The Bajo Guadalentin region bears that name because it is located in the lower part of the Guadalentin river. It is made up of five municipalities: Mazarron, Totana, Alhama de Murcia, Librilla and Aledo. It has an area of 1,020 square kilometres.
This area is bordered to the north by three mountain ranges (Espuña, La Muela and El Cura) and to the south by the Mediterranean Sea. It has a highly Mediterranean climate.
History
The region has been inhabited since prehistory, as evidenced by the archaeological sites of Cabezo Gordo, Los Grajos and La Encarnación, among others.
The modern age stood out for the uprising against Charles V and the threat of Barbary piracy during the reign of King Philip II. Also, during the 18th century, the splendour of Baroque art was seen in various religious and civil constructions. In this time of splendour appeared the sculptural works of the master Salzillo, his pupil Roque López and the Valencian Jaime Bort, creator of the facade of the cathedral of Murcia.
Agricultural economics
The main economic sectors of this region are the agriculture of squash, peppers and table grapes, as well as livestock, which is mostly pigs.
Its industrial activities are also noteworthy, such as the “chacinera” in Alhama de Murcia, the pottery in Totana and the tourist one in Mazarron.
The most representative festival of this region is Holy Week, which has a large number of brotherhoods and a rich tradition. The narrow streets of the towns are traversed in procession at this time in an impressive visual spectacle.
Holy Thursdays and Fridays are the days when a greater number of brotherhoods process, establishing their penance stations in the different points of the respective towns.
The processions in the different towns of the Bajo Guadalentin region are events that arouse great interest among tourists and fans of Holy Week.
Magical nature
With its Mediterranean climate, in the Bajo Guadalentin region, we can find great natural landscapes, such as Sierra Espuña, which is a wooded paradise crossed by streams that come to life with the first spring rains. This site has been inhabited by various species of animals and was also a refuge for humans for thousands of years.
Another tourist site to visit is the Arboleja Strait, which is located in the town of Aledo.
It is a natural area in which the water has eroded the rocks over thousands of years, achieving a passage through the mountains that generates a humid environment facilitating the growth of flora typical of humid climates.
It has two entrances, one at each end, and is approximately 800 meters long, enjoying a microclimate with cooler temperatures than outside.
Being a mostly agricultural region, it counts on the Mediterranean Sea to supply its kitchens, which produce a wide variety of options that are a delight for the palate.
The region of Bajo Guadalentin has a great influence from various cultures, such as the Arab culture, which brought with it its spices and seasonings, such as basil and olives, among others.
From the new world came tomatoes, corn and potatoes, which also gave another layer of flavour to the already varied gastronomy.
