Visiting Aledo, the keep and 20 million years of history
Welcome to Aledo!
Aledo is a hilltop town, perched high in the Sierra Espuña at a strategic defensive location which see-sawed between the Moors who occupied Southern Spain from the 7th to the 13th century and the Catholic knights of the Christian Reconquista who regained much of this area, and war and conflict dominate its history.
The well-preserved Torre de Homenaje, or keep, gives panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, a strategic advantage which enabled its occupiers to control trade routes and communications networks as well as offering shelter in times of attack for the farming communities who worked the terraces surrounding the castle.
The town has an atmospheric old quarter, the original walls of the fortress still intact, although over the centuries the built-up area has spilled out of the defensive structure and down the hillside. A visit is an enjoyable morning out, visiting the castle tower, the "Picota" (the only surviving pillory in the Region of Murcia) and the geological walk which takes ramblers through 20 million years of geological history on the floor of the valley below.
Torre de Homenaje
Built by the Military Order of Santiago, this 19-metre tower boasts impressive vaulted ceilings, an interpretation centre and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It is also home to the tourist information centre and is open on weekdays and alternate weekends. Contact details to confirm opening and to book group guided visits are as follows:
Tel: 696 962116 / 968 484422
turismo@aledo.es
Click for more information about the Torre de Homenaje.
The geological walk
Aledo has been declared an area of geological interest and visitors can walk down from the castle to the valley below to view 20 million years of history: click A walk back in time.
The Picota
Medieval Spain was organized feudally and capital punishment was an essential element of the control exercised over the lower classes by the powerful fighting nobility of the era. This is the only remaining example of a pillory in the Region of Murcia, a chilling reminder of the reason these fortified walls were built in the first place. Click for more information regarding the Picota.
Iglesia de Santa María Real
This unassuming church contains 4 sculptures of note, among them two by Murcia's most famous baroque sculptor, Francisco Salzillo. Click for Iglesia de Santa María Real.
The Sierra Espuña
From Aledo it is just a short drive into the forests of the Sierra Espuña, with a wealth of forest walks, picnic areas and wildlife. The Pozos de Nieve, the snowhouses which provided ice for Murcia Capital are close to Aledo, making it possible to combine a visit to both in the same day. Click for an overview of the Sierra Espuña.
Practical advice
Aledo is a medieval hilltop town and a visit involves a fair amount of uphill and downhill walking. This makes sensible, flat footwear the only practical option, and if you are intending to follow the geological route walking boots are advisable. There is an enjoyable route which wends through the orchard areas at the foot of the hill which can also be undertaken by walkers. If intending to climb the tower, again, think of footwear, flip flops are really not a good idea!
The entrance to town is via the modern end, past a friendly and popular bar which serves tapas and drinks, and the Town Hall. From here it´s about a 10-minute walk to the castle, and those concerned about driving in narrow streets should park in this area and walk. There is parking nearer to the castle but not a lot, and particularly on Sundays this can be rather crowded.
There are excellent views from the Plaza at the castle and Aledo is a great place to stop for a coffee while exploring the Sierra Espuña!
Click for map, Aledo Town Hall.
Address
Plaza del Castillo, s/n 30859 ALEDOTel: 968 484 422
Mobile: 696 962 116
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
