Steeped in history, the ancient port of Cartagena has a sublime position at the end of a deep natural harbor, surrounded by hills echoing with the sound of seagulls. It was chosen by Carthaginian rulers to be their principal base on the Iberian peninsula. The city was so important it was named after Carthage itself. Later it was a key port in the Roman empire, as its grand Roman theater attests. Today, Cartagena is an enchanting city with ancient monuments at every turn.