Bullring of Cartagena, Spain, Bullring in Cartagena, Spain

The Bullring of Cartagena was a bullring in Cartagena, Region of Murcia, Spain. Its structure was built over the ruins of the ancient Roman amphitheater, using tabaire rock, a sandstone from the Canteras district. It had a capacity of 8,000 spectators distributed over three floors, and the arena was between 40 and 50 meters in diameter.

Construction started in 1853, led by architect Gerónimo Ros Giménez, with inmates from the local prison taking part in the work. Regular bullfighting events continued until 1986, after which no more fights were held.

Besides bullfights, the ring hosted cante jondo evenings and boxing matches, and comic bullfighting with clowns such as Blay y los Carthagos, Ramper Torero, el Gran Arango, Tomasín and Ángel el Camoto. Cartagena produced matadors including Aranguito, Triviño, Morito and José Ortega Cano, who fought here in the final event of 1986.

Since regular events ended in 1986, it is worth checking in advance whether tours or occasional activities are available. Access to the inner arena can vary from day to day, so confirming before you go helps avoid a wasted trip.

The bullring rests on the ruins of the Roman amphitheatre of Carthago Nova; the 2008 demolition of part of the stands, designed by Atxu Amann, Andrés Cánovas and Nicolás Maruri, allowed the remains to be excavated and turned into a museum. Its stone is tabaire, a sandstone from the Canteras district.