ABOUT
37 km from the regional capital, Torre Pacheco offers good infrastructures and services, including the IFEPA trade fair and exhibition centre, as well as a golf course. Once again, the pleasant climate and scenery and climate of the area make it an ideal destination to take a few days' relaxation in one of the district's rural residences.HERITAGE
In an almost totally flat district the only elevation is the hill 'Cabezo Gordo', where a number of native ecosystems of local flora and fauna can be found, especially birds. The hill is also home to an important archaeological find known as 'Sima de las Palomas' internationally recognized for the discovery of hominid remains, tools and animal fossils. A visit to the permanent exhibition 'Proyecto Homo' housed in the former town hall building is recommended.The manor house and keep constitute the origin of the village of Torre Pacheco. The towers were a significant defensive structure in this region, serving both as defence against Berber attack and as a means of communication with more distant settlements. Many of these country mansions and villages bear shields bearing witness to the noble origins of their owners.
During the 19th C. there was a boom in windmill construction in the area and, indeed, in the whole 'Campo de Cartagena'. In the district of Torre Pacheco 14 such windmills still stand, 10 having only the the shell of the building and the other 4 in perfect condition after recent restoration work.
FESTIVITIES
The annual Fiestas take place in October and honour Our Lady of the Rosary. August sees the celebration of the 'Melon Festival', given the importance of melon production in the area, and also worth mentioning is the Flamenco Song Festival in the nearby village of Lo Ferro. The warmth of the locals makes for an enjoyable stay for visitors to the district.Top 10
Torre Pacheco is a rural destination surrounded by farmland, windmills and important archaeological sites. It's a wonderful place to take a few days off, play golf or simply enjoy its cuisine.
LIKE A NEANDERTHAL
In the mountainous area of Cabezo Gordo lies one of the most important palaeoanthropological sites of the Spanish Mediterranean Sea, known as "La Sima de las Palomas". More than 50,000 years ago the Neanderthal man walked these hillsides. The amazing site and the breathtaking views of the Mar Menor from the top are waiting you!
WINDMILLS
Torre Pacheco has been a land of giants for more than six centuries. If you want to do the Windmill Route you'll be allowed to go inside them, visit the chambers and relive the history of these large gadgets that were a key part of the local economy and remain part of its landscape today. Visit El Pasico Windmill, located next to the hermitage of the same name.
TRINITARIOS AND BERBERISCOS
The celebration of Trinitarios and Berberiscos (Trinity and Berber) that recalls the Berber invasions in the Campo de Cartagena during the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, is the classic among classics. Hundreds of soldiers, peasants, pirates, troubadours and characters of this period spice up the parades and battles. A medieval street market is held in line with the above activities, where animations for children are carried out, as well as workshops and demonstrations of ancient trades.
A MR. MELON
Toad skin, Yellow, Galia, and Cantaloup...There are different flavours and presentations of one of our most famous and versatile fruits, the Torre Pacheco melon. In this municipality, melon is the main ingredient of different recipes such as "migas" (traditional dish made with flour crumbs and pork or fruit) gazpacho, salad, soup and sorbet. This variety is so sweet and juicy that the only problem is that you will want to taste it again.
PURE FLAMENCO
Every year during the second fortnight of July, a small village with fewer than 500 inhabitants called Lo Ferro celebrates one of the most important Flamenco contests in Spain: the Festival de Cante Flamenco de Lo Ferro (Flamenco Singing Festival of Lo Ferro). The most important aspect is the cosy atmosphere and the intense traditional flavour of the artists' performances hoping to win the Gold Melon.
LIVING LIKE A MARQUIS
The Valderas House is a recreational estate built as a wedding gift by the Torre Pacheco marquis at the end of the 19th century. Surrounded by gardens, the Valderas House is the outcome of a typically Mediterranean evolution of the environment. This building is a majestic luxury that houses the famous "tesorillo" (small treasure), a gold coin collection from the different Spanish reigns.
FAIRS FOR EVERYONE
Another symbol of Torre Pacheco is IFEPA, the Fair and Exhibitions Centre of the Region of Murcia. This institution is one of the most important commercial meeting points of Southeast Spain, where throughout the year, fairs, shows and exhibitions about cuisine, antiquities, animals, industry or even cars are held.
BOOKS UNDERGROUND
The Public Library and the Reading Park of Torre Pacheco are the core of the Barrio Lejárraga that also includes a school, three parks and a bus station. You're faced with an architectural utopia located in the most unexpected place. Furthermore, this particular Library with a toboggan roof is half-buried and coexists with forests, grass esplanades, sport courts and greenhouses.
TAKING THE STAGE
The Performing Arts Centre, known as CAES, is another iconic building of Torre Pacheco. In this architectural and innovative environment you'll enjoy living the moment with the cultural and artistic expressions that occur in this municipality, from theatre to dance or even music and movies.
SCULPTURES AND MURALS
One of the most original, straightforward and natural ways to get to know Torre Pacheco is to wander through its streets and stumble upon its contemporary works of art. The Ícaro Hídrico (Water Icarus), Menina Minotaurina (Lady in waiting), the mural de Las Aguas (mural of Waters), Puerta al Futuro (Door to the future), and the mural Cabezo Efímero (ephemeral hill mural) are some examples of these urban jewels.
