What you Shouldn't miss Yecla

Set in the middle of the highlands, between the coastal mountain ranges and the La Mancha plateau, Yecla paints its visitors a picture of exceptional beauty, where arid stone landscapes contrast with fields of olive trees, cereals and vineyards.


NOBLE, LOYAL AND FAITHFUL LAND

Life in this 'Noble, Loyal and Most Faithful' land, as it was recognised by Felipe V in 1707 in the title granted to the town, revolves around wine and furniture, its most deeply-rooted traditions. In the present day, the modern, industrial town coexists with the town of the past, blending heritage and traditions.

The Plaza Mayor is an excellent starting point for your visit. Presided over by the Town Hall, the square boasts several historical and architectural gems such as the Alarcos Palace (16th-17th Century), the Council Palace (16th-17th Century), the old Granary (16th-17th Century), the Auditorium (19th Century) and the Clock Tower (19th Century).

The La Asunción Parish Church or 'Old Church', where the Holy Week Museum is located, is just down the road from here. The building houses a collection of images, standards, processional thrones, embroidery, tunics and other items of interest from Yecla's Holy Week. Right in the heart of the old town, visitors can also see the Isabel la Católica Arch, built for the triumphant entrance of the monarchs in 1488, and where the San Blas niche is located. You can also see the Balcón sobre la Torre viewpoint. Particularly worthy of mention are the most traditional districts, such as the Judería, which was probably once a Jewish settlement; and Jabonería, a street named after the ancient craft of soap-making since 1715. The El Hospitalico Church and the Casa Palacio de los Ortega mansion, now the town Cultural Centre and home to the Cayetano de Mergelina Archaeological Museum and the 'El Greco' Reproductions Museum, are also in this area.

Wandering around the most picturesque corners of the town, you will come across a pleasant literary surprise: several mosaics where writer José Martínez Ruiz 'Azorín' tells of his experiences in the town.

Yecla also enjoys a very active cultural scene, with places of interest such as the 'Casino Primitivo', a leading social and cultural centre, and the Concha Segura Theatre, named in honour of the actress from Yecla.

Another of the loveliest places, which is also well worth visiting, is La Constitución park, a haven of nature in the midst of the town, where local people like to walk.

The town retains a profound sense of religion. Just by taking a look at some of its churches, visitors will get a feel for the great devoutness felt by the people of Yecla for their religious patrons. On the same note, a visit to the Purísima Concepción Basilica or 'New Church' and to the San Francisco Church, where you can see a real gem of Murcian Baroque architecture, the Virgen de las Angustias Chapel, is highly recommended.


THE CHURCHES ROUTE

In a similar vein, on the outskirts of town, there is a route that will introduce you to other holy buildings of great meaning and importance to the people here. These include the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Church and Enclosed Order Convent; San Roque Church, which is the oldest in Yecla; Niño Jesús Parish Church; San Juan Parish Church; and the Santa Bárbara Chapel. Nearby is the Bullring, which is home to a museum featuring countless items from the world of bullfighting.

In addition to its fascinating cultural and religious attractions, the town has another surprise in store: the Cerro del Castillo (Castle Hill) Route, where you can enjoy places of great scenic, archaeological and monumental interest. The route takes you via the Paso de la Bandera, a beautiful viewpoint right next to one of the ramps leading up the hill and will also enable you to visit the Castle Sanctuary; the 'Virgen del Castillo' Marian Museum, where all manner of items and documents related to the worship of the Virgen del Castillo are on display; and, lastly, the Hisn Yakka archaeological site.

Yecla's landscape is characterised by its extensive steppes, which are a valuable refuge for certain species of birds that are endangered elsewhere in Europe. In addition to fields of cereal crops, in this area you can also see vineyards, almond and olive trees, as well as various country houses, most notably the Casa del Nene, La Fianza, Venta de Gloria, Derramadores, etc.

Another of the nature trails worth taking is the one running through the hills and the Rambla de Tobarrillas, a gully of great ecological and biological value. As you follow the gully, you will come across several springs, a house at Tobarrillas Baja, some Roman remains and several caves.

Further south, are the Sierra de Las Pansas and Sierra del Carche. There is a small spring on the lower north-facing slope of Las Pansas and several caves such as the Cueva de Jaime el Barbudo which, according to popular tradition, was the hiding place of this famous bandit.

Other places of interest in this area include the Casas de la Ermita, the Barranco del Saltador and the Sierra del Carche, which is a Regional Park.

Declared a Site of Cultural Interest by UNESCO, Monte Arabí is home to Neolithic rock paintings, which adorn the Cueva del Mediodía and Cantos de la Visera I and II caves. Also of interest are the sculptures called 'cazoletas' (pots) and 'petroglyphs', the precise significance of which is unknown. Indeed, there are many legends about this mountain that are reflected both at popular level and in written sources and which form an inseparable part of this legendary place.