A stroll around the historical heritage of the town of Alhama

To mark National Castles Day in Spain on 14^th 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The castle of Alhama is first mentioned in historical documents in the 11th and 12th centuries, when it was referred to as “Hisn Al-hamma”, a Moorish fortress on a hill at the foot of the Sierra de la Muela, ideal for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.

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