If you’re planning a Segway Tour in Cartagena, get ready to experience more than just a coastal city. Cartagena is a living museum of civilizations. With each stop, you’ll travel through centuries of history, from ancient Carthage to modern Spain, discovering a unique city nestled between the mountains and the sea.
⚓ The Port of Cartagena: Witness to Great Stories
The tour begins at the Port of Cartagena, one of the oldest and most strategic ports in the Mediterranean. Its history dates back to Carthaginian and Roman times, and today it remains an important entry point for cruise ships. Here you will find the Juan Sebastián Elcano Terminal, named after the explorer who completed the first circumnavigation of the globe. Facing the sea, you will see the Spanish flag flying proudly alongside monuments that pay tribute to the heroes who shaped the country’s naval history.
🗺️ Plaza of the Cartagenas of the World: United by Name and History
Cartagena shares its name with other cities around the world: in Chile, Colombia, the Philippines, Mexico… The Plaza of the Cartagenas of the World celebrates this international connection and reminds us that the name of this city has sailed across oceans. Here we also remember Hannibal Barca, one of the greatest strategists in history, who used the city—then called Qart Hadasht—as the starting point for his epic march with elephants across the Alps, challenging the Roman Empire.
🛡️ The Story of Hannibal Barca and the Punic Wars: The Carthaginian Legacy of Cartagena
Cartagena, then known as Qart Hadasht, was founded in 227 B.C. by the Carthaginian general Hasdrubal the Fair, quickly becoming one of the most important cities in the western Mediterranean. Its strategic position, protected by five hills and a natural harbor nestled between mountains, made it ideal as a military base and trade center. But it was his successor and son-in-law, Hannibal Barca, who would make it legendary. From here, Hannibal consolidated Carthaginian power in the Iberian Peninsula and prepared one of the most daring military campaigns in history: his march toward Rome, crossing the Pyrenees and the Alps with an army and war elephants.
This campaign was part of the Second Punic War (218–201 B.C.), the most famous conflict between Carthage and Rome. After taking Saguntum, Hannibal departed from Qart Hadasht heading north in an epic journey that defied all military logic. His goal was clear: to attack Rome from the heart of Italy and break its hegemony. Although he achieved significant victories like the Battle of Cannae, he never managed to conquer Rome. However, his strategic genius and charisma left a mark on both allies and enemies, and his figure has been studied and admired for centuries.
Meanwhile, Cartagena paid a high price for being the cradle of his offensive. In 209 B.C., the Romans, led by Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus, launched a surprise attack and captured the city, renaming it Carthago Nova. It was a decisive defeat for Carthage in the Iberian Peninsula and marked the beginning of its decline. Nevertheless, Hannibal’s legacy lives on in the stones of Cartagena, in its walls, and in the city’s collective memory. Today, it’s possible to walk through the same streets that once saw the Carthaginian general depart and feel how history pulses beneath every corner of this millennial city.
🏛️ Between Mountains and Sea: The Natural Harbor and the Roman Footprint
Cartagena is nestled between mountains, providing it with a naturally protected harbor ideal for trade and defense. This geographical advantage was key for the Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, and even the navies of the 20th century. This privileged location allowed the Romans to transform Carthago Nova into a strategic city in Hispania.
🗿 Monument to the Heroes of Cavite: Glory and Remembrance
One of the most emotional points of the tour is the Monument to the Heroes of Cavite, erected in 1923 in honor of the Spanish sailors who fell in the Philippines and Cuba during the Spanish-American War. Designed by Julio González Pola, this 15-meter-high sculptural ensemble combines marble and bronze, depicting scenes of heroism and patriotism. The central figure shows Glory offering wreaths to the heroes, flanked by representations of sailors in combat. In 2022, the monument was declared a Site of Cultural Interest, solidifying its importance in the city’s historical heritage. It represents the end of the Spanish Empire but also the pride for those who gave their lives at sea.
💣 El Zulo and the Obelisk: Contemporary Art and Memory
We pass by El Zulo, a contemporary sculpture by Víctor Ochoa that represents the silent suffering of terrorism victims. Nearby, the Obelisk of Carthage and Rome symbolizes the union of cultures that forged this city: Carthaginian, Roman, and later, Christian and Arab. A space to reflect on the passage of time.
🇪🇸 The Great Spanish Flag That Flew Across the Country
One of the most striking elements of the Port of Cartagena is the imposing Spanish flag that proudly waves by the sea. This enormous flag is not just any: it was one of the first installed as part of the national project of visible symbols in emblematic spaces. Measuring 14 meters in length by 21 meters in width, and placed atop a mast over 40 meters high, it has become one of the city’s visual symbols. It was hoisted as a tribute to national unity and the historical link between Cartagena and the Spanish Navy, as this city has been, for centuries, one of the country’s main military ports. Additionally, each year, during the Carthaginians and Romans festivities or military commemorative events, the flag becomes a focal point of pride and solemnity for all Cartageneros and visitors.
