April 18 Free tour of sculptures in Cartagena

Sculpted statues have decorated the centre of Cartagena for well over 2,000 years

Founded over 2,000 by the Carthaginians, Cartagena was originally thought of as a capital city and an operations base for the empire’s expansion to the north and west, a role which it continued to play during the centuries of Roman occupation which began shortly afterwards.

However, when Roman power finally waned a long period of decadence followed before the decision to use the port as one of the main bases for the Spanish Navy revived the city in the 18^th century. This initiated another period of boom, lasting through the mining and industrial prosperity of the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries right until the Civil War broke out in 1936.

During all these periods of wealth the erection of statues has been a common feature, and Cartagena therefore has an impressive heritage in this field. In addition, more statues were added in the 20th century, and in the new millennium a conscious effort has been made to increase still further the sculptural heritage of the city, making the centre more elegant and attractive.

This free tour on Saturday 18th April begins at 11.00 at the tourist office in the Plaza de España takes participants to some of the most important and representative statues in Cartagena, lasting approximately two hours. Free bookings are open now online here.

For more local news, events and visiting information go to the Cartagena section of Murcia Today.