Centro Cultural Villa de Aledo
The cultural centre in Aledo
The Centro Cultural Villa de Aledo is located in Avenida José Antonio, right in the heart of the old quarter of the town.
It is a modern building, with all the necessary equipment and facilities for cultural activities, theatrical productions, cinema showings and concerts. The cultural centre is also the home of the municipal library and has computers for public use as well as a youth information centre.
Click for map, Avenida José Antonio, Aledo.
Mobile: 696 962 116
Oficina de Turismo de Aledo
The tourist information office of Aledo is located within the Torre del Homenaje, the keep of the castle at the top of the old town, and although it is possible to drive to within just a few metres of the tower and park in the streets just below, this can be an unnerving experience for those unaccustomed to driving in narrow streets. It may be advisable to park lower down in the town close to the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) and walk 5 minutes up to the castle.
Aledo is a hilltop town, originally built by the Moors and then rebuilt by the Christian forces of the Reconquista, who took this area during the 13th century and converted it into a Christian stronghold from which to continue their fight to claim all of Spain for a further 250 years.
The tower is well worth a visit for the views alone, although those with an interest in geology or fossils will also find the 20 million year walk back in time down into the valley below of great interest, as the rock upon which the castle is built is renowned internationally as a location of geological interest.
Aledo also contains the only surviving Picota, or pillory, in the Region of Murcia, as well as a church, the Iglesia de Santa María Real, containing two sculptures by the baroque master Francisco Salzillo. It is also within the Sierra Espuña regional park and is a good stop-off point if heading up into the mountains, and the views from the church plaza and tower are spectacular.
On 6th January it is the scene of the traditional Auto de los Reyes Magos, a musical nativity play which takes place in the streets of the town with the participation of donkeys and many of the local townspeople.
The tourist office is open only when the tower is open, so for enquiries at other times contact the Town Hall on 968 484422 (alcaldia@aledo.es).
For more information visit the Aledo section of Murcia Today.
View Aledo, Murcia in a larger map
