Sightseeing in Cartagena

THE ROMAN THEATRE

This recently uncovered monument has been buried under various layers of civilizations throughout the centuries (Byzantine, Arabic, Medieval…). In 1988 a casual find revealed its presence confirming the important role the city of Cartagena played in the history of ancient Spain.

Thanks to its concealment, which has allowed a large quantity of the theatre’s original material to be preserved ‘in situ’ and the process of restoration and reconstruction, the site has become one of the best preserved of all Roman Spain, returning one of Roman Cartagena’s most important identifying marks to its citizens. The theatre has been complemented with a museum worthy of the monument it represents.

CATHEDRAL RUINS

Occupying part of the roman theatre we find the remains of the Antigua Santa María La Vieja Cathedral, former cathedral of the current diocese of Cartagena. Supposedly founded by the Apostle James, it is believed to have been built on the same hill that the Carthegens dedicated to the god Esmún. It was later home to a mosque that was converted into a cathedral in the XIII century. It was ruined various times throughout its long history and finally it was generally attacked, and its altars, altar pieces and images destroyed so that a political prison could be set up inside during the civil war. This existed until 1939 when it was bombed leaving it in the condition we see it in today.

REGIONAL ASSEMBLY BUILDING

In Paseo Alfonso XIII, one of the city’s main avenues, we find the Regional Assembly Building, home of the region’s parliament. Built in 1987, it incorporates avant-guarde materials and traditional craftsmanship. This architecturally unique building is the fruit of numerous influences such as Venetian renaissance, modernist and Mediterranean, enhancing its urban surroundings.

SANTA LUCÍA FISHING PORT.

Adjoining Cartagena harbour is the small fishing port of Santa Lucía where you can watch the colourful show of boats preparing to set sail or arriving home. Another attraction is the auction and sale of fish which takes place in ‘La Lonja’ where fishermen display their best catches to the dealers, suppliers and the curious. It is also in this port that Lateen Sail regattas take place allowing visitors to watch how our ancestors sailed.