Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Cartagena, Spain

With one of the world’s most remarkable natural harbors and abundant mineral resources, Cartagena has been a coveted location for centuries. The Carthaginians significantly contributed to its development as an ancient trading center in the 3rd century BC before it succumbed to Roman conquest.

A multi-ticket allows access to Cartagena’s various Roman sites, enabling visitors to delve into the complex historical narrative of the city. The 19th century was marked by a mining boom that enriched Cartagena and transformed its historical center with art nouveau architecture.

Let us examine the noteworthy attractions in Cartagena:

1. Roman Theatre Museum

Among the splendid Roman landmarks in Cartagena, the two-millennia-old theater should be your initial destination.

This archaeological gem was unearthed in 1988 beneath the ruins of the Old Cathedral, which had been damaged during the Spanish Civil War.

Approximately two-thirds of the theater’s original building materials remained intact, facilitating the meticulous restoration you can observe today.

The museum showcases a range of fascinating artifacts uncovered during excavations, including an altar dedicated to Jupiter, a statue of Apollo, inscribed lintels, plaques, and Islamic ceramics from the Middle Ages.

2. ARQUA, Marine Archaeology Museum

It is appropriate that this institution is located in one of the western Mediterranean’s historic harbors, where new discoveries occur nearly every year.

ARQUA serves as a national center for marine archaeology, showcasing remarkable historical artifacts from underwater sites, in addition to functioning as a research facility for experts and scholars in the discipline.

Visitors can learn about the analytical processes employed by archaeologists in the laboratory area, which includes interactive presentations for younger audiences.

Among the numerous artifacts on display are Carthaginian ivory tusks and the treasure trove of Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, a frigate that sank in the early 19th century while carrying 14.5 tons of gold and silver coins.

3. Modernist Architecture

In the late 1800s, the mining industry generated considerable wealth for a select few, and the clearest manifestations of this affluence are evident in Cartagena’s historic center and the nearby La Unión.

Cartagena’s center required substantial reconstruction in the late 19th century following a federalist insurrection in 1874 that devastated half of the city.

Consequently, towards the century’s end, some exquisite art nouveau buildings were erected.

These notable structures can be incorporated into a walking tour, including the Palacio Pedreño, the Casino de Cartagena, the Casa Cervantes, the Palacio de Aguirre, and the Gran Hotel.

4. Palacio Consistoria

Visitors can explore one of Cartagena’s most striking modernist marvels, the century-old town hall located at Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

This triangular edifice was a response to the late 19th-century mining boom, as Cartagena had outgrown its previous town hall.

After experiencing structural challenges in the 1990s, the building was restored to its Belle Époque splendor a decade ago.

Take a moment to examine the facade, composed entirely of white marble and crowned with domes featuring local zinc plating.

Upon closer inspection, you will notice some bullet holes from the Civil War.

English-speaking guided tours are available to show you the marble balustraded staircases and an exhibition of period tapestries.

5. Municipal Archaeology Museum

Located furthest north among Cartagena’s ancient sites is a late-Roman necropolis, which was situated on the banks of an ancient lagoon that has since vanished.

This fascinating site yields some of the most recent evidence of Roman habitation, dating from 300 to 700 AD—a period marked by the transition to Christianity.

The museum houses numerous items excavated from this necropolis along with an extensive collection of artifacts from across Cartagena.

Visitors will discover a comprehensive timeline of the region’s history, from Neanderthal remains through Phoenician ceramics to tools discovered in the Roman mines in the outlying mountains.

6. Calle Mayor

Connecting the Plaza de San Sebastián in the north with Cartagena’s town hall, this ravine-like pedestrian street is paved with distinctive blue marble tiles.

It embodies the quintessential Spanish “Paseo,” where families and couples leisurely stroll or meet friends.

The street is impeccably maintained and showcases many of Cartagena’s finest modernist buildings.

By day, it serves as a pleasant spot for coffee or shopping, while in the evening, the numerous restaurants and tapas bars create a vibrant atmosphere.

7. Batería de Castillitos

A visit to the tip of Cape Tiñoso, located 30 minutes from Cartagena via dirt roads, offers an eerie experience.

From a height of 250 meters, one can admire the breathtaking mountainous landscape of this natural park.

This site features a striking blend of whimsical architecture and imposing artillery guns constructed in the mid-1930s as part of a coastal defense network.

These medieval-style turrets integrate seamlessly with the mountainside, contrasting with the formidable black Vickers-Armstrong guns.

Utilize your mobile phone’s flashlight to explore the tunnels within the fortified area.

8. Military Museum

Cartagena has maintained a significant military presence for millennia, and numerous Spanish army units are currently stationed in the city.

