Roman theatre of Cartagena
Cartagena, Spain
A Roman theatre rediscovered in 1988 beneath the old town, reached through a museum designed by Rafael Moneo. Cartagena’s harbour and naval history are worth a longer stroll.
The Roman theatre of Cartagena was built between 5 and 1 BC in the Augustan period, held about 6,000 spectators and was in use for roughly two centuries. Excavations began in 1988, parts of the theatre were identified in 1990, and by 2003 it was almost completely uncovered. The museum designed by Rafael Moneo opened in 2008. The route leads from the Palacio Pascual de Riquelme through an underpass into the Moneo building, up escalators and along a corridor through the cellars of the church of Santa María la Vieja, where the remains of a Roman house with mosaics lie, and on to the theatre.
Santa María la Vieja was built partly over the tiers of seating in the Middle Ages and was largely destroyed by bombs in the Spanish Civil War; its ruined walls still stand. The route climbs from the harbour to the higher-lying theatre. According to a visitor website, a guided tour of about 45 minutes is included in the admission. Combined tickets are sold for the city's other sights. Check the current opening times in advance.
- Nearest town
- Cartagena, Spain
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 37.5997, -0.9848
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and December–March. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Área de Autocaravanas CartagenaMotorhome stopover6 km from Roman theatre of CartagenaMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- TAIGA Costa CálidaCampsite8 km from Roman theatre of CartagenaTentsCaravansElectricityToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- los llanosMotorhome stopover10 km from Roman theatre of CartagenaMotorhomesToiletsFree
- Camping Los MadrilesCampsite19 km from Roman theatre of CartagenaTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposalNo dogsWi-Fi
- Camping Caravaning La MangaMotorhome stopover21 km from Roman theatre of CartagenaCaravansMotorhomes
- Camping Las TorresCampsite22 km from Roman theatre of CartagenaTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Spain · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Roman theatre of Cartagena?
Roman theatre of Cartagena is in Cartagena, Spain, at GPS 37.5997, -0.9848. It is about 25 km from Puerto de Mazarrón.
Can you camp near Roman theatre of Cartagena?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Área Autocaravanas Belmonte, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 13 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Roman theatre of Cartagena?
Roman theatre of Cartagena is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Valencia to Cartagena: Costa Blanca and Murcia.
What is there to see near Roman theatre of Cartagena?
Places worth a stop nearby: Calblanque (21 km), Palm Grove of Elche (79 km), Guadalest (138 km) and Playa de Mónsul (141 km).
When is the best time to visit Roman theatre of Cartagena?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)