Cartagena, Spain

Saturday, Apr. 16      67 degrees                                                           8:00 AM – 3:00 PM



Panoramic view of Cartagena


We set out on a southwesterly course towards Bonifacio Strait.  This strait lies between the French island of Corsica and the Italian island of Sardinia.  Both islands are very mountainous and rugged.  Corsica is the most mountainous island in the Mediterranean.  The town of Cartagena is surrounded by several forts, three of which should be visible on our approach standing on the hills surrounding Cartagena.  The forts are called respectively Castillo Atalya, Galeras and San Julian all of them named after the summit they stand on.

Cartagena has long been an important maritime base.  The fortifications are mostly gone, but the port area shows something of its naval history.  Renovated in the Middle Ages, Castillo de la Concepcion was originally a Roman structure.  Lush gardens surround the remains of the castle, and the view is excellent.  A broad seaside esplanade lines the flanking ramparts – built in the  Middle Ages.  The fortified Cathedral also dates from that era.

In 1888, native son Isaac Peral built the small unassuming submarine that rests on the esplanade.  Two 30hp engines powered the machine – the first such vessel ever built.  Other monuments dedicated to modern and historical naval heroes are prominently displayed in the district.  Near the port, the Arsenal is still headquarters to an important Spanish Naval wing.

Along calle Carmen Mayor, the city’s pedestrian-only shopping district.  A section of Custro Santos and several other streets in the old district are also set aside for pedestrians.

We began our day in Cartagena by receiving an invitation to visit Holland America’s newest ship the MS Nieuw Amsterdam which is docked right next to us.  We bypassed the trip because we did not want to wait, but rather visit Cartagena.



Elevator up to Castillo de la Conception (we walked up)




View over Cartagena from castle




Ruins of old Roman theatre

 Began by walking up to the Castillo de la Concepcion Castle.  Castillo de la Conception built by Enrique III in the 14^th C using the remains of nearby Roman ruins.  The views from here are astounding, reaching out over the town, harbor, and the Mediterranean.  A  panoramic lift (elevator) on Calle Gisbert rises nearly 150 feet to a gangway that leads to the Conception Castle.  We saw some beautiful peacocks on the lawn in front of the castle.

Across the road, and under Plaza de Toros, are some remains of the Roman Amphitheatre.   We saw the new outdoor theatre as well which is next door.  The Roman Amphitheatre lies where the now abandoned Bull ring was built.



Beautiful marble streets



Walked along Calle Mayor and looked in all the shops.  The sidewalk on this street is marble.  Absolutely beautiful.  The modern harbor promenade, Paseo de Alfonso XII is spectacular.   Passed by city hall, the museum of the Roman theatre and the monument to the heros of Santiago de Cuba. 



Monument to the heros of Santiago de Cuba



Back on the ship we went to the last cocktail party for the Ensemble group.  The Indonesian crew are performing their show for us tonight.