Day 9 – Saturday 6 Jan 18 (Epiphany) – Cartagena
The weather forecast was cooler today with rain this afternoon so a relocation was planned. We emptied and filled the motorhome at the aire services and set off for pastures new.
We decided to visit Cartagena roman ruins and then drive on to a motorhome stopover further down the coast. In the event we drove close to the Roman ruins and spotted 3 motorhomes parked up on the wall. The Spanish family next to us confirmed that overnight was OK as they’d stayed 2 nights – perfect! As you can see we had good views of the harbour and ruins of Castillo de la Concepcion and it was very central to the tourist sights.
Can you spot Delilah our motorhome?
The first settlement in the natural harbour was in 223 BC by the Carthaginians but it was then conquered by the Romans in 209 BC. The city declined in importance during the Middle Ages but its prestige increased in the 18th century when it became a naval base.
Nearby excavations include a Roman street and the Muralla Bizantina (Byzantine wall) built around 589.
The Roman theatre was inside/behind and old bullring in amongst the excavations.
If feeling energetic steps in a tower could be climbed up the park at the top to gain more views. It was a few steps too many for us!
We spotted these 2 rugged motorhome/lorries in the port carpark; from Morocco or Africa we assume. See photo above.
We spent a pleasant hour wandering along the harbour front and saw this unusual ship at one end.
The giant statue commemorated the terrorism in 2009.
In the waters in front of the naval museum was ‘Tail of a Whale’ by a local artist.
We could see the domes of the City Hall towering up high.
Other statues were placed along the promenade.
We were reminded that it was 3 Kings Day (Epiphany) by this display on one of the many beautiful balconies.
There were 4 motorhomes on the stopover for the night.
Weather – overcast, 18 degrees.
Distance driven: 80km
Overnight stopover: Cartagena Castle, no facilities, N37 36.006, W00 58.656, free of charge.
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