Cartagena is a port city and naval base in the Murcia region of southeast Spain. Founded by the Carthaginians around 220 B.C., the city boomed during the Roman period. Among its many Roman ruins are a 1st-century B.C. theater and Casa de la Fortuna, a villa with murals and mosaics. The Muralla Púnica (Punic Wall) interpretation center houses the remains of a 3rd-century B.C. defensive wall.
Because of its highly favorable weather year-round, Cartagena has been called “winterless.” It is the warmest city in continental Europe; even in the coldest month, January, when the average temperature is 57° F. Whenever you visit, you’re more than likely to find warm sun in Cartagena. Which makes it a perfect place to hold a meeting!
Spain’s Murcia region has been called Europe’s orchard because it is dominated by farmland. As a result, fresh dairy, vegetables, and fruits are plentiful in Cartagena as well as fresh seafood from the nearby waters. Don’t miss the olives, peaches, apricots and dried fruits, some of the area’s most popular exports. Another unusual specialty of the region is asiatico coffee, laced with condensed milk, 43 Liquor, cinnamon, and lemon peel.
Of all the marvelous Roman landmarks in Cartagena, the 2,000 year-old theatre should be your first port of call.
It was discovered as recently as 1988 beneath the ruins of the Old Cathedral, which had been destroyed during shelling in the Spanish Civil War.
About two thirds of the theatre’s building material was still on site, which made possible the very detailed restoration you can see now.
In the museum you’ll study the fantastic artefacts discovered during the excavations, among them an altar to Jupiter, a statue of Apollo, inscribed lintels, plaques and also Islamic ceramics from the middle ages.
Set on the beach on La Manga del Mar Menor, Hotel Servigroup Galua offers rooms with sea views. It features a seasonal outdoor pool, bar and lounge overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a good choice if you want to be near Cartagena but on the beach. To discover more of this unique city in Spain please contact the experts at the Tourist Office of Spain. Make sure you ask them what their favorite local dish is!
