Hasdrubal the Fair

Hasdrubal the Fair is a monument to the Carthaginian statesman and military leader, standing in Parque Torres in Cartagena, in Spain's Murcia region. The statue honors the man widely regarded as the city's true founder, tying the modern port town back to its Carthaginian roots more than two thousand years ago.

Hasdrubal, son-in-law of Hamilcar Barca, took command of Carthage's territories on the Iberian Peninsula after Hamilcar's death. In 227 BC he founded a new city and naval base near the existing Iberian settlement of Mastia, calling it Qart Hadasht — "New City." The Romans later renamed it Carthago Nova, the direct ancestor of today's Cartagena. Hasdrubal was assassinated in 221 BC by a slave belonging to the Celtic king Tagus, and command passed to his brother-in-law, Hannibal Barca.

How do you get there?

Parque Torres sits in central Cartagena, an easy walk from the harbor and the old town. The simplest way to reach it is on foot from the Roman amphitheater or the Roman Theatre Museum, just a few minutes away through the historic streets. The city also runs local buses, and drivers will find public parking nearby.

What will you see?

The centerpiece is a bust or full statue of Hasdrubal, rendered in a style that draws on Carthaginian and broader Mediterranean military iconography. The monument works as a small history lesson in itself, reminding visitors that long before Cartagena became a Roman and later a Spanish city, it was a strategically vital Carthaginian colony built around its port and naval base. Parque Torres itself is also a pleasant spot to rest between sightseeing stops, with green space and views over the surrounding city.

When should you visit?

Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer the most comfortable conditions, since Murcia's summer heat can be intense. If visiting in summer, plan your walk for morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun. The monument sits in an open public park, so it's accessible year-round with no opening hours to worry about.

Why is this monument worth seeing?

For anyone interested in ancient history, this is one of the few spots in Cartagena that speaks directly to the city's pre-Roman, Carthaginian origins. It's a useful starting point for understanding why the city carries a name echoing Carthage, and how different its history is from many other towns along Spain's Mediterranean coast.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Hasdrubal the Fair? A Carthaginian statesman and general, son-in-law of Hamilcar Barca, who took command of Carthage's Spanish territories after Hamilcar died and founded Qart Hadasht — today's Cartagena — in 227 BC.

Where exactly is the monument located? In Parque Torres, in central Cartagena, within easy walking distance of the harbor and the city's main ancient sites.

Is there an entrance fee? No, the monument stands in an open public park and can be viewed free of charge at any time of day.

What else is worth seeing nearby? Nearby you'll find the Roman amphitheater, the Roman Theatre Museum, and Cartagena's historic old town, which holds numerous traces of both its Carthaginian and Roman past.