Castillo de la Concepción

About the museum

The Concepción castle stands on the hill of the same name, where there was once a Roman temple dedicated to Aesculapius and, in the Muslim period, an alcazaba with an alcázar at the summit. In the last quarter of the 13th century, Alfonso X the Wise had the keep built within the former Islamic enclosure, reusing materials from Roman ruins. In the 18th century the quarters of the garrison were enlarged, and in the last third of the 19th century the upper walls of the keep were demolished and, later, the walls and vaults.

At the beginning of the 20th century the surroundings were turned into a public park, and in 1931 the fortress was declared a historical and artistic monument. In the late 1970s a restoration of the keep was planned, but it was left without its Gothic roofs for lack of funds. In 2002 Cartagena Puerto de Culturas opened it as the Centro de Interpretación de la Historia de Cartagena, and in 2009 new rooms discovered during excavations were opened to the public.

The route includes the keep, with audiovisuals, small theatre displays and interactives on the civilisations that have left their mark on the city since the Carthaginian foundation in 229 BC; the old cisterns, which explain how the fortress evolved; and the 17th-century rooms devoted to medieval Cartagena. From the terrace there is one of the best views of the port, and a panoramic lift spares visitors the climb on foot.

Highlights

• Alfonso X’s keep with an exhibition on 3,000 years of Cartagena’s history
• Medieval cisterns of the castle
• Room on medieval Cartagena
• Panoramic view of the city and port from the hill
• Panoramic lift from Calle Gisbert

Permanent exhibitions

• Centro de Interpretación de la Historia de Cartagena (torre del homenaje) – Overview of the civilisations that have left their mark on Cartagena, from the Carthaginian foundation in 229 BC to the present day, with audiovisuals, small theatre displays and interactives.
• Aljibes del castillo – The old cisterns explain the history and development of the medieval fortress from the 13th to the 20th century.
• Cartagena medieval – 17th-century rooms with objects and teaching resources on the Muslim rule, the Christian conquest, the Order of Santa María de España and the re-establishment of the episcopal see.

Founded

2003

Operated by

Cartagena Puerto de Culturas

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Every Tuesday, during the last two hours of opening (except Holy Tuesday), only at the ticket office and without the panoramic lift; also on the Friday of Dolores (local holiday).

Free for children under 3, official tour guides and members of the Club Cartagena Puerto de Culturas (except for activities). The guided tour is included in the admission. During temporary exhibitions or special activities prices may change. Audioguide rental: €2.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Architectural barriers removed with lifts, ramps and stairlifts (the latter is not suitable for powered wheelchairs). Adapted toilets. Audiovisual with voice-over in Spanish and subtitles in English. Accredited guide dogs are admitted.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Workshops for schoolchildren on Punic and medieval Cartagena, and seasonal family activities such as a children’s musical in autumn.

Getting there & parking

The Concepción hill is reached on foot or by the panoramic lift, which leaves from Calle Gisbert.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Souvenir shop and vending machines for cold drinks and snacks.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit