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Date Published: 08/11/2022

ARCHIVED - Restoration of Alhama Castle sheds light on town origins

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The fortress in the Region of Murcia municipality dates back to the 11th century

<span style='color:#780948'>ARCHIVED</span> - Restoration of Alhama Castle sheds light on town origins

The two-year restoration of Alhama de Murcia Castle is progressing well, and 12 months into the project is reportedly shedding light on the town's origins with archaeologists unearthing "surprising elements".

The fortress dates back to the 11th century and is considered a "true symbol" of Alhama's heritage. So much so, 1.5 million euros is being invested in its recovery "for the cultural benefit of the public", co-financed by the Spanish Government which is funding 70% of the cost. The rest of the cash is coming from the municipal coffers.

The work being carried out represents the fifth and final phase of the project, in this case focused on the restoration of the lower enclosure and the Christian houses.

Alhama Mayor, Mariola Guevara, pointed out that, "when the work is finished, the whole complex will be put to public use in order to enhance its value for local residents and visitors, as one of our main tourist and heritage attractions."

The restoration is progressing through archaeological excavations in three particular areas where "new and surprising" elements have been discovered, according to Guevara, such as the recovery of a tower that was completely buried and Christian houses belonging to the Fajardo family, "a non-defensive part that has a stately appearance".

Municipal archaeologist, José Baños, explained that this would be the origin of the town of Alhama, in this case "daily life in a cocoon". On the perimeter are references to the Andalusian baths, today the Archaeological Museum, a possible mosque in Calle San Lázaro and a cemetery typical of that time.

Alhama Castle is one of the most emblematic structures in the municipality and has been classed as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) since 1985. It stands 23 metres tall and occupies 5,000m2 and has had many other restoration projects between 2002 and 2012 which have allowed the tower keep and northern wall to be fully restored.

Also read: Puerto de Mazarrón fountain filled with foam in disgraceful and harmful act of vandalism

Image: Ayuntamiento de Alhama de Murcia

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