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Cartagena Ancient City Of Spain
ake a leisurely stroll one of the best archaeological
around the city of sites in the city, again Roman
Cartagena in south-eastern and from the 1st century BC –
Spain and you can feel the thought to have been the meeting
history seeping from every wall. place for the priesthood of the
Cartagena was founded in ancient cult of Emperor Augustus.
times (around 223BC) by the
Carthaginians led by Hasdrubel Due to its location and its
and named Quart Hadas (“new deepwater port Cartagena has for
city”). Hasdrubel died in 221BC centuries been a major commercial
and was succeeded by the famous centre and was recognised as
Hannibal who used the city of being one of the wealthiest
Cartagena as his Iberian capital, cities of the ancient world. It
attracted by its natural harbour still remains as Spain’s major
surrounded by huge, rocky commercial port and naval base
promontories. In 209BC the city and is famous as the birthplace
was conquered by the Romans and of the first submarine (1884) –
given the name Carthago Nova which is still proudly displayed
(“new carthage”). It was on the quayside. Cartagena has
re-conquered in later years by also been a major mining area,
the Byzantines and by the Arabs the surrounding mountains being
who all left their mark on the rich in metallic ores.
city.
A popular way to view this city
Amongst the places to visit from is from the top deck of an open
these ancient times are the Roman topped bus. The half-hour trip
theatre from the 1st century BC, will take you to some of the
the Punic ramparts, the Litema popular attractions, complete
(the ancient lighthouse) from the with an audio guide in several
Arab presence and the Augusteum languages. However the best way
to get around the city is by foot
and as well as the ancient Also very popular along the
remains and historical buildings surrounding coast is scuba diving
there is a busy and modern – the crystal clear waters are
shopping centre boasting large ideal for this modern pursuit and
department stores such as El a huge variety of fish can be
Corte Ingles which is well worth seen including morays, stonefish
a visit. and octopus. If you are lucky you
may find the remnants of old
For holidaymakers staying in the wooden galleons, many of which
popular resorts along the Costa foundered off the coast during
Blanca and the Costa Calida it is centuries of wars and conflict.
a “must visit” location. Situated
very handily on the N332 and at Modern day Cartagena is
the end of the AP-7 motorway from undergoing major changes with a
Alicante, it is just a short huge restoration program and the
drive for many visitors to the city is looking forward to
area. A very cheap way to travel renewed wealth and success.
is to take the regular bus which
runs along the N332 from So this is the ancient city of
Alicante, picking up at major Cartagena on the Costa Calida,
towns such as Santa Pola, Spain, easing itself into the
Guardamar, and Torrevieja. 21st century.
About the Author:
The author Steve Locke lives in Cabo Roig on the Costa Blanca, Spain. His website contains a wealth of information, pictures and maps of the area. Check it out here:-
http://www.needahandspanishproperties.com/
Steve is currently working on his new website which will eventually contain a large database of property for sale: http://www.needahand-spanish-property.co.uk/
Read more articles by: Steve Locke
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