Spain, Cartagena: attractions, hotels and history of the city

Luxurious and sunny country of Spain attracts tourists from all over the world. Here you can not only relax on the gentle shores of the Mediterranean Sea or the Atlantic Ocean. In this corner of the globe there are mountain peaks covered with snow, where fans of mountain skiing are looking for their eyes. And here the best European amusement parks and attractions are concentrated. This country - a true paradise for fans of history, because in this blessed land their traces left different civilizations, creating a special symbiosis in culture. The luxurious palaces of the Spanish crown, the impregnable strongholds of the Arabs, the strict Christian churches and the ruins of the Roman amphitheatres are located on a picturesque backdrop of amazing nature. Madrid, Seville, Cartagena, Barcelona, Toledo, Granada, Salamanca, Bilbao, Valencia - that's just a short list of cities that can surprise demanding travelers. And in the state there are several islands, where you just need to go. A real pearl, which the whole of Spain is proud of, is Cartagena. We will make a small virtual trip there!

Where is Cartagena

The city is today the largest port of Spain. And he is located on the same shore as the famous Barcelona, is crowned with Gaudi's fantasy creations. The Mediterranean Sea is gently washed by Costa Calida (translated as "warm coast") - the south-eastern part of the country where the cozy location of Cartagena.

Do not confuse the Spanish pearl in the autonomy of Murcia with another city of the same name, which is in the New World. Indian Cartagena in Colombia was founded by Spanish navigators in 1533 and served as a staging post for sending looted American treasures to Europe. It is also a port that is washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea, no less beautiful and majestic.

The history of the city

The history of the city of Cartagena begins in 227 BC: the commander named Gasdrubal founded the settlement, intending to use it as a base for conquering all of Spain. In honor of his homeland, the navigator and the military gave him the name of New Carthage, which eventually transformed into Cartagena. But long before the arrival of eternal enemies of Rome, people lived here. Fifty thousand years ago, Neanderthals lived in these lands, sun-kissed. It is this era that dates to the most ancient finds found in the limestone cave Cueva de los.

The city of Cartagena (Spain) has a long and rich history. And yet - a unique look that captivates at first sight. Today, here live about 214 thousand inhabitants, in whose veins blood and Carthaginians, and Romans, and Arabs, and barbarians flow. After all, he repeatedly passed from hand to hand, before becoming the pride of the Castilian crown.

Who owned the city?

The city of Cartagena (Spain) was founded by immigrants from Carthage. But in less than two decades, a convenient port of the Mediterranean was taken by the Roman commander Scipio. He immediately appreciated the advantageous location of the village on a plain surrounded by mountain ranges (the old city was located between five hills) and rich mineral deposits. Octavian August favorably treated the New Carthage, so the latter developed and reconstructed. At the behest of the emperor, the Forum and the theater were built here, and the port itself was given the status of a colony with local government.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Spain (Cartagena, among others) passed under the rule of Byzantium. Then the Visigoths and the Arabs ruled the city. By the way, it was thanks to the latter that the village rose again from ashes and ruins, it began to rebuild: a mosque and fortress on Mount Concepcion was built. Several Christian monasteries replenished with Cartagena after the conquest of King Alfonso X in 1245. But the beginning of Spanish rule was marked by a decline: the country was in stagnation.

The decline lasted until the eighteenth century: then Cartagena was made the center of the Mediterranean Maritime Department. It was strengthened, restored, the Naval Hospital, Arsenal and new houses were built. The population immediately increased to fifteen thousand people. And yet Spain (Cartagena, as part of it, shared the difficult fate of the country) was going through hard times. After the rapid development of industry The area under consideration survived the Cantonal Revolution (1873), after which the city was rebuilt again, having built a huge number of buildings in the Art Nouveau style. These buildings also create a special atmosphere, add charm.

Interesting places in New Carthage

Since the city is very ancient, at every step you can find traces of history. Especially a lot of them in the old part. Cartagena attractions are carefully guarded and proud of them, because not every settlement can boast such a rich cultural heritage. From the Carthaginians in it remained the ruins of the Punic Bastion, the Romans presented the amphitheater, from which the stone columns, part of the arena and sculptural decoration were preserved. And also - the famous "House of Destiny" and the Necropolis with the tower La Torre Ciega. Virtually completely destroyed by the Byzantine heritage - the bastion and the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Vieja, but still they look amazing.

