March 2 Free family tour of the old town of Yecla
An entertaining history tour of the northernmost town in Murcia!
How long have people been walking on these old cobbled streets? Who built this archway, and why, and when?
To find out the answers in the historic old centre of Yecla join this guided tour for all the family on Sunday March 2, beginning at 10.30 at the Cruz de Piedra (click for map). This will be the first monument under the spotlight.
(Hint: The original Stone cross was in place in the mid-16th century at one of the entrances to the town, and the street on which it now stands has been named after it since 1641. However, it was removed in 1931 and the current cross was installed in 1940 – until the 1960s it was customary for mourners to leave funeral parades at this point.)
Although the walk is not an especially testing one, comfortable walking footwear is of course advised.
NOTE: due to the presence of children photography is not permitted.
The tour is free of charge but prior booking is necessary online here. This kind of visit in Yecla is normally fully booked very quickly, so don’t dally for too long before reserving your place!
Further information is available from the Yecla tourist office (telephone 968 754104, email turismo@yecla.es).
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Address
Plaza Mayor, Casa de los Arcos, s/n 30510 YECLATel: 968 754 104
Oficina de Turismo de Yecla
In early 2025, due to renovation work at the usual office, the service is located on the other side of the Plaza Mayor at Calle Epifanio Ibáñez nº 2 (click for map).
Yecla is a large municipality in the north of the Region of Murcia, home to just under 35,000 people, and these days is best known for its wines, which enjoy Denomination of Origin status, and its furniture production, which has its origins in the abundance of pine trees on the mountainsides and the high plateaux.
While visitors in the 21st century may be attracted primarily by wine tourism, the town (or city, as it was proclaimed in 1878) also has a wide historical, cultural and natural heritage, and an identity quite different from the coastal areas of the Region of Murcia. For this reason it is often grouped together with its neighbour and fellow wine-producing area Jumilla as part of the Altiplano area.
Yecla borders with Castilla-La Mancha and the Region of Valencia and is closer to Alicante coastal areas than much of Murcia. These visitors come to see the historic old town itself - an atmospheric and interesting place, crammed full of history - the natural beauty of Monte Arabí, with stunning views for those who enjoy the outdoors, the gastonomy and of course the wine route.
Yecla boasts cave paintings from 10,000 years ago in Monte Arabí, a Bronze Age settlement at El Arabilejo, Iberian remains in El Pulpillo and a Roman administrative centre at Los Torrejones as well as the remnants of the 11th century Moorish castle on the hill behind the town. More modern (and complete) testimony to the past are the buildings in the town centre, which include the grandiose Basílica de la Purísima, with its striking blue dome, the archaeological museum and the attractive Plaza Mayor, where the 16th century Town Hall stands alongside the Renaissance Casa de los Alarcos, the clock tower and the old grain store.
The tourist office holds a full selection of leaflets, maps, pre-planned routes, accommodation and restaurant options and information about visiting Yecla for both individuals and groups.
There is parking close to the tourist office, although those driving to Yecla for the first time are advised to park in Calle Perales.
For further information go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday 8.00 to 15.00
Saturdays 10.30 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.30.
Public holidays 10.30 to 14.00
Click for map, Yecla tourist office
