Auditorio Parque Torres

Parque Torres Auditorium (Auditorio Parque Torres, officially Auditorio Paco Martín del Parque Torres) is an open-air performance venue in Cartagena, in Spain's Region of Murcia, perched on the hill of Parque Torres right next to the Castillo de la Concepción, overlooking the harbour and the old town.

What kind of venue is it?

The auditorium takes the shape of an open-air amphitheatre with seating for around two thousand people. Because its tiered seating echoes the layout of ancient Greek and Roman theatres, locals sometimes call it the Teatro Grecolatino. Its hillside setting, wrapped by the old defensive walls, means evening shows come with a bonus: a sweeping view over the city and the bay.

Why is Paco Martín's name attached to it?

In recent years the venue has carried the full name Auditorio Paco Martín del Parque Torres. The tribute honours Paco Martín (1956-2018), long-time director and programmer of the La Mar de Músicas festival, the Cartagena Jazz Festival, and numerous other cultural events in the city. A plaque at the entrance credits him with turning Cartagena, and this stage in particular, into an international cultural landmark.

What can visitors see here in summer?

The auditorium comes alive mainly between June and September. It serves as one of the main stages for La Mar de Músicas, one of the region's most important music festivals, mixing international headliners with local acts. In August the venue also hosts Ficcmoteca de Verano, an open-air summer film programme screened on Tuesday evenings, popular with families looking for an alternative to an evening stroll through town. Outside the festival calendar, the city occasionally uses the space for other cultural events.

How do you get there?

The auditorium sits inside Parque Torres, in Cartagena's historic centre, within easy walking distance of the harbour and the old quarter. Since it shares the hill with the Castillo de la Concepción, it's worth pairing a concert or film night with a visit to the fortress and its viewpoint.

Frequently asked questions

How many people does the auditorium hold? It seats roughly two thousand spectators, making it one of Cartagena's larger open-air venues.

Is it an indoor venue? No, it's an open-air stage, which is why events are concentrated in the summer months when the weather is reliably good in the evenings.

Where does the name "Paco Martín" come from? It honours the long-time artistic director of the La Mar de Músicas and Cartagena Jazz Festival, commemorated with a plaque after his death in 2018.

What events take place there? Mainly concerts for the La Mar de Músicas festival and the summer Ficcmoteca de Verano film screenings, alongside other cultural events organised by the city.

Is there anything else to see nearby? Yes, the auditorium is right next to the Castillo de la Concepción, with views over Cartagena's harbour and old town.