Mazarron

Guide to Mazarron and Puerto Mazarron, Costa Calida, Spain.

Puerto Mazarron

Mazarron - Costa Calida - Spain

Mazarron is situated in the south west of Murcia and has been home to Arabs, Phoenicians and Romans, all of whom have succumbed to the charms and influences of the bay and surrounding area.

Mazarron’s coastal area is bathed by the Mediterranean Sea and is known for its mining past and seamen’s traditions. It was in an important strategic position, able to defend a large land area, with an important castle and defense towers. The town’s geographic position led to the building of three towers, all of which were built in Islamic times. These towers being the ‘Caballos’ or horses tower; ‘Cumber’ or summit tower and the ‘Molinete’ or windmill tower.

Mazarron is also well known for its architectural, archaeological and monumental heritage. There are historical references to the current part of Mazarron, from the Paleolithic era (95,000 and 32,000 years ago.) In the Phoenician period the area’s magnificent natural geographic conditions were utilized as a port and harbour, with the arrival of Roman colonies that were attracted by the rich mining and of course with its close proximity to Carthago Nova (Cartagena) The area’s sailing activity continued throughout the Roman period, transporting quantities of metal from the different mining reserves that could be found in the area. It is also thought that this area was one of the first to be mined and the Arabic al mezer (ochre or red) refer to the colours, which can be related to in the landscape.

In the old part of town you can find various historical and artistic interests, with every inch of Mazarron hiding a piece of history. For example, next to Veles Castle (Mazarron Castle) is the religious architecture of the San Antonio de Padua, and the San Andres churches, which are quite beautiful. San Andres conceals in its interior a wonderful Mudejar coffered ceiling, which has been declared a national treasure. Another religious joy is the convent of La Purisma. The historical heart of the town is the town hall and the beautiful casino, which is eclectic in style with a unique spiral staircase. Mazarron’s Sacred Heart of Jesus is located on Santa Catalina Mountain and was first erected and blessed in May 1924. It was destroyed during the civil war (1936-1939) and was re-built in 1952, thanks to donations made by the people of Mazarron.

The town area has over thirty beaches and lies below sea level. The bay hides many treasures, with an underwater garden of important sea fauna, where dolphins, whales and octopi can be found. Indeed, Mazarron is one of the main underwater centres in the Mediterranean Sea. In front of the Palya de la Isla, there are two great underwater treasures dating from VII B.C., known as Mazarron I and Mazarron II. These two Phoenician boats act as a reminder that Mazarron was once an important link with the Phoenicians and these two boats are the only ones of their kind in the world.

The erosions of Bolnuevo is a strong landscape, almost magical. The wind and water erosion of the area have created an ever-changing rock formation. Mazarron’s mosaic landscape is worth a visit where you can let your imagination run wild.

Article provided by kind permission of The Leader Newspaper

Mazarron Links: Mazarron Map - Mazarron Weather - Mazarron Castle

Other Places: Lorca - Totana - Sierra de Espuña - Cabo Cope

Golf Courses: Almanzora Golf Resort - Desert Springs Golf - Spain Golf Courses

Puerto Mazarron Map - Road Map - Street Map - Interactive Map of Puerto Mazarron

Related: Los Alcazares - Mar Menor - San Javier - La Manga - Murcia Airport Transfers - Builders

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