History of the Huerta de Murcia region
At the confluence of beautiful and calm rivers, and surrounded by productive crops, fruits and vegetables, the region of Huerta de Murcia was born. The quiet and modest rural houses were the protagonists of the working hours in broad daylight that the inhabitants carried out to contribute to the sustenance in their homes.
The region of Huerta de Murcia is surrounded by mountains that border the plain, which is home to hundreds of fruit crops - the sources of work in the area. The mulberry, considered since the 16th century as one of the most representative trees for building barracks in the movable area, was one of the options that provided the Huerta de Murcia region with the most income. In this tree, the inhabitants found a perfect complement for the production of crops, vegetables and cereals. However, later, the mulberry trees were replaced by orange trees, from which the families obtained greater value and wealth.
The Huerta de Murcia region is made up of the municipalities of Alcantarilla, Beniel, Murcia and Santomera. The population has been increasing in recent years, reaching a total of 522,830 people, according to data from 2019.
Alcantarilla
The municipality of Alcantarilla is part of the Murcia metropolitan area, which is considered one of the areas that makes the greatest economic contributions to the entire region. Alcantarilla and Murcia by themselves account for almost 95% of the inhabitants of the Huerta de Murcia region.
The origins of Alcantarilla go back to the old channel of the Sangonera River, where an Iberian settlement settled. It is not known with certainty what became of Alcantarilla in the following centuries until Muslim written references appeared in the 11th and 12th centuries, speaking of "Qantarat Askaba". Alcantarilla would continue to have a Muslim population until the 16th century.
The origins of Alcantarilla go back to the old channel of the Sangonera River, where an Iberian settlement settled. It is not known with certainty what became of Alcantarilla in the following centuries until Muslim written references appeared in the 11th and 12th centuries, speaking of "Qantarat Askaba". Alcantarilla would continue to have a Muslim population until the 16th century.
Beniel
Beniel has extraordinary religious monuments, such as the 17th-century Baroque-style Parish Church of Saint Bartolome, and celebrates festivities and traditions each year before the arrival of thousands of tourists. During the 9th and 10th centuries, Beniel was dominated by Arabs, so its culture and customs have a Muslim influence. The name “Beniel” comes from the Arabic place name Behahye, Benyahye or Beniaffie.Murcia
Murcia is one of the most populated municipalities in Spain and is considered the center of the Huerta de Murcia region. It is known worldwide for its traditional spring festivals and Holy Week.
The origins of Murcia are uncertain, although it is known to have been founded by Abderraman II in the 825, with almost complete security over a Roman settlement that existed previously. In terms of its heritage, its beautiful cathedral stands out, with a baroque façade and a Gothic interior.
The origins of Murcia are uncertain, although it is known to have been founded by Abderraman II in the 825, with almost complete security over a Roman settlement that existed previously. In terms of its heritage, its beautiful cathedral stands out, with a baroque façade and a Gothic interior.
Santomera
Santomera has hundreds of crops dedicated to vegetables, due to its semi-arid climate and little rainfall. Catholic religious monuments predominate, as do patroness saint festivities in honor of the Virgin of the Rosary and the traditional Holy Week.One must wait several centuries to see the name of Santomera appear in written documents - specifically, until the years of the Reconquest. However, it is believed that there was a settlement in the current location of Santomera before this date.
