Catedral de Santa Maria La Mayor (Cathedral of Saint Mary the Great), Cartagena

The Cathedral of Saint Mary the Great, holds a unique and revered place in Cartagena, with a rich history that intertwines legends, faith, and architectural heritage. This historic cathedral is traditionally believed to be the site of the first church founded by Saint James, known as Santiago in Spain, during the early 1st century AD. Legend has it that Saint James landed in Cartagena on a mission to spread the Christian faith throughout Spain.

Commemorating this significant event, a statue stands in the port, honoring the apostle's landing. From here, the Region of Murcia has established its own pilgrimage route, akin to the famous Camino de Santiago, which leads pilgrims to Caravaca de la Cruz.

The cathedral's history reflects the city's fortification during the 14th century, as a defensive wall encompassed the cathedral and connected to the Castillo de la Concepción. While some remnants of the original structure, including columns and chapels, are still visible, substantial reconstruction occurred in the 16th century. Notably, Juan Bautista Antonelli built the Capilla de los Cuatro Santos, which housed the image of Nuestra Señora del Rosell, who was the city's patron at that time.

In the 17th century, the Capilla del Cristo del Socorro was added by Pedro de Colón y Portugal, the Duke of Veragua. This expansion included the construction of a dome and interior and exterior redecoration using stucco and plaster.

However, the cathedral faced a significant challenge during the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939, when it was nearly destroyed by aerial bombardments. Despite the damage, a small part of the cathedral was used for religious ceremonies until the late 20th century, with archaeological excavations beginning in 1958.

The cathedral has been closely intertwined with the Roman Theatre Museum, incorporating remnants of the ancient Roman theatre within its structure. An underground crypt beneath the cathedral also revealed the presence of Roman mosaics, connecting the modern structure to the city's ancient past.

Today, the Catedral de Santa Maria La Mayor has evolved into a versatile venue. It serves as an atmospheric setting for concerts during the Cartagena Mar de Músicas festival, adding another layer of cultural significance to this historic site.