Archaeological Visit to Cartagena
9 May
Suggested full day visit
We could start the day by visiting the “Punic Wall Interpretation Centre” (lasting approximately 45 mins). This wall was built in the Carthaginian Era (third century B.C.) and is believed to have been used subsequently by the Romans. It is one of the few Punic sites of the Iberian Peninsula and therefore a unique site to visit. The remains have a total length of 30m and at some points reach a height of 3m.
We can continue by walking to the Roman Theatre, building up our strength by stopping for a tapa at "Bodega La Uva Jumillana" at C/ Jara 28. The mid-morning snack is typical and fundamental in the Mediterranean diet. And if we wish, and we have enough time, we can go for a stroll along the C/ Mayor, a street full of shops that set out to recover a little of the old style of shopping, away from the big shopping centres.
The visit to the “Museum and Roman Theatre”, (lasting approximately 1h.) begins at 12.00. This is, without doubt, one of the most surprising discoveries of the city, since it was discovered by chance in the nineteen-eighties. It was opened in 2008, after numerous excavations and the discovery of numerous different historical eras deposited in layers one above the other, on the same site. The route begins in the historic corridor of the theatre, where an explanation is given of the numerous eras discovered there as well as of its architecture, followed by the explanation in the Theatre itself of the role of theatre in the society of the time. If you leave by retracing your steps and following the route in the opposite direction make sure you do not miss the pictorial exhibition at the beginning.
After such a full morning it is advisable to replenish our strength and enjoy the cuisine of Cartagena. One of the best places to eat for its quality-price relationship is the "Restaurante La Tartana" at C / Puerta de Murcia 14 (Such. 968 500 011).
Here are some representative examples of this cuisine:
- Mojama and roe with almonds (this is a legacy of the Romans. It is salted fish, delicious and therefore highly prized).
- Michirones Cartagena (fresh or dried broad beans in a casserole).
- Marine (rings of bread with Russian salad and an anchovy).
- Marriage (a fresh anchovy and a salted one).
- Octopus cartagenera (octopus).
- Montaditos (mini rolls):
- Cantonal: ham and Roquefort cheese.
- Camper: loin and ham.
- Frontier: loin and chorizo sausage.
- Regulation: far.
And to finish, the Cartagena drink par excellence: the Asian Café (coffee, condensed milk, brandy, liqueur 43 and cinnamon) served in a glass dating from 1932 and which is currently imported from Belgium. This drink originates in the port, since the fishermen carried on board “café de recuelo” (low quality used coffee), brandy and condensed milk that would not go sour. This drink helped them to support their work more cheerfully in the harsh outdoor conditions.
We will begin the afternoon by going to the 18th century "Castillo de la Concepción" by taking the panoramic lift (which is welcome after such a succulent lunch). The visit lasts approximately 30 minutes and the last visit begins at 16.00. It will give us an overall idea of the history and economic resources of Cartagena. In addition, we will enjoy some spectacular panoramic views of the city.
If we still have any energy left to continue we can finish the visit with a walk in the port where we will see Isaac Peral’s submarine prototype, an electrically propelled subaquatic prototype.
After Easter the Roman quarter of Molinete will be opened. This includes Roman baths, a gymnasium and an area of 1,200m2 where all kinds of celebrations were held. It can be visited together with the Decumano, which was the main street that ran from east to west, connecting the port with the forum.
Any of the guided tours can be taken in English, provided that we arrange this in advance and that we also notify our intention to visit 4 centres by calling the following telephone number: 968 500 093. A guided tour is always the most recommendable since it provides us with so much more interesting information, there is no need to read, we can ask questions and above all… it’s free!, there is no extra cost. So, why not?
If we take the option of buying a combined ticket for 4 centers, which is quite economic (€9 reduced price for online purchase, retired people, students… and €12 normal entry) we must be prepared for a very full day during which we are going to burn a lot of energy, or we can distribute the visits over several days, since this ticket is valid for 15 days.
Tourist information
Cartagena Port of Cultures
C/ Gisbert 10. 30202 Cartagena
Such. 968.500.093
Email: información@puertoculturas.com