Discover Hidden Gems in Cartagena and Murcia, Cartagena, Spain

The small Region of Murcia is not on most tourist itineraries, but they have a few hidden gems for those willing to give them a chance. From Roman theatres and forums in Cartagena to the immaculate cathedral in Murcia, it is worth a visit to this part of Spain.

Murcia and Cartagena are located in the small District of Murcia, east of Andalucía. Murcia is also the name of its capital.

Instead of the usual Moorish fortresses and whitewashed homes that are seen across southern Spain, Cartagena offers something different. Having been an important Roman port as early as the 3rd century BCE, its historic centre has wonderful displays of Roman ruins.

Its defensive port made the site very attractive from as far back as the Carthaginians. Its name came from these first inhabitants Qart Hadasht (“New City”). The Romans called it Carthago Nova. Eventually, the name was transformed into Cartagena. There is a connection to Cartagena in Colombia. Many of the crew aboard ships that invaded Colombia were from this Spanish city. Today, the historic port has a different look. It is filled with cruise ships and sailboats.

The most famous site in the city is the Roman Theatre of Cartagena (Teatro Romano de Cartagena). The entrance to the ancient site is not obvious from the outside because a row of pretty heritage buildings blocks the view. A small sign in front of one let us know we were in the right place. An on-site museum has a few exhibits of artifacts found in the Roman Theatre, Forum and other ruins scattered throughout the city. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).