Caravaca de la Cruz - Population 24,664
Caravaca de la Cruz is a town located on the border of Murcia and Granada. The Iberians and Muslims all passed through this town, which has developed around its castle, built in the 15th century by the Knights Templar. A place of pilgrimage and worship, tradition and culture, Caravaca de la Cruz (town of the cross) is one of the five holy towns in the Christian world (along with Santiago de Compostela, Santo Toribio de Llebana, Rome and Jerusalem) to celebrate the Perpetual jubilee year. A symbol of religious devotion, the Cross of Caravaca miraculously appeared in Caravaca in 1232, carried by two angels. It was later recognized as the 'Vera Cruz' by the Catholic Church, an authentic relic of the cross Jesus Christ died on. Today, the cross is still kept in the Vera Cruz Sanctuary, if you visit Caravaca in May, you are in for a cultural treat and a feast for your eyes with traditional mass celebrated outside the Sanctuary followed by a flower-giving ceremony and a procession to take the holy cross to the Salvador Church. Another very popular event during the same week, the 'Caballos del Vino' (Wine Horses) Fiesta; consists of decoratively harnessed horses galloping up the steep slopes to the castle, following a tradition that started in the middleof the 17th century. In those times, the wine horses mission was to take the wine up to the Sanctuary to be consecrated.
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Cehegin - Population 14,500
The area of Cehegin was declared by the Ministry of Culture in 1982 to be 'Conjunto Historico Artistico', a very important place, historically and artistically. The current settlement of Cehegin was initiated in the middle ages, but you can find shelters, caves and cave paintings in 'La Penia Rubia', dating back to the Neolithic times. Environmentally, Ceheigin is one of the richest natural corners in the Murcia region, in almost 30,000 hectares, 20,000 are planted with woodland. The area boasts rivers, lakes and reservoirs all within tranquil country settings. The patron saint of Cehegin the virgin of 'Las Maravillas' is in evidence throughout the town and she is honoured by the whole town from the 8th - 14th September with a host of family activities and fun, culminating with a fireworks display.
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Moratalla - Population 8,500
Moratalla is situated at the base of The Sierra De Los Alamos, nestled amongst extensive pine forests with stunning views across wheat plains and apricot orchards towards the famous rice growing town of Calasparra. Mankind has inhabited the area for thousands of years, leaving a legacy of Neolithic cave paintings and some of the oldest human remains in Spain. It's easy to see why. The rocky mountains cradling the town at their base form a curve heading towards Benizar. Rain caught on their peaks filters through the rocks, emerging as abundant springs in the forests which flow down to the town, irrigating apricot orchards and olive groves. The mountains keep the bad weather away from the town and although the town is strategically elevated, it is amazingly well protected, missing storms, frost and winds. The area is famed for its natural beauty, attracting walkers, cyclists, horse riders, paragliders and lovers of the outdoors. Many beautiful walks, springs, reservoirs and forests are just a few minutes from the town centre, with the stunning Casa De Cristo and the lavender fields of Campo de San Juan a short drive away. There are 2 lively fiestas a year, the main one being in July when the centre is overrun by bulls. Busy camping sites 7 km from the old town offers half price accommodation to non Spanish visitors out of season.
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Granada - Population 244,767
Granada is considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Set against the magnificent snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountain range, its history, tradition and the lovely character of its inhabitants makes Granada a dream of a city to visit. The history of Granada is one of the most fascinating in Spain, and is still very visible in the town where you can find famous monuments like the Alhambra. Dating back to the thirteenth century, the Alhambra is a sprawling palace citadel and symbol of the city's former glory, Considered by some to be one of the ten wonders of the world, the Alhambra is a rambling complex consisting of beautiful gardens, incredible fortifications and sumptuous palaces. Granada has Europe's most southern ski resort, Sierra Nevada, with a total length of 65 kilometers of pistes where one can either ski or go snowboarding, Also more than 8 kilometers cross-country skiing circuits at 'La Ragua' the province's second winter resort (near to Guadix).
