October 14 Free guided history tour in Alhama de Murcia
A stroll around the historical heritage of the town of Alhama
To mark National Castles Day in Spain on 14th October this guided tour is being held in Alhama de Murcia led by José Baños Serrano, the director of the local Museo Arqueológico de Los Baños.
The visit begins in the central park area of Jardín de los Patos and takes in the archaeological museum and the parish church of San Lázaro Obispo, before those taking part are invited to a presentation given by Sr Baños Serrano (unfortunately the castle itself is currently closed to the public due to restoration work). The day ends with a tasting of local produce.
The tour begins at 17.30 and registration can be completed via the Concejalía de Cultura of Alhama in the Casa de la Cultura.
The castle of Alhama is first mentioned in historical documents in the 11th and 12th centuries, when it was referred to as “Hisn Al-hamma”, a Moorish fortress on a hill at the foot of the Sierra de la Muela, ideal for watching over travellers as they pass along the Guadalentín valley.
The castle was a part of the defence fortifications of the Moorish “taifa” (or kingdom) of Murcia, and it remained under Moorish rule until the kingdom of Murcia was reconquered by Prince Alfonso of Castile, later Alfonso X “El Sabio”, in 1243, after which it became home to one of Alfonso’s knights, Rodrigo de Villamayor, who was awarded governorship of Alhama and the surrounding countryside in recognition of his services.
On 6th June 1488 King Fernando II of Aragón (Fernando el Católico) passed through Alhama on the way to Lorca, where he was preparing the campaign which would eventually result in the Reconquest of Granada from the Moors in 1492. Once this was completed there began a long period of relative peace, which allowed the town to grow outside the castle walls.
Click here for a more complete history of Alhama.
For more local news, events and visiting information contact the tourist office (telephone 968 633512) or go to the home page of Alhama Today.
Address
Tourist Office Alhama de Murcia, Plaza Constitucion. Frente Auditorio, nº 10, 30840, ALHAMA DE MURCIATel: 968 633 512
Oficina de Turismo de Alhama de Murcia
Alhama de Murcia Tourist information office is located on the edge of the Plaza de la Constitución, just a few metres away from the underground car park and the Town hall of Alhama de Murcia.
The tourist office offers free guided audiotours in English which take visitors around the historical sites of interest in Alhama. These be loaned at any time, although allow an hour and a half to complete the tour, and when loaning the audio equipment visitors are asked to leave passports or ID cards with the tourist office.
The office also carries a full range of leaflets for the archaeological museum of Los Baños, which is built around the historic spa which gives Alhama its name, and the mountains of Sierra Espuña, which is also an important area within the municipality of Alhama. Areas such as El Berro and Gebas have a number of interesting routes which can be followed and there are several picnic areas and good walking routes within the Sierra Espuña natural park.
The tourist office also carries leaflets for the many cultural events and fiestas which take place in Alhama throughout the year, including Los Mayos, Semana Santa, Christmas,the Romería of La Candelaria and the Auto de los Reyes Magos in El Berro.
Opening Hours
Winter (September 16 – May 31)
- Tuesday to Friday: 9am-2pm and 4.30pm-7.30pm
- Saturdays: 10am-1pm
- Sundays and Mondays: closed
Summer (June 1 to September 15)
- Tuesday to Friday: 08.30 to 14.30
- Saturdays: 10.00 to 13.00
- Sundays and Mondays: closed
For more local information, including news and forthcoming events, visit the home page of Alhama Today.
