A unique route has appeared in Cartagena, already attracting interest from many locals and tourists. This new literary path offers a glimpse of the city through the life of Carmen Conde—the first woman admitted to the Royal Spanish Academy. It’s more than just a stroll through old streets; it’s a chance to feel how the author’s personal story intertwines with the history of the city. For Spaniards, this is an opportunity to reassess the role of women in culture and see how the past shapes the present.
The city through the eyes of a poet
The route begins at Parque de Artillería and follows the same streets described in Conde’s works. Every corner here is linked to her memories: Serreta Street, where scenes from the novel ‘Destino hallado’ unfold, and Canales Street, the origin of her family. On Palma Street, where she was born, the tall palm tree she mentioned in her memoirs still stands. These places not only preserve the memory of the writer, but also tell the story of the changes the city has undergone over the past hundred years.
The route then continues to Alcolea Square, known as Plaza de Carros, and Calle del Carmen—the city’s main shopping artery. The novel ‘La rambla’ describes the flood of 1919 here, a memory that remains vivid among residents. A special place belongs to Casa Dorda, where Carmen received a scholarship to study, and the Church of Carmen, where she was baptized. Now, a sculpture at the entrance to the church commemorates her contribution to culture.
Memory on the seashore
The literary trail continues along Calle Mayor, past the Casino and Ayuntamiento Square, toward the Alfonso XII Promenade (Muelle de Alfonso XII). These locations frequently appear in her autobiographical works and novels. It was in the City Hall building (Palacio Consistorial) that Carmen Conde was named Honorary Daughter of the city in 1978—a symbolic moment recognizing her achievements and deep connection to her hometown.
The final stop of the route is by the water, opposite the Navantia shipyards, where a shipbuilding company once stood and where a young Conde once worked. Here she wrote poetry, inspired by the view of the port and the sea. Her verses often echo with the image of the horizon as seen from the promenade’s window. This route not only reconnects visitors with the origins of her creativity, but also shows how the city becomes part of literary memory.
History and modernity
The organizers of the route emphasize: their aim is not simply to recall her biography, but to show how Cartagena became a living symbol for an entire generation. Walking these streets helps you understand why this city became such a source of inspiration and a central theme in so many of her works. Every house, street, and square here is filled with stories that continue to move minds and hearts.
In recent years, such routes dedicated to famous writers and their connection to cities have become increasingly common in Spain. In Murcia, a new trail was recently launched based on the novel ‘La maldición de la casa grande,’ while in Madrid there is now a route commemorating Simone de Beauvoir’s visit during the postwar years. These initiatives not only draw attention to the country’s literary heritage but also help boost domestic tourism, offering residents and visitors a fresh perspective on familiar places.