⚓ Naval Museum and Isaac Peral: Pride of Spanish Engineering
The Naval Museum of Cartagena houses one of the most emblematic jewels of Spanish naval engineering: the Peral Submarine, designed by the Cartagenero Isaac Peral in 1888. This prototype was the world’s first submarine powered exclusively by electric energy and equipped with torpedoes, marking a milestone in the history of underwater navigation.
The submarine, 22 meters long and 2.87 meters wide, was built in steel and featured two 30-horsepower electric motors, powered by a battery of 613 elements. Its autonomy was 66 hours, and it could reach a maximum depth of 30 meters. Additionally, it incorporated a torpedo-launching tube at the bow, a periscope, and a trimming system that allowed it to maintain the desired depth during navigation.
Despite the success in tests, including nighttime attack simulations, the project was dismissed by the authorities of the time, and the submarine was partially dismantled in 1892. However, in 1929, Admiral Mateo García de los Reyes managed to recover it and transfer it to Cartagena. Since 2013, after a comprehensive restoration, it has been exhibited in the Isaac Peral Hall of the Naval Museum, along with personal objects, original plans, and models illustrating its innovative design.
Isaac Peral’s legacy continues to live on in Cartagena, not only through the museum but also with the recent opening of the Isaac Peral House Museum, which houses portraits, documents, and a scale replica of his submarine. Additionally, the city has launched the project “Cartagena, City of Submarines,” aiming to consolidate its position as a historical and technological reference in the field of underwater navigation.
🕰️ The Arsenal and Its Mysterious Clock
The Military Arsenal of Cartagena, founded in the 18th century, is one of the fundamental pillars of Spain’s naval history. This strategic complex has been key to the construction, maintenance, and defense of the Spanish fleet in the Mediterranean for centuries. Today, it remains operational as an active facility of the Spanish Navy, performing logistical and operational functions. Its imposing architecture, historical relevance, and privileged location in Cartagena’s natural harbor make it a point of interest not only for military history enthusiasts but also for visitors wishing to closely understand the city’s maritime essence.
One of the most emblematic elements of the Arsenal is its clock tower, visible from various points in the urban center. What many do not know is that this clock was manufactured in the same London workshops as the one in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, both works of the renowned Leonese clockmaker José Rodríguez Losada. Interestingly, the Arsenal’s clock was inaugurated on February 6, 1866, months before the famous Madrid clock, which began operating in November of the same year.
This clock, equipped with four faces and a chime mechanism, was not initially intended for the Arsenal. It had been commissioned for the Naval College, but in 1857, Queen Isabella II ordered its transfer to Cartagena. After its arrival in 1862, adaptation work was carried out, and it was finally installed atop the Arsenal’s main gate. Although it does not bear Losada’s signature, it has been verified as one of his works by experts in historical horology.
The clock tower stands out not only for its heritage value but also for its current cultural dimension. Every December 30, Cartageneros celebrate the traditional “Preúvas” here, a lively festivity where hundreds of people gather to eat grapes to the rhythm of its chimes, anticipating the arrival of the new year. This event, accompanied by music and activities, demonstrates that the Arsenal’s clock not only marks time but also traditions and emotions for the entire city.
🏛️ Roman Forum: The Heart of Carthago Nova
The Roman Forum of Cartagena, located on the Molinete hill, is one of the most impressive archaeological complexes in Roman Hispania. This large urban complex was part of the heart of Carthago Nova, the Roman name of the city, and housed temples, baths, porticoes, and squares where political, religious, and social life developed. One of its most outstanding elements is the Atrium Building, believed to be an ancient temple or ceremonial place, decorated with marbles and columns that denote the splendor achieved by the city during the High Empire. Excavations have revealed inscriptions, mural paintings, opus sectile floors, and a sophisticated hydraulic network, evidence of the wealth and urban organization of ancient Cartagena.
In addition to its archaeological value, the Roman Forum offers a unique immersive experience thanks to the Roman Forum Neighborhood Museum, which allows visitors to tour the remains in situ several meters below the current city level. Walkways and interpretive panels guide visitors through a journey that shows what daily life was like over 2,000 years ago. This site is part of the Molinete Archaeological Park, and along with the Roman Theatre and the Punic Wall,
⛲ Plaza Juan XXIII
This square serves as a central urban hub, connecting the port with the heart of the city. Surrounded by shops, hotels, and pedestrian streets, it’s a popular meeting point and often the starting spot for city tours. With its fountains, sculptures, and vibrant atmosphere, Plaza Juan XXIII welcomes both locals and tourists to explore the historic charm of Cartagena.
🌳 Plaza San Francisco
The Plaza de San Francisco, built in 1844 on the remains of the old Convent of San Francisco, is an emblematic space in the heart of Cartagena. Designed by architect Carlos Mancha, the square has witnessed the urban evolution of the city.
During the Spanish Civil War, an air-raid shelter was discovered under the square, used by citizens to protect themselves from bombing. This discovery adds a layer of history and resilience to the place, making it a symbol of the strength of the Cartagena community.
