Molinete Roman Forum Museum

The Molinete Roman Forum Museum stands on Cerro del Molinete in Cartagena, Spain, where Roman buildings climbed terraced slopes. In antiquity, the hill was known as Arx Hasdrubalis. Glass walkways cross the remains, revealing walls, pavements and ancient routes below. The quarter preserves baths beside a wide arcaded square, an Atrium Building for religious banquets, and a Sanctuary of Isis.

The Colonial Forum formed the civic centre, with the Curia and an Augustus temple arranged across three terraces. A surviving stretch of the cardo marks the north–south street through the slope. The decumanus and cardo organized the surrounding blocks, while the elevated temple connected imperial worship with political administration. Across three floors, finds include wall paintings of Apollo and Calliope, a cornucopia, and a fresco showing a hunter.

Carthago Nova prospered through its harbour, trade and nearby silver mines, especially after receiving colonial status in 54 BC. Under Augustus, new civic buildings followed the urban patterns of Rome. The forum’s three levels made that order visible: sacred space rose above the Curia and administrative areas. Through preserved stone, painted plaster and street lines, you can trace how ceremonies, government and everyday movement shared one hillside.