Yecla's central market now has specialised toilets for those with ostomy bags
The San Cayetano Market now has an accessible new facility and changing room that respond to long-standing local demands from ostomy patients
The San Cayetano Market in central Yecla has taken a significant step forward in accessibility and inclusivity with the installation of a new toilet for ostomates and a customer changing room, unveiled by the Councillor for Markets and Consumer Affairs, María Martínez.
Speaking at the presentation of the new facilities, Councillor Martínez said she was pleased to address two key requests from the market’s regular Wednesday traders: a dedicated changing area for shoppers and improved toilet facilities for people living with an ostomy. These additions, she said, mark “a clear commitment to inclusivity and practical support for those with health-related needs.”
The initiative to remodel the toilet to suit ostomates’ requirements came from a proposal submitted by the socialist group at a plenary session. It received unanimous backing from the municipal government. The councillor emphasised that the project reflects a wider aim to equip public buildings across the municipality with facilities that meet the needs of all residents.
“From today, San Cayetano Market joins the list of municipal buildings that include a toilet specifically designed for people with an ostomy, improving their comfort, autonomy and quality of life,” Martínez said.
It follows similar improvements to accessibility for ostomy patients in other parts of the Region of Murcia. Councillor Martínez also announced that another such facility would soon be made available in the Yecla Town Hall building itself.
Martínez thanked the local cancer association AYAC, whose representatives had supported the initiative from the beginning, and paid tribute to the collaborative efforts of municipal staff and market personnel. In particular, she acknowledged the involvement of Antonio Ortega from the Municipal Technical Services and Antonio García, the market concierge, for their supervision throughout the project.
Desirée García, president of AYAC, welcomed the new facility and stressed its importance.
“Our city now has three toilets for ostomates in municipal buildings. This is a meaningful step, as one does not know the difficulties ostomates face until they experience them,” she said.
For more local news, events and visitor information, go to the home page of Yecla Today
Images: Ayuntamiento de Yecla
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
