Cartagena, the capital of the Murcia region is a fabulous city to visit from your second home on the Costa Cálida. A smaller, lesser known Spanish city compared to Málaga or Barcelona, it has a true Iberian feel, and its main attractions can be found in the predominantly intact stone city walls.

Roman empire
Once inhabited by the Romans, originally in 209 BC before being noted as a colony in 54BC, Cartagena still has vestiges of the empire on show to visit today. The Roman Theatre Museum has exhibitions explaining how the archaeological digs have taken place over time, exposing the city’s Roman past and culminates in a visit to the remains of the Roman amphitheatre which has been restored in places to give an overview of what it would have looked like at the time.

Naval history
Cartagena has a rich naval history, although today it’s more likely to be cruise ships docking at its port than merchant and trading ships.
A fascinating look into both Cartagena and indeed Spain’s naval history can be found at ARQVA, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. A ship-shaped, half-submerged museum located on the waterfront which boasts wreckage from a Phoenician ship from the 7th century BC, finds from Greek and Middle Ages ships as well as treasures from Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, a ship that sank in Portuguese waters off the Algarve but that was discovered by an American company. The Spanish government fought to claim the wreck and its contents as a part of Spanish national history and some of the results can now be seen in Cartagena.
The Capitanía General building in the centre of town is also fantastic for sailing fans and those who like intricately decorated buildings and dates from 1738.

Castle views
Take the lift to the Castillo de la Concepción for the best view of the town and harbour. You can explore the 13th century castle which was built on top of a Roman temple and was also the location of the air-raid siren during the Spanish Civil War.

Lunch options
Excellent menús del día are available all around town. If you don’t feel like putting together your own meal to enjoy in the Plaza de la Merced, the tapas are fantastic on Calle Mayor or you can simply enjoy the view along the waterfront where the newly opened bars are perfect for a drink later on in the afternoon before working up an appetite for dinner late in the evening.

For details of properties currently available in this area, click on this link: properties for sale Costa Calida

Sources:
Independent.co.uk
Mecd.gob.es
Spainisculture.com

Also have a look at: https://www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/travel-tips.html


picture: © Vadim Khomyakov | Dreamstime.com - Roman theater and ruins of cathedral. Cartagena, Spain