Parque de Alfonso Torres

Parque de Alfonso Torres is a hilltop park in Cartagena, Spain, laid out on the Cerro de la Concepción around the remains of the medieval Castillo de la Concepción.

How do you get there?

The park sits on top of the hill that overlooks Cartagena's old town, with sweeping views over the harbour and city rooftops. Walking up is the most common option, along a marked path that winds up the slope, though part of the climb can also be covered by a panoramic lift running from the city centre. Comfortable shoes are worth packing, since the route involves a real change in elevation and the hill offers little shade during the hottest hours.

What will you see?

The park was created in 1924, designed by architect Víctor Beltrí at a time when Alfonso Torres held the office of mayor of Cartagena — the park still carries his name today. Rather than clearing the hilltop, the design incorporated the grounds and walls of the old Concepción castle, so walking through the paths you come across older stone fortification fragments woven into the modern landscaping.

One of the park's best-known features is a small pond that has long been home to ducks, which is why locals affectionately nicknamed the place "Castillo de los Patos" — the Duck Castle. It's a detail that makes the park a frequent stop for families with children.

The layout visitors see today largely reflects two rounds of work. Between 1965 and 1983 the park gained an amphitheatre and a café, and the old tower was restored. A second, more careful restoration followed in 1993 and 1994, when the pergolas, walkways and pond were renewed and parts of the fortress walls that had been hidden were uncovered again. Together, these interventions turned the site into a place that mixes ordinary city green space with an open-air display of historic military architecture.

From the terraces and viewpoints scattered across the hill, you can look out over the bay, the naval harbour and the rooftops of the old city — one of the better spots in Cartagena to photograph the skyline, particularly close to sunset.

When should you visit?

The park is open year-round, but spring and autumn tend to be the most comfortable seasons, since temperatures are milder than in the height of summer. Early morning and late afternoon light works well for photographing both the castle walls and the city panorama. In summer, midday heat on the exposed hilltop can be intense and shade is limited, so bringing water and a hat is a sensible precaution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Parque de Alfonso Torres? It's a public city park in Cartagena, built on the Cerro de la Concepción around the ruins of a medieval castle and named after former mayor Alfonso Torres.

Why is it nicknamed "Castillo de los Patos"? The nickname is a local, informal name that comes from the pond with ducks located inside the park.

Are there any historic remains inside the park? Yes — the grounds include remains of the Castillo de la Concepción, including a restored tower and sections of defensive walls uncovered during renovation work in the 1990s.

Is the park suitable for families with children? Yes, the duck pond, walking paths and viewpoints make it a popular family destination, though the climb up the hill requires a bit of effort.