La Catedral, ruined Cathedral of Cartagena

Concerts are held inside the bombed out Cathedral of Cartagena

The ruined cathedral of Cartagena is a venue used during the summer Festival, Mar de Músicas, providing an atmospheric and characterful open air venue in which to enjoy a summer concert.

To read more about the history of the Cathedral, which was virtually destroyed during one of the Civil War bombing raids which almost flattened Cartagena, click Catedral de Santa María, Cartagena.

The interior of the Cathedral is lit with candles and torches for these concerts and it really is a very special experience attending one of these concerts and is the only time most people have the opportunity to see inside the Cathedral.

Access to the cathedral can be difficult for those with limited mobility as to reach the venue a number of steps must first be climbed, which can be a problem, particularly for wheelchair users as the entrances are quite steep.

The Old Cathedral is located just behind the Roman Theatre Museum. To reach it, start in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. At the side of the Roman Theatre Museum is a narrow street. Walk up that and turn left at the end and then immediately right. At the end, turn right and the front of the old cathedral is directly in front, with the restaurant La Catedral on the right hand side. Directly to the side of the cathedral are the first steps up to the Cathedral entrance.

The nearest parking is in the port area, almost opposite the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, but the Calle Real car park is also a good option. Those with camper vans must park right at the far end of the Muelle by the Extranjería and walk along the top of the Muralla del Mar, the wall which runs along the seafront.

The maplink shows the restaurant La Catedral, and on the satellite image the interior of the old cathedral can clearly be seen behind it.

Click for map, Catedral, Cartagena