The luxurious and sunny country of Spain attracts tourists from all over the world. Here you can not only relax perfectly on the gentle coast of the Mediterranean Sea or the Atlantic Ocean. In this corner of the globe there are mountain peaks covered with snow, where fans of alpine skiing look their eyes. And here the best European amusement parks and attractions are concentrated here. This country is a true paradise for fans of history, because on this blessed land different civilizations have left their traces, creating a special symbiosis in culture. The magnificent palaces of the Spanish crown, the impregnable strongholds of the Arabs, austere Christian temples and the ruins of Roman amphitheaters are located on a picturesque backdrop of amazing nature. Madrid, Seville, Cartagena, Barcelona, Toledo, Granada, Salamanca, Bilbao, Valencia - these are just a short list of cities that can surprise demanding travelers. And the state includes several islands, which you should definitely go to. The real gem that all of Spain is proud of is Cartagena. Let's make a little virtual trip there!
Where is Cartagena
The city is today the largest port in Spain. And it is located on the same shore as the famous Barcelona, crowned with Gaudi's fantasy creations. The Mediterranean Sea is gently washed by Costa Calida (translated as “warm coast”), the southeastern part of the country, where Cartagena is comfortably located.
Do not confuse the Spanish pearl in the autonomy of Murcia with another city of the same name, which is located in the New World. Indian Cartagena in Colombia was founded by Spanish navigators in 1533 and served as a transit point for sending looted American treasures to Europe. It is also a port, which is washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea, no less beautiful and majestic.
History of the founding of the city
The history of Cartagena begins in 227 BC: a commander named Hasdrubal founded the settlement, intending to use it as a base for the conquest of all of Spain. In honor of his homeland, the navigator and the military gave him the name New Carthage, which eventually transformed into Cartagena. But long before the arrival of the eternal adversaries of Rome, people lived here. Fifty thousand years ago, in these parts, caressed by the sun, Neanderthals lived. The oldest finds discovered in the limestone cave Cueva de los date back to that era.
The city of Cartagena (Spain) has a long and eventful history. And also - a unique look that captivates at first sight. Today there are about 214 thousand inhabitants, in whose veins the blood of the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Arabs, and the barbarians flows. After all, he repeatedly passed from hand to hand before becoming the pride of the Castilian crown.
Who owned the city?
The city of Cartagena (Spain) was founded by immigrants from Carthage. But after less than two decades, the convenient port of the Mediterranean was taken by the Roman commander Scipio. He immediately appreciated the favorable location of the village on a plain surrounded by mountain ranges (the old city was located between five hills) and rich mineral deposits. Octavian Augustus favored New Carthage, so the latter developed and reconstructed. At the behest of the emperor, a Forum and a theater were built here, and the port itself received the status of a colony with local government.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Spain (including Cartagena) came under the rule of Byzantium. Then the Visigoths and Arabs ruled in the city. By the way, it was thanks to the latter that the village again rose from the ashes and ruins, began to rebuild: a mosque and a fortress are being built on Mount Concepcion. Cartagena replenished with several Christian monasteries after the conquest by King Alfonso X in 1245. But the beginning of Spanish rule was marked by decline: the country was in stagnation.
Decline lasted until the eighteenth century: then Cartagena was made the center of the Mediterranean Maritime Department. It was strengthened, rebuilt, and a naval hospital, Arsenal, and new homes were erected. The population immediately increased to fifteen thousand people. Nevertheless, Spain (Cartagena, as part of it, shared the country's difficult fate) was going through difficult times. After the rapid development of industry the area in question survived the Cantonal Revolution (1873), after which the city was rebuilt again, having built a huge number of Art Nouveau buildings here. These buildings also create a special atmosphere, add charm.
Attractions New Carthage
Since the city is very ancient, traces of history can be found at every step. Especially a lot of them in the old part. Cartagena carefully preserves its sights and is proud of them, because not every settlement can boast such a rich cultural heritage. From the Carthaginians, the ruins of the Punic bastion remained in it, the Romans presented an amphitheater, from which stone columns, part of the arena and sculptural decoration were preserved. And also - the famous "House of Fate" and the Necropolis with the La Torre Ciega tower. The Byzantine heritage, the bastion and the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Vieja, is almost completely destroyed, but they still look amazing.
