History of Totana
The municipality of Totana is located in the region of Bajo Guadalentin (Murcia). According to data from 2019, it has 32,008 inhabitants. Its landscape is conditioned by the Sierra Espuña, the main forest lung of the Murcia province.
The history of Totana begins in the Middle Paleolithic, as evidenced by the multiple archaeological sites found in the area, with the La Bastida (Bronze Age) site being the most important.
There was a Roman presence in the Totana area from the beginning of the 1st century B.C. The Roman villas were dedicated mainly to irrigated agricultural activity, taking advantage of the waters of the Guadalentin River and led by aqueducts such as the Espuña.
Today there is little data about Islamic Totana. However, it is known that the Muslims promoted agricultural development in the area, taking advantage not only of the Sierra Espuña but also the Guadalentin River. Projects were also put together to use hydraulic energy, as well as channels to carry water to the plantations.
The development of Totana began mainly with the end of the reconquest (16th century) and the exodus of Aledo's neighbors, who settled in Totana.
The development of Totana began mainly with the end of the reconquest (16th century) and the exodus of Aledo's neighbors, who settled in Totana.
In 1802, the breakage of the Puentes reservoir (Lorca) led to the flooding of the fields and the destruction of the dams and irrigation channels. Soon after, the War of Independence (1808-1814) broke out. Thus, the 19th century did not start well for Totana.
In 1918, a Royal Order of Alfonso XIII gave Totana the rank of city.
Totana has a rich and varied heritage, with standouts including the Parish of Santiago (16th century), the Hermitage of Santa Eulalia de Merida (16th century) and the Juan de Uzeta Fountain, which is the only preserved Baroque fountain in the region.
Today, the main economic sector of Totana is agriculture, mainly bell pepper and livestock. Handicrafts, especially pottery and ceramics, have historically been very important in the municipality and many workshops are still maintained today.
