When my sister and fifteen year old niece came to stay recently we decided to visit the new Roman Theatre Museum in Cartagena.The entrance is located opposite the ornate and impressive Town Hall which houses the Tourist Information centre.
Entrance was 5 euros each and you begin by seeing many of the artifacts that have been found in and around the Theatre. Descriptions are in both Spanish and English and the objects on display give you a real insight into Roman life in Cartagena. There are also screens with CGI displays of what Cartagena and the theatre would have looked like during various ages.
As you follow the course of the Museum you find yourself entering the remains of the Church of St. Mariá la Vieja before you enter the theatre itself. It is quite something to be able to wander round the theatre - sections of it has been restored so you can get a real feel for what it must have been like when in use. You can stand on the reconstructed stage or look down from the highest 'seats' across the city.
Unlike many other museums when you leave you are not pushed through a shop full of souvenirs but let out a side gate where you can wander back to the town hall square through some of the lovely city streets.
If you are planning to go in July or August I would recommend getting there early morning before the heat builds. If you are visit with small children be aware that you'll need to supervise them closely in the actual theatre as there are plenty of potential climbing areas!
The theatre has a website www.teatroromanocartagena.org (available in English) although I think some of the detail needs updating.
The opening times on the leaflet we were given is as follows:
Winter:
From 1st October to April 30th (except Easter)
From Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00h.
Monday closed.
Summer:
From 1st May to September 30th (and Easter)
From Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00
Sundays from 10:00 to 14:00h.
Monday closed.
