Los Caños Fountain (Pliego - Murcia)

What to see in Pliego

 
 

Church of Saint James the Great


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Church of Saint James the Great (Pliego - Murcia)
 
Located in the historic centre of Pliego and built on a first Christian church from the 16th century, this beautiful religious temple in the Baroque style delights us.

Its name is linked to the Order of Saint James, which, at the beginning of the 14th century, acquired the town, taking away its exclusivity from the Mudejars as the only settlers. Initially, the Order of Saint James had as its main objective the fight against the Muslims. The flag of this Order was the distinctive feature of the Cross, present in every corner of the church.
 
In honour of the Apostle Saint James the Great, the month of July offers residents and visitors of Pliego an extensive program of activities to enjoy.
 
 

Museum of the Santiaguista Oil Mill


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Museum of the Santiaguista Oil Mill (Pliego - Murcia)
 
Located in the heart of Pliego, next to Saint James the Great, is the Santiaguista Oil Mill Museum, a must-see tourist visit.

On this site, you can see a traditional oil mill of just seventy square meters that, a little more than twenty years ago, produced oil for the population of Pliego.

On its way, you can see its modest architecture and the original machinery used. You can also learn about the production of oil in more recent times.
 
Although the original building has been restored, its structural elements have been largely respected.
 
 

House of the Tercia


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House of the Tercia (Pliego - Murcia)
 
Built in 1802 and located in the centre of the town, a few steps from the Town Hall of Pliego, the House of the Tercia of Pliego was originally linked to both the conservation and deposit of cereal, as well as the collection of taxes, which was still carried out in kind.

This building replaced other buildings inside the town that also served as granaries and, at the time, became an imposing symbol of the purchasing power of its inhabitants.
 
This historic house was designed by the architect Jerónimo Martínez Bricero de Lara and later, in 2002, was restored by its subsequent owners.
 
 

Los Caños Fountain


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Los Caños Fountain (Pliego - Murcia)
 
At the foot of the Castle of Pliego was the “Pocico del Agua”, a large fountain with water used for irrigation and supply for the inhabitants. With a system of ditches associated with it, the water started from the “Pocico del Agua” and ran through the entire Main Street or Water Street. This old hydraulic system, which can still be seen today, was essential for the development of the town.

With the growth of the town, other constructions associated with water took place on the main ditch, among them, the Los Caños Fountain, currently located on Los Caños Street.
 
Initially having six bronze spouts, the fountain was later rebuilt, adopting its current appearance.

The Water Street and Los Caños Fountain are exceptional points that transport us back in time when visiting.
 
 

Castle of Las Paleras


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Castle of Las Paleras (Pliego - Murcia)
 
Located on a small elevation, the ruins of the Poblado de la Mota can easily be distinguished today—the first medieval Islamic settlement that gave rise to the current Pliego.

Built in the 12th century, the town was originally surrounded by a fortification. Even today, you can find the remains of a wall, a castle, and the walls of a tower.

In 1985, the Poblado de la Mota was declared a Site of Cultural Interest.
 
Visitors can reach this site by a path of about 200 meters, accessible from the promenade next to the La Mota Ravine. With hiking alternatives in its surroundings, this site offers exceptional views of the Pliego river basin and the north face of Sierra Espuña, as well as beautiful views of the current town of Pliego.
 
 

Castle of Pliego


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Strategically located at the top of the hill, the Castle of Pliego stands out.

Although it dates from the 12th century, the time of the Muslim kingdom in the region, it is hypothesized that this fortress was built after its neighbouring castle (the Castle of Las Paleras, located just 500 meters away) due to its considerably better state of conservation.
 
According to the story, once Murcia was incorporated into the crown of Castile, in 1243, the Castle of Pliego was occupied by Castilian troops and incorporated into a network of fortifications in the territory bordering the lands of the King of Granada. This is how, until the 17th century, this fortress became a border castle, constantly exposed to war.

In 1985, the Castle of Pliego was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.
 
 

The Almoloya


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A few kilometres from Pliego, you will find this fascinating archaeological site.

Although the remains of this town were discovered in 1944, its origin dates back to the Bronze Age, 4,000 years ago.

According to recent research, the first civilizations of Europe worked here. It is estimated that the occupation of this area lasted for 600 years.
 
Today, almost entirely excavated and just a ten-minute walk from its parking lot, the Almoloya site gives away history and attracts more and more curious tourists. Entry is allowed only with a guided tour.
 
 

The Sima de la Higuera


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Declared a natural monument in 2005, these 22 hectares of underground caves give visitors a magnificent natural display of unique cavities of hydrothermal origin.

The Sima de la Higuera, known as such because of the banyan tree next to its point of entry, not only makes up the longest string of underground caves in the Region of Murcia but also houses its "Room of Paradise", an underground corner of world interest.
 
With an obligatory descent of about seventy meters, access is difficult. Although the site is closed for preservation, visits in small groups may be requested.
 

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