This museum serves as a repository of this rich heritage, appealing especially to those interested in military hardware.

Housed in a structure built in the late 18th century, the museum courtyard features an unexploded shell embedded in a wall from the 1874 insurrection. Exhibits include tanks, missiles, field telescopes, light arms, and various heavy artillery pieces.

Additionally, the museum boasts the world’s largest collection of handcrafted military models, which has earned it a Guinness World Record!

9. Spanish Civil War Museum

The conflict from 1936-39 represents one of the most harrowing periods in Spain’s history, and Cartagena was not exempt from the tumult.

As a Republican military stronghold, Cartagena’s strategic position rendered it vulnerable to bombing raids orchestrated by Nationalist forces (aided by the Nazis), prompting the construction of shelters throughout the city.

Within the museum, visitors gain insights into the survival tactics employed by the populace, viewing original signs, propaganda posters, and various artifacts.

First-hand accounts detailing personal experiences during the conflict provide a poignant perspective, illustrating the resourceful strategies employed to mislead Nationalist forces.

10. Casa de la Fortuna

Having explored the necropolis, theater, and port’s history, this site offers insight into the lifestyles of wealthy citizens of Roman Cartagena.

The name of this domus derives from a Latin inscription on its rear entrance, “Fortuna Propitia,” which means “good luck,” serving as a welcoming gesture to all visitors.

The site retains extensive portions of its walls and decorative elements, alongside a section of the Roman road outside.

You can clearly identify areas such as the atrium, bedrooms (cubiculum), dining hall (triclinium), and the owner’s office (tablinum), with surprising details including wall paintings and mosaic floors.

11. Naval Museum

Located along the port, this museum details Cartagena’s maritime military history.

The building, an elegant 18th-century structure, once served as a training facility for marine personnel entering Spain’s navy.

The museum exhibits memorabilia, weaponry, navigational tools, and informative accounts of the tumultuous events of the 1870s.

Essential to any visit is the Peral Submarine, the world’s first battery-powered underwater vessel launched in 1888. Although it only underwent two years of testing and was never developed further, it represented a significant technological advancement and potentially the world’s first “U-boat.”

12. Castillo de la Concepción

Cartagena had long been in decline when the Moors arrived in Spain.

For centuries, it was believed that they left no lasting impact on the city; however, excavations at the fortress walls in Parque Torres have revealed it as an Alcazaba, an Islamic fortified palace from the Middle Ages.

Long before that, it served as a Roman temple dedicated to Asklepio, and remnants of its cisterns remain intact.

The majority of the structure visible today dates back to the 13th century after the Christian “re-conquest,” with subtle indicative carvings of eagles and rosettes evident from this period.

Take the elevator to the top for stunning panoramic views of the harbor and coastal mountains.

13. Playa de Calblanque

For a delightful day under the sun, consider making the trek to this unspoiled beach located half an hour from Cartagena.

Playa de Calblanque is situated on the route to Cabo de Palos, at the southern extremity of La Manga.

Take the exit for Calblanque, and the road meanders south towards the coast, passing through agricultural land and low arid mountains within the Calblanque Regional Park.

Beyond these natural features lies a secluded 300-meter beach with sands resembling burnt gold.

On quieter days, visitors can experience a near-private beach environment; however, be sure to bring refreshments, as amenities are scarce in this pristine location.

14. Licor 43 Tour

A sophisticated indoor activity during inclement weather is a tour of one of Spain’s most popular liqueurs, Licor 43, which is distilled right in Cartagena.

Reservations are recommended to participate in a two-hour excursion through the facility, gathering numerous interesting facts from your multilingual guide.

For those unfamiliar, Licor 43 is a 31% ABV spirit, crafted from 43 different citrus fruits and spices, best enjoyed over ice with milk.

The tour allows participants to witness the production process firsthand, from mixing and fermentation to aging and bottling.

It is advisable to avoid being the designated driver, as the tour concludes with a cocktail tasting!

15. Local Mines

Mining, an industry introduced to the region by the Romans, has a long-standing history in Cartagena.

The Sierra Minera is abundant in a variety of metals, including silver, copper, zinc, lead, tin, manganese, and iron.

For those intrigued by industrial heritage, there are two mining attractions worth exploring: the La Unión Mining Park and the Las Matildes Mine.

At La Unión, the Agrupa Vicenta mine is particularly impressive; it descends 80 meters underground and features large, cavernous spaces, as well as an underground lake filled with reddish water.

Both attractions display mining equipment and infrastructure, including miner’s quarters, compressor rooms, and 19th-century machinery such as derricks and carts used for transporting ores.