Story: The Ancient Roman City of Cartagena
Episode: 6
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane
Air Date: 19th February 2023

Embark on a thrilling adventure with Trevor as he explores the captivating charm of Cartagena, delving into the rich history of the Iberian Peninsula and discovering the awe-inspiring wonders of the Roman Theatre Museum and the magnificent Palacio Consistorial.

• Having been founded by the Carthaginians in 220 B.C., Cartagena has a rich history, with remains of various cultures still visible throughout the city.
• One of the most well-preserved Roman theatres in Spain and the second largest in the Iberian Peninsula can be found in Cartagena.
• Constructed in the 1st century BC, the Roman Theatre was originally used as a venue for entertainment during the height of Rome's power.
• However, with the decline of society, the theatre was eventually abandoned and remained undiscovered for over two millennia until its ruins were unearthed.
• For panoramic views of the city, visitors can climb to the Castillo de la Concepción, which was built on the site of a Roman temple and later became a Moorish fortification.
• The pedestrian street known as Calle Mayor is characterized by a ravine-like appearance and paved with striking blue marble tiles.
• It connects Cartagena's town hall to the Plaza de San Sebastian and is a quintessential Spanish "paseo" where couples and families often take a leisurely stroll or meet up with friends.
• The street is renowned for its impeccable cleanliness and is home to numerous modernist buildings that rank among Cartagena's finest.
• During the day, visitors can stop by for coffee or shopping, while in the evening, they can succumb to the allure of the various restaurants and tapas bars.
• With a history dating back to 1590, Calle Mayor was once a gateway from the sea to the walled enclosure that is now Cartagena's old town.

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