What to see in Aledo

On the ground floor is the cistern with two rectangular naves covered by a barrel vault. On the first floor, there are different explanatory panels, which allow us to understand the medieval historical context of Aledo, in addition to recreating its defensive system and talking about the influence that the Order of Santiago had on the town. On the second floor, the drawings that remain on the walls stand out. These drawings, which belong to different eras, show horsemen on horseback and boats, among other things that inspired the first settlers of the tower.

From its terrace, it is possible to be amazed by the view of the urban area of Aledo and the entire Guadalentin Valley. This view, plus the presence of the sea in the background, makes a visit to the tower essential for those who travel to this town.
 

The wall was built following the rammed-earth technique, which requires that a wooden mould be placed first, then filled with earth, which is compacted and allowed to dry. Finally, the mould is removed and a wall of great resistance can be seen.

What can be seen from the wall today was built during the 11th century. In the last decades, different reconstruction tasks have been carried out, trying to give value to the wall again. Thus, it is possible to see the wall with different levels of conservation throughout the town. Despite these differences in its state of preservation, as a whole they allow one to imagine the view that those who came to this town in the Middle Ages had and found this imposing view of a village completely fortified in height, with walls and towers.
 

This is why its aesthetics belong to a Baroque period but with neoclassical influences.

Inside, it is worth going to the altar to see the details that decorate the figures carved on the wall, where the image of Saint Mary is deposited.
 

That of Aledo is the only one that still survives in Murcia, perhaps because its cylindrical structure was always covered with a layer of exposed brick that protected it from the passage of time.

When we visit these types of places, it is good to remember that we are not only in front of another tourist spot, but that we are seeing an element that represents the cruellest elements of the Middle Ages and the feudal system. Prisoners who had survived the torture of an executioner were brought here to be insulted, beaten, and humiliated by the neighbours. On other occasions, the head was brought, which was impaled on the tip of the pillory to serve as a warning for thieves, those who had debts, or those who wanted to question authority.

It was built in 1592, when King Philip II of Spain authorized the town to emancipate itself from the jurisdiction of the Order of Santiago, thus permitting it to have its own jail and pillory.
 

In addition to observing the door, from the viewpoint, you can take advantage of it to contemplate the landscape of the Guadalentin Valley.
 

Juan Tudela Piernas, which was the real name of Uncle Juan Rita, was a man of incredible vitality. Until his last days he could be seen enjoying a Cuban cigar and a glass of cognac.

His bust can be found at the point known as “El Rancho”, on Marqueses Street, the street where Juan Rita was born. In this place, the inhabitants of Aledo gather every January 6 to celebrate the “pujas” dance, and the neighbours, to the sound of the group, with their timples and clarinets dance a “luis” or a “malagueña”.
 

In addition, its walls allow you to travel to a remote time when the region was under the sea, so it is possible to observe ancient coral reefs and other fossils. This set of fossils, added to the rocks and humidity, gives us an incredible image in which a complete range of colours and shapes are mixed.

The complete route of the Arboleja is about two kilometres long and is circular, so you start from the parking lot and return to the same place. Some adventurers depart from Alejo, being an 8-kilometer stretch to the strait.
 

Today, of most of the mills, only a few ruins remain. The best-preserved is the one known as New Mill or Patalache Mill, which was built in the first half of the 19th century. It is still possible to see the mill building and also the water channel structure.

As we walk, we can understand why the ancient settlers decided to put these mills here. Here, it was possible to take advantage of the natural flow of water. In addition, to improve the use of water, the channels were created to optimize grinding and irrigation. At the same time, the unevenness that existed between the different mills was used.

With this walk, you can also see the eroded walls in the Lebor ravine, the water wells, and the straits that have been formed by the erosion of wind and water over time.
 

Today it is almost in ruins, although it is still possible to see its façade, which has a baroque style.