Days out : Cartagena

Cartagena is a charming, compact, coastal city that became great during the Roman times when Hannibal set off from it with his elephants on his journey to Rome. There are so many things to see, with over 12 museums, 10 buildings of interest, 4 noteworthy churches and a whole host of monuments not to mention the archaeological sites. You can take the very informative Tourist Bus or perhaps sail out to sea on the Tourist Boat. You can explore the narrow characterful streets of the old town or relax at one of the bars, cafes and restaurants on the waterfront. A cruise ship may even be visiting, as Cartagena’s port is the third deepest in the world.

The Tourist Office for information about the museums and other places of interest

• National Museum of Underwater Archaeology ARQUA: large collection of artifacts from shipwrecks which mainly detail the history of trade.
• Naval Museum CIM: impressive collection of models of ships, maps and a room dedicated to Isaac Peral.
• Roman Theatre Museum: discovered by chance in 1987, the theatre has been impressively restored.
• Military Museum: located inside the artillery headquarters it houses the largest collection of artillery in Spain.
• Centre for the Interpretation of the Punic Rampart Museum: showing remains of the Punic city wall dating back to 200BC.
• The House of Fortune Museum: the former home of a prosperous Roman merchant makes up part of the underground city.
• Augusteum Museum: remains of two public buildings used as meeting place for the priest of the cult of Emperor Augustus part of the underground city.
• Decumanus Museum: the site of the main thoroughfare through the city during Roman times.
• Centre of Interpretation of the History of Cartagena: situated on top of Conception hill, displays info about the history of the city including a good video, great views from here over the city.
• Civil War Shelter Museum: tunnels into Conception hill completed at the end of the civil wall, now houses displays and information about the war.
• Panoramic Lift: Glass lift to the top of Conception hill.
• Municipal Archaeological Museum: base for all archaeological activity in the city, the museum is situated on a Roman necropolis.
• Aguirre House: this intriguing building houses the regional museum of modern art.
• Christmas Fort: building that occupies an imposing location at the mouth of the bay.
• Autopsy Theatre: this fascinating building is a museum of medicine and chronicles the history throughout time in Cartagena.
• Carmen Conde Antonio Oliver Museum: housed in 'the Ramón Alonso Luzzy' Cultural Centre is furniture and equipment from the former living room and office, as well as the invaluable archives-library of this local writer.
• Church of Santo Domingo: recently restored it has a stunning alter piece of multi coloured wood.
• Church Santa Maria de Gracia: started in the 18thcentury the façade is still unfinished.
• Church of El Carmen: home to the order of barefoot Carmelites.
• Caridad Church: the former church of the Caridad hospital, it has an impressive interior with several sculptures by Salzillo.
• Buildings: include City Hall, Campus Muralla del Mar, Midshipman’s Barracks, Arsenal Gate, Naval Headquarters Palace, Railway Station, Maestre house, Clares House, Cervantes House, Casino, Llagostera House, Grand Hotel, Pedreno House, Dorda house, Zapata House, Urban Expansion Company House, Regional Assembly.
• Archaeological Sites: include Hill of Molinete, Byzantine Rampart, Roman Colonnade and Torreciega.
• Statues & Monuments: include Pearl Submarine, Carlos II Rampart, Heros de Santiago de Cuba and Cavite.

Remember that most museums are closed on a Monday and for siesta which is generally 14.00-16.00 in the winter and 14.00-17.00 in the summer.