Fort of Christmas

General information

Destination	Category
Murcia, Spain	Attractions/Entertainment

Program details

This tour of the old coastal defence fortress at Fuerte Navidad, now a fascinating museum after having been lovingly restored is ideal for history buffs.

Cartagena has been been an important port since ancient times and the museum at Fuerte Navidad provides a fascinating overview of the different defensive fortifications existing in the harbour throughout history. It also contains many f

This tour of the old coastal defence fortress at Fuerte Navidad, now a fascinating museum after having been lovingly restored is ideal for history buffs.

Cartagena has been been an important port since ancient times and the museum at Fuerte Navidad provides a fascinating overview of the different defensive fortifications existing in the harbour throughout history. It also contains many fascinating original artefacts as well as realistic recreations and dioramas. Fuerte Navidad was the lynch pin of the defensive system of the Bay of Cartagena. It was first built in the 17th century although the current building dates from 1860. Situated on the right side of the harbour, opposite the Santa Ana artillery battery it defended the harbour entrance from attack. In the museum itself you will be able to view a collection of fascinating photographs of artillery batteries of the Port of Cartagena dating from 1901, the old arsenal where the shells were kept, a display on the rehabilitation of the fort after its almost complete dereliction at the end of the last century, you will also be able to explore the fort's kitchens and the sleeping quarters of the men serving here.

The fort is located next to the Navidad lighthouse on the right side of Cartagena Bay. Access can be made by car or by the tourist boat, which makes a stop at the fort. The tour lasts about one hour with the tourist boat cruise with the visit lasting some two hours. Children under the age of three enter free. The meeting point is at Dique de Navidad, 2.



Meeting/ Pick up point: Cartagena harbour.
Duration: 1 hour (2 with cruise).


Location
Starting point:
C/ Dique de Navidad, 2 - CARTAGENA - ES