⛪ Church of Santa María de Gracia
Nestled next to the Roman Theater, among alleys that breathe history, are the majestic remains of the Cathedral of Santa María la Mayor, also known as the Old Cathedral of Cartagena. This temple has its roots in the Visigothic period, although its current appearance, in the Neo-Romanesque style, was consolidated in the 19th century thanks to extensive restoration work. Its history reflects the ups and downs of the city: sacked during wars, rebuilt by the fervor of the faithful, and finally devastated during the bombings of the Civil War in 1939, when it was severely damaged. Today, its arches open to the sky, incomplete columns, and fragmented walls tell a story of spiritual and cultural resistance. Although no masses are held here, it is one of the most awe-inspiring places in Cartagena, where silence and stone speak louder than words. Many travelers stop here, overcome with emotion, to understand how the city has managed to transform its scars into heritage.
🏛️ The Roman Theatre
The Roman Theatre of Cartagena is undoubtedly the city’s most iconic monument and one of the most important Roman theatres in Spain. It was built between 5 and 1 BCE during the reign of Emperor Augustus, at a time when Cartagena (then known as Carthago Nova) was experiencing significant urban and cultural expansion as a Roman colony. The theatre had a capacity for more than 6,000 spectators, reflecting the city’s social and political relevance in the Roman Empire. It was not only a place for entertainment but also served to promote imperial ideology and the Romanization of the local population through performances, tragedies, and public events.
For centuries, the theatre remained buried beneath layers of history. In fact, the old cathedral neighborhood was built over its ruins, which kept it hidden until its accidental discovery in 1988 during construction work. Since then, it has undergone an ambitious process of excavation, restoration, and enhancement, culminating in the opening of the Roman Theatre Museum in 2008, designed by architect Rafael Moneo. Today, the museum and the theatre form a spectacular cultural route that connects the present to the grandeur of the Roman past.
Among the most remarkable features of the theatre are the semi-circular orchestra, the remains of the stage (proscenium) decorated with marble and columns, and part of the original seating area (cavea) carved into the hillside. In addition, inscriptions and decorative elements have been recovered that dedicate the theatre to Lucius Caesar and Gaius Caesar, the grandsons and designated heirs of Augustus. The entire site offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to understand the symbolic, architectural, and cultural value of the theatre and to relive the daily life and splendour of Roman Cartagena.
🧱 The Punic Wall
The Punic Wall of Cartagena is one of the oldest remains of the city and an archaeological gem from the Carthaginian period. It was built around 227 BC by the followers of Hasdrubal the Fair, Hannibal’s brother-in-law, to protect the city of Qart Hadasht, which was then Carthage’s most important military and economic base on the Iberian Peninsula. This wall had a double stone facing with a core of earth and smaller stones, a very advanced system for the time. Its construction demonstrates the strategic importance of Cartagena even before the arrival of the Romans. Today, part of this wall can be visited at the Punic Wall Interpretation Center, which also includes the remains of a Baroque burial crypt built centuries later, creating a striking historical contrast.
🌄 Torres Park: Views, History, and Culture at the Top of the Hill
Parque Torres is located at the top of Cerro de la Concepción, one of the five hills surrounding Cartagena, which earned it the nickname “Hispanic Rome.” This park not only offers one of the best panoramic views of the city and the port, but also houses remains of great historical value. At the top is the Castillo de la Concepción, built on ancient Roman, Arab, and medieval fortresses, which was for centuries the most important lookout point in the city. Today, the castle is home to the Cartagena History Interpretation Center, and the park, surrounded by pine trees and trails, is a perfect place to stroll among history and nature. The Paco Martín Auditorium, home to the La Mar de Músicas festival, which blends modernity and culture in a setting steeped in symbolism, is also located here.
🏛️ Cartagena’s Bullring and Its Hidden Amphitheatre
The Plaza de Toros in Cartagena, inaugurated in 1854, stands on the remains of an ancient Roman circus, where shows and competitions were held in ancient times. This historical link adds a unique dimension to the building, connecting the present with the city’s Roman past.
Recently, the bullring has been restored and transformed into a multifunctional cultural space, hosting artistic and community events. This adaptation reflects Cartagena’s commitment to preserving its heritage and promoting contemporary culture.
⛪ Cathedral of Santa María la Mayor
At the foot of Torres Park, hidden between the Roman Theater and the slopes of the hill, stand the remains of the Cathedral of Santa María la Mayor, also known as the Old Cathedral of Cartagena. It is one of the oldest temples in the Region of Murcia, with Paleochristian origins dating back to the 13th century. Renovated in the Neo-Romanesque style at the end of the 19th century, it was devastated during the bombings of the Spanish Civil War, especially in 1939, and was never completely rebuilt. Even in ruins, its beauty is moving: semicircular arches, exposed columns, and a silence that invites reflection. Today it forms part of the archaeological tour of the Roman Theater and symbolizes Cartagena’s ability to preserve memory even in loss, merging faith, art, and history in the same space.
🚍 Cartagena Like You’ve Never Seen It
This tour is more than sightseeing — it’s an immersion into the heart of a city that has survived battles, empires, and time itself. From ancient ruins to modern sculptures, from Carthage to Spain — Cartagena awaits you.
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