Castillo de la Concepción (Castle of the Conception), Cartagena

The Castle of the Conception, also known as the Asdrúbal Castle, is a medieval fortress that dates back to the 13th or 14th century, perched atop the hill of the same name that overlooks Cartagena. This castle holds significant historical and architectural importance, and it is even featured on the city's coat of arms.

The origins of the first structures on this hill have a degree of uncertainty, but historical records and recent archaeological restorations have shed light on its fascinating history. According to the Greek historian Polybius, during Roman times, a temple dedicated to the god Aesculapius stood on this hill. Evidence of this ancient past was uncovered during the recent castle restoration. The first floor of the castle was found to be constructed by repurposing Roman-made cisterns, which may have originally belonged to the temple of Aesculapius or some other Byzantine-era building.

While it was commonly believed that Cartagena had largely disappeared during the period of Muslim rule, historical sources indicate otherwise. The city had some degree of significance from the 10th century onwards, particularly in the 12th century. The remains of the city's Arab settlement have been discovered through various archaeological excavations in the old town, notably in the vicinity of the Roman theater.

A closer look at the castle's structures and ruins revealed that it concealed remnants of towers that were part of a 12th-century Muslim citadel. The castle's lantern, a surviving structure from the Arab era, was once used as a lighthouse. The layout of the Castle of Cartagena bears a striking resemblance to the castles of Aledo and Lorca, sharing common stonemason marks.

During the reign of King Alfonso, the Order of Saint Mary of Spain was established in Cartagena to bolster naval efforts against Muslim forces. However, a series of naval disasters in which most of the order's ships were lost led to the order's dissolution. Consequently, the strategic importance of the Port of Cartagena waned, and the castle remained incomplete.

The entrance to the castle was marked by a grand monumental arch flanked by two towers known as the "Puerta de la Villa," providing access to the entire walled area of the castle. The Castle of the Conception stands as a testament to Cartagena's rich and diverse history, from its ancient Roman roots to the era of Muslim rule and beyond, preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of the region.