Historic sites in Cartagena

Historic Sites of Cartagena

Cartagena’s 3,000-year history is visible through its diverse archaeological remains. This selection features the 1st-century BC Roman Theatre and the Roman Forum District, one of Spain’s largest urban archaeological sites. Beyond the Roman city of Cartago Nova, the list includes the 13th-century ruins of Santa María Cathedral and 18th-to-20th-century military structures like the Fuerte de Navidad and the Batería de Roldán, which highlight the city's strategic role as a Mediterranean naval stronghold.

Historic Sites of Cartagena — Map

Michelle Harding / CC-BY-SA

A

Roman Theatre

The Roman Theatre of Cartagena is a Roman theatre in the Roman colonia of Cartago Nova—present-day Cartagena, Spain.

Nanosanchez / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Barrio del foro Romano

One of Spain's largest urban archaeological sites, featuring 1st-century Roman thermal baths, a colonial forum, and the Atrium building.

Puntin1969 / CC BY 2.0

C

Anfiteatro romano

1st-century BC ruins partially covered by the 19th-century Plaza de Toros, currently undergoing excavation and restoration.

self / Public domain

D

Molinete

Archaeological park on one of Cartagena's five hills, containing remains of the Roman wall, a sanctuary to Isis, and thermal complexes.

Murcianboy / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Catedral de Santa María

13th-century ruins of the Old Cathedral, largely destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, located adjacent to the Roman Theatre.

Øyvind Holmstad / CC BY-SA 2.0

F

Castillo de los Moros

18th-century neoclassical fortress built on the hill of San José to protect the city's land entrance.

amaianos / CC BY 2.0

G

Casa de la Fortuna

1st-century BC Roman domus showcasing well-preserved mosaics, wall paintings, and everyday objects from the ancient city.

VIATOR IMPERI / CC BY-SA 2.0

H

Decumano

Excavated section of a Roman road featuring remains of shops and a thermal complex dating back to the 1st century.

Nanosanchez / Public domain

I

Canteras Romanas

Ancient sandstone quarries used by the Romans to build the monuments of Cartago Nova, showing original extraction marks.

J

Fuerte de Navidad

19th-century coastal battery located at the mouth of the bay, now serving as a museum of Cartagena's maritime defenses.

K

Batería de Roldán

Anti-aircraft battery constructed in 1933 on Mount Roldán, featuring Vickers guns and 20th-century military architecture.

L

Batería de la Parajola

Coastal battery famous for its role in the Spanish Civil War, equipped with 152.4mm Vickers cannons.

M

Casa de Salvius

Remains of a Roman house featuring a mosaic floor inscribed with the name of its owner, Salvius.

N

Decumano Máximo

Main east-west thoroughfare of the Roman city, linking the port area with the forum and residential districts.

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