Cartagena, Spain

Augustaeum

Augusteum, the residence of the priests of the imperial cult of Augustus, is one of the buildings of the Roman Forum, only partially excavated by archaeologists. To this day, only the foundation, and elements of the walls and columns have been preserved-though that, in fact, is not so little. Most of the items found during the excavations (for example, the statue of Augustus) are kept in the Archaeological Museum.

Concepción Castle

At first it was a Roman temple, the walls of which have survived at the base of the modern castle; then it became an Arab fortress, and only later-a Christian castle on the hill of Concepción (the highest point in the city). By the 20th century, the structure had turned into well-preserved ruins with a picturesque garden with ponds. Today, Concepción is known as the “Castle of Ducks” (“Castillo de los patos”). You can see an image of the castle on the coat of arms of Cartagena.

Llagoster House

La casa Llá gostera on Calle Mayor is among the architectural masterpieces of the architect Víctor Beltrí (Víctor Beltrí y Roqueta), the author of several buildings in the Modernisme style in Cartagena. Unusual decorative elements adorning the façade-floral ornaments, mythical figures, and coats of arms-set the building apart from other structures of that time. The height of the house does not allow you to take in all the details at a glance, but you can still fully appreciate the architectural scope with which its former owner, Esteban Llagostera-a merchant who was among the influential residents of Cartagena in the early 19th century-approached the construction of the house.

Cartagena Cathedral

According to legend, the Cartagena Cathedral is the first Christian church in Spain. And its founder is the apostle James, although historians are not particularly inclined to trust this version. In the early 20th century, after the building collapsed, architect Víctor Beltrí effectively rebuilt the cathedral in a Neo-Romanesque style. It was subsequently looted, turned into a prison, and suffered severe damage during the 1936 Civil War. On the other hand, a Roman mosaic from the 1st century AD was discovered in the crypt beneath the cathedral. Today, the cathedral is a set of well-preserved ruins located near the Roman Amphitheater. All significant finds of cultural and historical value have been transferred to the Cartagena Archaeological Museum.

Peral Submarine

Three in one: a monument, a fountain, and a submarine. Built in the 19th century to the design of Isaac Peral, the sub withstood tests, but was deemed not advanced enough. After standing idle for about 40 years, it found a new purpose in life, becoming a monument-fountain on the Cartagena waterfront.

Roman Amphitheatre

For a long time, no one knew about the existence of the amphitheater in Cartagena (for many years, a Byzantine commercial district and the Cathedral were located on its ruins). The theater ruins were excavated only at the end of the 20th century. The structure is enormous-one of the largest theaters of the Roman Empire period found within the territory of modern Spain. Nearby is the Museum of the Roman Theatre of Cartagena. The amphitheater was built by the Flavians in the 1st century AD. The arena stands could accommodate 6,000 people. The authorities’ plans are to preserve the amphitheater, as well as the nearby ruined bullring, and to open a Museum of Contemporary Art in this excavation area.

Archaeological Park

Cartagena is surrounded by five hills, one of which is called El Molinete (which means “Mill”). Until recently, the remains of the buildings on the hill were in a deplorable condition. But a few years ago, the area was renovated and an archaeological park was opened. A walking route runs through the park, and two children’s playgrounds are available-one of them is designed for very young visitors. Adults can explore the ruins of two mills preserved on the hill (hence the hill’s name) and a temple. The park is quite picturesque; it is home to rosemary, lavender, and olive trees.

ARQUA Underwater Archaeology Museum

At the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, you can see artifacts collected by researchers in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, telling the story of the region from ancient times. In the museum galleries, you can view a collection of elephant tusks with Phoenician inscriptions (the only one in the world), amphorae, lead ingots, anchors, a life-size replica of a Roman merchant ship, seven full-scale models of ancient ships, and an accurate replica of a galley. Here, you’ll also find a detailed account of the history of seafaring, maritime trade, and transportation, with special attention given to the Phoenician and Roman eras.

Cartagena Waterfront

The reconstructed waterfront in Cartagena, as is the case with any seaside city, is the hub of social life. Well-dressed locals stroll along the palm-lined promenade, admire the sea views, or relax in dozens of cafés scattered along the waterfront.

Beaches of Cartagena

Cortina is a popular beach located 5 kilometers from the city center (beyond the port). The beach is marked with a blue flag. There are picnic areas, a playground, a restaurant, shower cabins, and restrooms on site. You can rent fishing and diving equipment. Calblanque Beach is located in the eponymous protected park, 15 kilometers from Cartagena. Soft yellow sand, distance from civilization, and nature all around. However, in peak season you won’t be able to escape the crowds, and entry to the beach may be closed as early as 11:00 due to overcrowding. Fatares Beach is situated in a small cove, 12 kilometers west of Cartagena. It’s a very clean beach, but getting there is possible only by boat or by taking a long walk through the Sierra de la Muela nature park.

Naval Museum

In the arsenal hall, you can see drawings, documents, carpentry tools, rigging and sail-making workshops, various ship fittings, and fragments of boats. A separate hall is devoted to engineer Isaac Peral, where drawings of his submarine and personal portraits are on display. In the cartography and navigation hall, copies of letters and handwritten maps are shown, as well as items such as a 19th-century ship’s wheel, telegraphs, sextants, and a collection of nautilus compasses. Separate rooms are dedicated to diving work and military equipment. In the submarine hall, models of almost all the submarines that operated in the Spanish fleet are exhibited. And one of the halls is entirely dedicated to the 19th-century military history of Cartagena.

Roman Cartagena

This excursion is entirely dedicated to the life and daily life of ancient Romans. Tourists will visit the ruins of a Roman house, learn how people lived, entertained themselves, fought, and conquered vast territories in those times, see the remains of the famous Roman road, a commercial district, religious sites, and the magnificent Roman Theater.

You can view a more detailed list of excursions and their prices after booking the cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.