Cartagena Spain. A city of contrasts between the old and new, poverty and wealth, and legend and reality. The 17th-century walled Old Town and fortress are stunning World Heritage Sites, offering an insight into the old legends of this city. The colorful restored Spanish buildings line the streets of Old Town, with areas of immense poverty and around the corner, areas of extreme wealth. This city will surprise and sadden you, intrigue and amaze you, and leave you wanting to return.
You’ll find Roman villas and baths, a harbor used by the Phoenicians, chunky 18th-century defensive walls, and polished marble streets lined with elegant art nouveau architecture. There’s a collection of excellent museums, a lively cultural scene, and an impressive array of tapas bars, and restaurants to explore. Strategically positioned on the Costa Cálida, a sunny shoreline in Spain’s Murcia province, Cartagena is a three-dimensional history lesson. It’s one of the most important Roman sites in Spain, where more is constantly being uncovered. To reach the magnificent amphitheater, you walk under the modern city, which is thought-provoking in itself.
You’ll see more than Roman history, too. The strategic position of a sheltered natural harbor attracted the attention of the Carthaginians, Phoenicians, and the Moors as waves of settlers invaded Spain. At first glance, you might feel the surrounding countryside lacks the classic beauty that Spain is known for. But once you’re strolling the polished marble streets or palm-lined waterfront, exploring a series of superb museums, and marveling at intricate modernista architecture, you’ll quickly realize what a well-kept secret this underrated city is.
