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Cartagena
sits
on the
Costa
Calida
within
Murcia.
Despite
the
scruffy
views
as you
enter
the
city,
you
will
find
within,
a
wealth
of
history
and
beautiful
architecture.
If you
explore
the
port
area
you
will
find a
mixture
of old
and
new.
The
large
naval
base
occupies
a
large
area
and
throughout
the
city,
the
importance
of the
port
will
become
evident
with
numerous
buildings
belonging
to the
navy,
as
well
as a
good
naval
museum.
You
must
see
the
Naval
Headquarters,
Artillery
Headquarters,
Dockyard
Gate
and
the
Midshipman
School.
Cartagena
has
always
been a
major
port,
due to
its
unique
position
on the
Mediterranean
coast
and
you
will
see
high
on the
hilltops,
several
forts
and
castles.
Pictured
right
is the
Peral
Submarine,
built
in
Cadiz
in
1884,
the
very
first.
The
Cartagena
born
designer
saw it
launched
in
1888. |
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Much
of
Cartagenas
Roman
history
has
long
gone,
however
there
are
sites,
such
as
that
under
the
current
bullring
that
have
been
excavated.
The
bullring
was
erected
in
1854,
over
the
Roman
amphitheatre. |
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Over
recent
years
many
of the
important
buildings
in the
city
have
been
restored.
Indeed,
to
this
day
the
work
continues.
There
are
numerous
churches,
palaces
and
government
buildings.
You
will
also
find
several
good
museums
worthy
of a
visit.
There
are
plenty
of
parks
and
squares
to
rest
in,
surrounded
by
good
restaurants
and
bars
and
you
will
almost
certainly
find
life
here
very
slow
and
easy
going.
You
will
find
the
very
helpful
tourist
office
close
to the
bus
station
at the
end of
Calle
San
Diego.
They
will
supply
you
with a
good
street
map to
make
your
visit
easier.
Most
of the
sights
can be
found
in one
central
area,
all
within
easy
walking
distance. |
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The
seashore
offers
a wide
range
of
activities
from
sailing
to
windsurfing
and
good
diving.
The
local
countryside
is
perfect
for
hiking,
horse
riding
and
cycling.
From
Cartagena
you
can
easily
explore
the
ancient
city
of
Murcia,
the
coastal
resorts
of
Mazarrón,
Cala
Cortina
and
Cabo
de
Palos
or a
little
further
north,
the
world
famous
resort
of
Mar
Menor. |
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