One of the main attractions of Sierra Nevada is the many sunny days in the middle of winter, and that one can ski at night on a specially fitted flood lit piste, which is a unique experience. The most important industrial sectors in Granada are the agricultural and the tourism industry. The many mountains in the province of Granada makes it a good location to produce olives, as it is one of the only agricultural products that can grow in these conditions. In the part of Granada closer to the Mediterranean Sea there is also a large production of tobacco and sugar. Apart from the above industries Granada town is known for its craftsmanship producing handmade quality products such as guitars, pottery, board games and other products in wood.
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Mula - Population 13,000
Situated in its fertile valley, the town of Mula offers the visitor aged palaces and monuments displaying the wealth that the Marquis de los Velez invested in safeguarding his position against the local populace when he erected an imposing castle, a magnificent 16-century construction dominating the plain below and which gives the impression of having simply emerged from the very rocky outcrop on which it perches. The town itself has a great deal of charm spreading out as it does from around the Plaza Mayor, in which the church of San Miguel is of note. Among the steep and minding lanes of the old quarter, in the upper part of the town is the church of Santo Domingo, with its renaissance facade and Baroque interior, and also one of the regions finest examples of monastic architecture, the Real (Royal) Monasterio de la Encarnacion. Just five kilometers outside the town of Mula in an idyllic setting are the famous spa baths, in use since Roman times, as well as through the Moorish period. These baths are highly acclaimed for aiding those suffering from rheumatic problems.
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Bullas - Population 12,000
The history of Bullas is inextricably entwined with the culture of wine growing as there is evidence that vines have existed in this area since Roman times. From that moment up until the late 19th century when phylloxeradevastated the vines, wine-making has always played a fundamental role in the local community and in the various cultures that have passed through this area. Now the willingness to share these secrets and the innovatory spirit of local co-operatives and wineries have succeeded in combining modern industrial methods and time-etenal traditions, and this is the key to the superb quality of the wines that bear the Bullas D.O label. Apart from the wealth of monuments in the town, with such obvious examples as the Church of Santa Maria del Rosario, the former Melgares palace or the remains of the mediaval watchtower by the Segura River the potential, hidden wealth is to be discovered in the outlaying districts; numerous archaeological sites (particularly from the Argar culture) and delightful landscapes invite visitors to explore this sprawling countryside of contrasting colours.
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Archena - Population 12,000
A classic European spa dating back to Roman times, the Archena spa is located in the Arcote Valley along the Segura River, a short fifteen minutes from the capital city of Murcia and about one hour from the beaches of La Manga, Mar Menor and about two hours from Valencia. The spa and curative thermal waters were discovered in 200B.C. during Roman times. Officially declared as mineral waters with health benefits, they are rich in calcium, sodium, chloride and sulphur, with abundant hydrogen sulphide,which rise at temperatures of 52°C and are used for a wide range of inhalant treatments and balneotherapy especially applications of hot mud. An excellent natural remedy for the treatment of the bronchial tubes, the nose, the throat, the skin and the motor system. The waters rich in calcium, sodium, chloride and sulphur constitute a toxic free, efficient and healthy treatment to combat numerous chronic ailments that are due to environmental factors or organic deficiencies. Along with the mud applications, the hot springs constitute the chief remedy against arthritic disordes and rheumatic illnesses, while balneotherapy is a valuable aid in cases which also require post-traumatic or postoperative motor rehabilitation.
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Murcia - Population 353,504
Founded in 831 AD, Murcia, the regional capital has inherited over the years a rich fusion of Moorish, medieval Christian and baroque influences that can still be felt by today's visitor. Murcia is a welcoming and friendly city, pleasantly modern whilst maintaining its traditions. The city is a centre for transportation, trade and tin mining. Its industries include food processing, distilling, and the manufacture of textiles, chemicals, furniture, and building materials. The silk industry dates from the Middle Ages. The importance of the city over the years can be seen in its churches, palaces and other public buildings. Its most distinguished monument is the cathedral, which is characterised by the variety of architectural styles that overlapped during its construction (1394-1462.). The Bishop's Palace and the Casino are also well worth a visit; as are its museums and art galleries. In the town centre, you can stroll down Traperia and Plateria streets, named after the cloth merchants or silversmiths who plied their trades in each. Browsing around the city's streets, you will also find good shopping in nice boutiques, as well as pleasant squares in which to relax and enjoy a drink or typical tapas at one of the many cafes, while you experience the special atmosphere of this authentically Spanish city.
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