beltri. Other significant constructions include the Casa Llagostera, Cartagena’s casino, and the City Hall, built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Modern art can be seen in the El Batel Palace of Congresses and Auditorium concert hall, the Civil War Refuge Museum, the Peral submarine prototype, and the Murcia Regional Assembly building.
Festivities and Cultural Celebrations
Among Cartagena’s numerous celebrations and festivals, a few stand out. Holy Week is particularly significant, with its processions recognized as an event of international tourist interest, being one of the city’s oldest celebrations. The “Carthaginians and Romans” festival occurs in the second half of September, commemorating the Roman conquest of Qart Hadasht. In February, the Cartagena Carnival takes place the week before Miércoles de Ceniza ( “Ash Wednesday ”), marking the start of Lent.
Every July since 1995, the La Mar de Músicas world music festival has been held, while November features a jazz festival and December hosts the Cartagena Film Festival.
In the realm of sports, Cartagena FC is the most prominent team, competing in Segunda B, the third tier of Spanish football. Their home ground is the Cartagonova Stadium, which has been in operation since 1988.
Given the influx of tourists each year, the city authorities, with state support, have ensured that Cartagena offers ample accommodations. Notably, there are two 5-star hotels, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara and Estelar Grand Playa Manzanillo. Among 4-star hotels, Hotel Casa San Agustín and San Pedro Hotel Spa receive high praise, while the Hampton by Hilton Cartagena stands out among 3-star options. With a variety of lodging choices available, visitors are sure to find accommodations that suit their preferences.
Cuisine and Gastronomy
Cartagena, located in the Autonomous Community of Murcia, showcases a rich culinary heritage influenced by the gastronomy of La Mancha, Valencia, and Granada. This region, part of the Spanish Levant along the Mediterranean coast, features a cuisine abundant in fish and seafood, while also celebrating pork dishes.
Among the most iconic vegetable dishes are the Murcia salad (moje or ensalada murciana), fasting Murcia soup (potaje murciano), and zarangollo. The Murcia salad combines tomatoes, finely chopped onions, olives, boiled eggs, canned tuna, and olive oil. Zarangollo is a delightful egg omelet prepared with young green zucchini and onions, with the option of adding potatoes. Rice also plays a significant role in the local cuisine, often cooked with a variety of vegetables, fish, seafood, and meat.
Key fish varieties include loban (black mullet), sultana, and dorada, with traditional Murcia meatballs (albóndigas) made from dried and salty cod (bacalao). Pork sausages, rice with rabbit and snails, and the traditional dish of gachasmigas stand out in the meat category.
Gachasmigas is a unique porridge made with any type of meat, flour, water, garlic, olive oil, and salt. The preparation involves frying garlic and meat (typically longaniza sausage or bacon), followed by mixing flour and water in the same pan until it reaches a viscous consistency, then combining it with the pre-fried garlic and meat.
The region is famous for its traditional sweet, paparajotes, made from lemon slices coated in a flour and egg mixture, fried, and sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Other desserts worth trying include picardías de avellana (caramels with hazelnuts), tocino de cielo (a dessert made from egg yolks and sugar), and arrope (a sweet obtained from evaporating grape mousse).
Beaches and Climate
Cartagena is blessed with beautiful beaches that cater to both relaxation and water sports. Noteworthy beaches include:
1. La Manga del Mar Menor: This area boasts stunning beaches along the Mediterranean Sea and the calm waters of the Mar Menor, a large saltwater lagoon.
2. Cala Cortina: A small, picturesque beach near the city center, known for its clear waters and scenic cliffs.
3. Playa de Los Nietos: A family-friendly beach in the Mar Menor area, ideal for children with its shallow waters and great for water sports.
4. Playa del Portús: A tranquil and secluded beach, perfect for sunbathing and enjoying nature.
5. Playa de La Azohía: A serene beach known for its crystal-clear waters, offering an escape from the city’s hustle.
These beaches provide a wonderful mix of relaxation and activities, making Cartagena an appealing destination for beach enthusiasts.
Cartagena enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Here’s a summary of the weather throughout the year:
Summer (June to August): Hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). July and August are peak months for beachgoers.
Autumn (September to November): Early autumn remains warm, particularly in September, with temperatures gradually cooling and increased rainfall starting in October and November.
Winter (December to February): Mild winters feature average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 17°C (46°F to 63°F). While rain is common, snow is rare.
Spring (March to May): Spring brings warming temperatures and pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities, with decreasing rainfall and lush landscapes.
Overall, Cartagena’s climate encourages outdoor activities and beach visits for most of the year, making it an attractive tourist destination.
Residential areas
The city is home to several neighborhoods, each with its unique charm:
1. Ensanche: A modern area featuring a mix of residential and commercial spaces, known for its wide streets and accessibility to amenities.
2. El Centro: The vibrant city center rich in history, offering numerous shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
3. Santa Lucía: A traditional neighborhood with local markets and a strong sense of community, providing an authentic cultural experience.
4. La Concepción: Known for its beautiful views and quieter residential areas, while still being close to the city center.
5. Los Dolores: A residential neighborhood that blends local life with convenience, offering schools, parks, and shopping options.
These neighborhoods contribute to the diverse character of Cartagena, making it a vibrant place to explore.
