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 Cartagena
is the closest city to La Manga.
It is a 30
minute drive (or bus ride from Cabo de Palos) along the motorway and is
well worth a visit.
 There
is a wealth of history and architecture to see as well as the attractive
port area where there is a mixture of old and new buildings. The ancient
city of Cartagena was founded by the Carthaginians in the year 227BC. It
rapidly became a main trading port and at one time was widely recognised
as being one of the wealthiest cities in the ancient world.
It has always been a major port due to its natural harbour and its
strategic position on the Mediterranean coast and has played an important
role in the history of the region and of Spain itself.
The city is surrounded by five hills which in theory made the city easy to
defend. Many of the forts, castles and guns built for this purpose can
still be seen today.
These days Cartagena is still sustained by its role as a seaport and large
naval base with many related buildings scattered throughout the city such
as the Naval Headquarters, Artillery Headquarters, Dockyard Gate and the
Midshipman's School There is also a very good naval museum.
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In the port area you can see the Peral Submarine, the
first practical submarine ever built. The designer was born in Cartagena
and launched the submarine there in 1888. There are several cafes/bars
fronting the port and it is very relaxing to sit there with a drink and
watch the comings and goings in the harbour.
 You
can take a trip around the harbour with Barco Turístico (Tourist
Catamaran) and find about the history of the harbour, local stories and
legends. The trip lasts about 45 minutes and there is an English
commentary.
Although much of Cartagena's Roman history has long gone, there are sites
that have been excavated, such as the Roman Amphitheatre (dated 1st
Century BC) parts of which have been dugout from under the Bullring that
was erected over it in 1854.
Work is ongoing to restore many of the other important buildings in the
city and some are now open to the public and well worth a visit. This
includes Concepción Castle which sits above the harbour on top of
Concepción Hill (the highest of the five hills in the city) and can be
accessed by a scenic lift and rather exposed, wobbly walkway. For those of
you who do not like heights, I would suggest that you walk up instead.
 The
air raid shelters which were carved out of the hill, and used mainly
during the Spanish Civil War, can also be accessed via the lift.
The views once you reach the Castle are spectacular. On a clear day you
can see all over the city and there are labelled line drawings displayed
along each aspect to help you distinguish all the important landmarks.
Inside the castle itself (don't be deceived by the name it is actually
quite small and built in the shape of a square) there are different types
of displays depicting the history of the city. You can also walk through
Torres Park below the Castle where peacocks are often to be found
wondering around.
 Whilst
close to Concepción Hill you can visit the Roman Theatre that was
discovered by accident in 1987. The Theatre dates from the 1st century BC
and was once considered the finest in Spain. Items such as sculptures,
reliefs and altar stones that were found at this site can be seen in the
Municipal Archaeological Museum.
Other places which we are worthy of a visit include the remains of Cartagena's 13th Century Cathedral of
Santa Maria, the remains of the Punic Ramparts (the city was walled as a
result of the Punic Wars), the Crypt of San José Hermitage which is
located in the Punic Walls Interpretation Centre and Fortuna House which
has the remains of two dwellings either side of a stretch of Roman road
and has some exquisite paintings on the walls and floors.
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For more information and an excellent street map of
Cartagena do visit one of the two friendly tourist offices. They are
located either close to the bus station at the end of Calle San Diego or
on the road opposite the port, Paseo de Alfonso XII.
 We
must also add a note about shopping. There are many excellent shops in
Cartagena including El Corte Inglés, a very large and up market
department store. There are signs all over the city directing you to it,
so it is easy to find. There is also a sizeable Carrefour and Eroski.
If you are exhausted by all this sightseeing (and maybe shopping) there
are many parks and shaded squares, particularly in the old part of the
town, were you can take a break. Possibly even more appealing, there are
many good bars and restaurants were you can sit and eat/drink and watch
the world go by.
Cartagena is an especially welcoming place. The
Cartagenians seem enthusiastic and proud of their city and their history
is very well presented.
The Spanish love a good festival and major events include the Easter
festival and the Carthaginians &
Romans Festival which takes every year in September/October. There is a
lot of serious dressing up, boat races, eating, concerts, processions,
fireworks and the occasional parachutist landing on your head.
So check at the tourist information centres and see what's happening when
you are around.
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