Cartagena, Spain

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Cartagena in Murcia region of Spain is a historic port dating back to 220 BC. This UNESCO World Heritage is beautiful walkable city.

As you head into port, you’ll see the Punic wall in the distance. The cruise port is just is just a short walk from the city center and major sights are nearby.

You can also opt to take an hour taxi tour around the major sights. You can easily get a cab as you get out of the port gate. If you plan to see just the Calle Mayor, Roman Theater, and City Hall, these are just a few blocks from the ship.

You can enjoy some tapas or coffee or helado (ice cream) from the many seaside restaurants and cafes on the main street. Enjoy an afternoon an afternoon stroll on the cobbled streets of Cartagena or on the blue marble street of Calle Mayor.

Despite being an old city, there are quite a few Art Nouveau buildings you can admire like the City Hall. The Palacio Consistorial de Cartagena on Plaza Ayunamiento is a marble triangular shaped building with rounded corners. Built in the early 1900s this Art Noveau Building is one of the major landmarks of Cartagena.

Right beside the City Hall is the Monumento a los Héroes de Cavite, where you can see many sculptures dedicated to the heroes and the rich naval history of the city. Some notable sculptures are monuments of the replacement soldiers in tribute to the men who for centuries passed through the port as part of their mandatory service to the Spanish Navy.

“Monumento al Soldado de Reemplazo”,By Jorge Garcia Aznar (1990)

“Monumento al Soldado de Reemplazo”, ”By Saenz de Elorrieta (2004)

Take some time too to walk to the end of the pier to see the “El Zulo” by Victor Ochoa (2009) and bronze sculpture of a whale’s tail named “Colla de Balena” (2007) by Saenz de Elorrieta.

The “El Zulo” is 6 meters high and is a monument in honor of terrorism victims made of bronze.

There are a few tourist shops that sell souvenirs like Spanish fans, postcards, magnets, etc.

Santo Domingo Church (Paroquia Castrense de Santo Domingo) on Calle Mayor.

Masses: Everyday: 11:30 & 7PM ; Sunday and Holidays; 11:30; 12:30 ; 7PM;

Holy Rosary (Daily) 6:30

Parroquia Castrense de Santo Domingo

Must see:

CONCEPCION CASTLE

This 13th century fort built on the top of a 150 foot hill has amazing views of the city and the port. It is also the Centre for the Interpretation of the History of Cartagena. The castle is wheel chair accessible and has an elevator and ramps inside. Since it is located at the highest point of the city, you can get a 360 view of the city from the top of the castle.

ENTRANCE FEE: 3.75 € (adult) 2.75 € (reduced)

entrance fee +panoramic lift: 4.25 € (adult) 3.25 € (reduced)

HOW TO GET HERE: you can walk from the port or take a taxi to the parking lot

HOURS OF OPERATION: AM - 8:00 PM (July to Sept 15; 10:00 - 7:00 PM (March 15-June 30; March 21-28, Sept 16-November 1) , ; 10:00-5:30 November to March 14. Closed on Mondays Mid March to June, Mid Sept to March) ;

MUSEO DEL TEATRO ROMANO & ROMAN THEATER