The National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, also known as ARQVA, is an archaeological museum that specializes in underwater findings. It is situated in the city of Cartagena, in the region of Murcia, Spain. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich underwater archaeological heritage of Spain.
The museum's large collection spans from the Phoenician era to the 20th century. Notable items include artifacts from the shipwrecks Mazarrón 1 and 2, and the Bajo de la Campana site, all dating back to the 7th century BC. These artifacts provide a fascinating glimpse into the maritime history and culture of ancient civilizations.
One of the highlights of the museum's collection is the cargo of the frigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes. This cargo, received by the museum on December 2, 2012, consists of 17 tons of gold and silver coins. These coins are now part of the museum's permanent exhibition, where they are cataloged and studied.
History & Anthropology Science & Technology Archaeology Maritime
#3 History & Anthropology in Cartagena #1 Science & Technology in Cartagena #2 Archaeology museums in Cartagena #3 History & Anthropology in Region of Murcia #1 Science & Technology in Region of Murcia #2 Archaeology museums in Region of Murcia #106 History & Anthropology in Spain #15 Science & Technology in Spain #31 Archaeology museums in Spain #4 Maritime museums in Spain #175 Archaeology museums in Europe #62 Maritime museums in Europe
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 10:00 – 21:00 |
Wednesday | 10:00 – 21:00 |
Thursday | 10:00 – 21:00 |
Friday | 10:00 – 21:00 |
Saturday | 10:00 – 21:00 |
Sunday | 10:00 – 15:00 |
Opening hours indicated on the table is from 15 April to 15 October:
Holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
From 16 October to 14 April:
Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sundays and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Paseo de Alfonso XII 22, Cartagena
No exhibitions in National Museum of Underwater Archaeology have been found.
National Museum of Underwater Archaeology has 1 rating.
The National Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Cartagena, Spain, offers visitors an intriguing look into maritime history and underwater excavations. Located in the Paseo Alfonso XII, the museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts recovered from shipwrecks and underwater sites along the Spanish coast.
Visitors often praise the museum's modern and well-organized layout, which effectively showcases the underwater archaeological process and its findings. The exhibits are informative and provide good explanations in both Spanish and English, making it accessible to international tourists. Many find the displays of ancient amphorae, coins, and ship remnants particularly interesting.
The museum receives positive feedback for its interactive elements, including audiovisual presentations and replicas that visitors can touch, enhancing the overall learning experience. The section dedicated to Phoenician trade and the reconstruction of an ancient ship are frequently mentioned as highlights.
However, some visitors note that the museum is relatively small and can be thoroughly explored in about 1-2 hours. A few reviewers mention that while the content is engaging for those interested in archaeology and maritime history, it might not hold the attention of young children for long.
The staff is generally described as friendly and helpful, though a few visitors have reported occasional issues with guided tours not being available in English.
Overall, the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology is well-regarded for its unique focus, educational value, and the quality of its exhibits. It provides a good overview of underwater archaeology and the maritime history of the region, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in these topics.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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