Aledo

We must save some time to enjoy the route up to the town of aledo. After leaving the orchards we arrive at the Ermita de la Santa, dedicated to Santa Eulalia, the patron saint of Totana.

The temple was built in Tuscan style, and houses some of the best Mudejar panelling in the Region; the fresco paintings by Juan de Ibañez depict scenes of popular devotion. The medieval toan of aledo appears suddenly from around a bend. The town was a defensive bastion on a hilltop, overlooking the whole of the Guadalentin valley.

The Arabic tower called La Calahorra is located at one end of the town. The tower was used by the CAstillians to harass the Islamic kingdom of Granada. Next to it is the church of Santa Maria of the 18th century.

Inside the church there is an image by Murian image maker Salzillo representing the Virgen de laAutora. In the Las Canales district there are two poteries where they model spice jars and reproductions of the amphorae used by the Romans to carry wine.

In Aledo there is another entrance to the regional park od Sierra Espuña. Bicycle enthusiasts may follow a steep route that stats on tarmac and climbs from las alquerías up to collado bermejo. After this point the trail continues downhill along a forest track until ir reaches the Fuente del Hilo recreation ground.

Following the motorway we arrive at Lorca the city of a hundred ciats of arms and possibly the ancient Eliocrora, a Roman town under the kingdom of Dioclecianus.

ANOTHER VILLAGES IN MURCIA: