History of Cartagena
History of Cartagena
Cartagena boasts a very rich history which dates back to 227 B.C., when it was founded by the Carthaginians. However, the Carthaginian presence did not last long since the city was soon conquered by the Romans. Under the Roman domination, this city reached its zenith thanks to its thriving mining industry and its outstanding geographical location. The end of the Roman Empire marked the beginning of a period of decline, during which the city fell into the hands of different groups of people: the Visigoths, the Byzantines and the Muslims.
Upon its selection as the headquarters of the Maritime Department of the Mediterranean in the 18th century, Cartagena recovered its past importance, and a commercial and building boom ensued which attracted large numbers of people. Since then, Cartagena has gone through several periods of crisis and prosperity to become the centre we know today, an industrial and commercial city, and seat of the regional Parliament of Murcia.
Cartagena has a valuable historical and cultural heritage that is reflected in the numerous museums, monuments and other tourist attractions throughout the city: the Archaeological Museum, the City Walls, the Roman Theatre, the Cathedral and the City Hall, to mention just a few.
Modern Cartagena also offers plenty of opportunities for recreation and entertainment: cinemas, theatre, art galleries, pubs, music festivals, etc. Cartagena, like its University, is a welcoming city open to change and innovation
http://www.ayto-cartagena.es/frontend/inicio/home3http://www.murciaturistica.es/en/tourism.home
