Cartegena is located on the southern end of the Iberian peninsula, and it was founded by the Carthaginians in 228 BC. 20 years later, it was conquered by the Romans, who ruled until the Moors invaded and took control. In the 1500s, Christians conquered the Moors, and it has been under the Roman Catholic Church control since that time. Built in a natural bay with five hills surrounding it, it was a desired military site due to its protected harbor.
Five interesting facts about Cartegena
- This is where Hannibal assembled his troops and elephants for his famous march across the Alps.
- Bullfighting is against the law in Cartegena, but it is legal in Murcia, only 40 kms away, where 7 bulls are killed weekly in the games.
- Graffiti is encouraged to show local talent. It is new each year and judged for its artistry.
- Landowners are not allowed to build on their land if the government archaeologists find any historical artifacts on it during construction.
- The town has numerous façades erected to keep maintain the appearance of the city, but the lots themselves remain vacant behind the due to their historical value.
(Town hall and bell tower)
(Roman ruins clockwise from top-left: temple of Isis, religious banquet room, Roman bath, fresco painting)
(Façade with scaffolding visible behind it, holding it up)
(Clockwise from top-left: city square, graffiti artwork, statue of Augustus, Cathedral of St. Mary)