Modern Cartagena
Has the city of Cartagena (Spain) attractions are not only ancient, but also newer. The modern center of the city is Plaza de España - a huge rotunda with a fountain and an inner square. Calle Maior, a pedestrian street starting at San Sebastian Square, is perfect for walking. Most of the houses on it are built in the Art Nouveau style, but there are exceptions. For example, the house of Cervantes (architect Victor Betry) and the church of Santo Domingo (1695) were built according to the rules of the Baroque. Tourists should definitely visit the Palacio Consistorial - the most beautiful palace erected in 1907 by Thomas Rico Valarino. And it is best to admire the city panorama from the observation deck in Torres Park.
Spa Spain: Cartagena and its beaches
The best beaches of the country are concentrated in the area of the city. More than forty kilometers of golden sand washed by the Mediterranean Sea and the fabulously beautiful lagoon of Mar Menor - that is what Cartagena boasts. Reviews about the rest here you can hear only the most enthusiastic. The State Secretariat of Tourism assigned New Carthage ten highest marks “Q”. And seven beach areas are marked with blue flags. This is a truly unique indicator, which, apart from Cartagena, can only be boasted by Fuengirola (another Mediterranean municipality of the country).
The lagoon Mar Menor is an amazing place, famous not only for its beauty, but also for its wonderful climatic conditions, which allow swimming, practicing water sports, and scuba diving throughout the year.
Housing issue in a paradise
What is more attractive Cartagena? Hotels are able to please even the most demanding travelers. But there are more affordable hotels in this city that can be affordable for thrifty tourists and people who are constrained in their means. Choose what you like and suits you. Luxurious villas, five-star complexes, romantic bungalows, stylish apartments offer their services to guests. The rooms in budget hostels will be very comfortable. However, it is worth noting that vacant rooms at the height of the holiday season in Cartagena are a rarity. Therefore, when planning to relax on the Mediterranean coast in the summer, book your accommodation in advance. It is also desirable to do the same at a different time of the year, because people go to Spain not only to take sun baths.
The cultural life of Murcia
The autonomy of Murcia, where the port of Cartagena is located, is a place interesting in historical, spa, and cultural terms. We already mentioned the architectural masterpieces of antiquity and modernity, which can be seen walking along the streets of the city. But you should definitely tell about the events and events that await the guests of this part of Spain.
“Even May” is a festival attended by famous and aspiring artists. “Sea of Music” - refers to the most prestigious events in the world of sounds on the European continent (held in July). Holy Week is also a period when tourists are waiting for an unforgettable experience. An exemplary order reigns in the city, processions of believers repenting of their sins synchronously move, and religious brotherhoods display rich collections of sculptures carefully preserved for a year. Only on the eve of Easter can you see some masterpieces performed by Salsillo, Benliur, Capus.
City Visiting Card: Historical Reconstruction
"Carthaginians and Romans" - a bewitching action, which can only be admired here! Cartagena guests have the opportunity to watch a costume festival in September each year. Almost all the streets of the city are walking people dressed up in military armor during the confrontation between the Eternal City and Carthage. A colorful battle will return you to the past and make you forget about the present.
An exhibition of amazing treasures and other underwater relics
A visit to the exhibition, which exhibits unique gold and silver coins minted in Peru, will not leave anyone indifferent. We are talking about seventeen tons of treasures (the nominal number is half a million coins plus many other items from precious materials), raised from the seabed. In the distant eighteenth century, the laden Spanish frigate Tesoro de las Mercedes was sunk by the British military. This truly invaluable treasure was discovered in 2007 by the Odyssey company of North American treasure hunters.
But this is far from the only treasure of Cartagena. In the National Museum of Underwater Archeology ARQUA, you can see with your own eyes relics that were previously lost, but later raised from the depths of the sea. Antique amphoras, the unique skeleton of the Phoenician ship, elephant tusks with Carthaginian inscriptions - these are just a few artifacts that the city is ready to surprise.
New Carthage Cuisine
In order to form an opinion about the life of the inhabitants of this heavenly place, you should try the local cuisine. It is special here: it is full of gifts of land and seafood, juicy fruits and meat products. Almost the hallmark of the region is the first dish of caldero. The second one will be served with peas, tomatoes, artichokes and beans (from dried beans they prepare a popular dish of michiron). Meat lovers should try the expertly cooked rabbit, as well as various sausages and smoked products.
All kinds of grapes are grown in local vineyards, from which excellent alcoholic beverages are made. They should be tasted with every meal. And for dessert, it is advisable to order coffee prepared according to a special recipe with the addition of cognac, condensed milk and a drop of cinnamon.
Have a nice trip to the sunny Spanish city!