Date Published: 12/03/2025

Murcia's hidden history: Islamic wall in Glorieta Parking to open this summer

Restoration work will allow visitors to view the historic Puerta del Sol wall through a protective glass partition

Murcia's rich history is set to take a step forward this summer, as the preserved remains of the city’s Islamic wall, located in the La Glorieta underground car park, will soon be open to the public. Known as the Puerta del Sol, this wall is a significant part of the city’s heritage, and it will soon be showcased following restoration work aimed at preserving its unique elements.

The project, which carries a budget of €124,400, will enhance the visibility of the wall through various measures, including the installation of a protective glass partition. This partition will not only make the space more visible to visitors but will also serve to protect the wall from harmful elements such as humidity and pollution from the car park above. The restoration process will include a range of activities, from consolidation and cleaning to the conservation of the wall and the installation of informative signage to help visitors better understand its significance.

The work is expected to be completed within three months after the project is awarded at the end of March, with the opening of the site scheduled for summer. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to protect and promote the city's historical legacy, as confirmed by Murcia’s Mayor, José Ballesta, and Deputy Mayor Rebeca Pérez in a press conference held on Tuesday March 11.

While this is the first phase of the project, it is not an isolated effort. The city council is also working on similar restoration projects at other important sites, such as Sagasta Street and Santa Eulalia Square, with the aim of expanding the city's heritage on display. The work at La Glorieta is one of several archaeological initiatives that demonstrate the city's commitment to preserving its past for future generations to enjoy.

The Islamic wall at La Glorieta was first discovered in 1990 during construction of the parking lot, but it wasn’t until 2014 that serious efforts were made to ensure its preservation. Initial restoration work in 2015 helped protect the structure, which had suffered from pollution and humidity over the years.

Now, thanks to this latest project, visitors will soon have the opportunity to experience this remarkable piece of history in a way that highlights both its cultural and architectural significance.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Murcia

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