Modern Cartagena

Has the city of Cartagena (Spain) sights are not only ancient, but also newer. The modern center of the city is the Plaza de España - a huge rotunda with a fountain and an inner square. For walks, Calle Maior, a pedestrian street starting from San Sebastian Square, is perfect. Most of the houses on it are built in the Art Nouveau style, but there are exceptions. For example, the house of Cervantes (the architect Victor Betri) and the church of Santo Domingo (1695) are built according to the rules of the Baroque. Mandatory tourists should visit the Palacio Consistorial - the most beautiful palace erected in 1907 by Thomas Rico Valarino. And admire the city panorama best from the observation deck in the park Torres.

Resort Spain: Cartagena And its beaches

The best beaches of the country are concentrated in the region of the city. More than forty kilometers of golden sand, washed by the Mediterranean Sea and the fabulously beautiful lagoon of Mar Menor - that's what Cartagena boasts of. Reviews about the rest here you can hear only the most enthusiastic. The State Secretariat of Tourism awarded New Carthage ten highest marks "Q". And seven beach areas are marked by blue flags. This is really a unique indicator, which, except for Cartagena, boasts perhaps that Fuengirola (another Mediterranean municipality of the country).

The Lagoon Mar Menor is an amazing place, famous not only for its beauty, but also for its wonderful climatic conditions, which allow you to swim all year round, practice water sports, and scuba dive.

Housing issue in a heavenly place

What is more attractive Cartagena? Hotels are able to please even the most demanding travelers. But there are more affordable hotels in this city that will be affordable for thrifty tourists and people who are constrained by the means. Choose what you like and is right for you. Guests are offered luxurious villas, five-star complexes, romantic bungalows, stylish apartments. Very comfortable rooms will be in budget hostels. However, it is worth noting that the free rooms in the midst of the holiday season in Cartagena - a rarity. Therefore, when planning to relax on the Mediterranean coast in summer, book accommodation in advance. The same thing is desirable to do in other seasons, because in Spain they go not only for the sake of sunbathing.

Cultural life of Murcia

Autonomy Murcia, where the port of Cartagena is located, is a place interesting both in historical, and in resort, and in cultural terms. We have already mentioned architectural masterpieces of antiquity and modernity, which you can see while walking along the streets of the city. But be sure to talk about the events and events that await the guests of this part of Spain.

"Even more May" is a festival that attracts famous and novice artists. "The Sea of Music" - refers to the most prestigious events in the world of sounds on the European continent (held in July). Passionate Week is also a period when tourists are waiting for an unforgettable experience. An exemplary order reigns in the city, the processions of believers who repent of their sins synchronously move, and the religious brotherhoods display a rich collection of sculptures carefully kept for a year. Only on the eve of Easter you can see some masterpieces performed by Salsillo, Benliur, Capus.

A business card of the city: historical reconstruction

"Carthaginians and Romans" - a fascinating action, which you can admire only here! Guests of Cartagena have the opportunity to watch the costume festival in September each year. Practically on all streets of the city people who dressed in military armor of the times of confrontation of the Eternal City and Carthage stroll. A colorful battle will bring you back to the past and make you forget about the present.

Exhibition of amazing treasures and other underwater relics

Visiting the exhibition, which exhibits unique coins of gold and silver, minted in Peru, will not leave anyone indifferent. It is about seventeen tons of treasures (nominal number - half a million coins plus many other items of precious materials) raised from the seabed. In the distant eighteenth century, the loaded Spanish frigate "Tesoro de las Mercedes" was sunk by the British military forces. Found this truly precious treasure in 2007, the company of North American treasure hunters "Odyssey."

But this is not the only treasure of Cartagena. In the National Museum of Underwater Archeology ARQUA you can see with your own eyes the relics that were lost before, but then raised from the depths of the sea. Antique amphorae, the unique skeleton of the Phoenician ship, elephant tusks with Carthaginian writings are just a few artifacts that the city is ready to surprise.

Cuisine of New Carthage

In order to form an opinion on the life of the inhabitants of this heavenly place, you should try the local cuisine. It is special here: full of gifts of land and seafood, juicy fruits and meat products. Almost the visiting card of the region is the first dish of the caldero. On the second you will be served peas, tomatoes, artichokes and beans (from dried beans prepare a popular dish of Michirons). Lovers of meat should try a masterly cooked rabbit, as well as a variety of sausages and smoking.

In the local vineyards all sorts of grapes grow, from which they make excellent spirits. They should be tasted with each meal. And to dessert it is desirable to order coffee, prepared according to a special recipe with the addition of cognac, condensed milk and a drop of cinnamon.

Enjoy your trip to the sunny Spanish city!