PROPERTY SEARCH
October 26 Guided visit to the snow wells of Sierra Espuña
The restored snow wells in Alhama and Totana show how ice was created and stored for the city of Murcia in the past
This unusual tour takes visitors to the snow wells near the highest point of the Regional Park of Sierra Espuña, centuries-old structures which were used in the past to supply ice to the cities of Murcia, Lorca and even as far away as Cartagena. The wells have been declared an Item of Cultural Interest and this route is a relatively easy one at only 3 kilometres: it is categorized as being suitable for anyone aged 6 and over.
Some of the curious dome-like structures have now been restored, and they stand as monuments to the ingenuity of the Murcianos in the past as they strove to thrive in the sometimes hostile climate!
The snow wells were in use from the 16th century to the early 20th and were used in the summer to preserve food and to make ice-cream! They are located at altitudes of 1,400 metres and over, where in the past there were frequent and heavy snowfalls in winter, and on the northern side of the mountains so as to minimize exposure to sunlight.
Here they functioned as a factory for ice until the year 1926, when the first ice factory was built in Totana, and for many generations workers flocked to the wells as soon as the first snow fell. Up to 9 men worked in each, collecting ice and transporting it on the backs of mules to the wells for storage, and then to the towns and cities of Murcia for sale, travelling by night when possible to avoid melting.
Trade was so busy that it is known that in 1794 as much as 450,000 kilos of ice were sold in the city of Murcia!
The walk begins at 10.00 and is expected to last until around 13.00 with registration available online here. Inscription prices are 9 euros for adults, 7 euros each for groups and large families as well as retirees and those with minor disabilities, and 5 euros for children up to the age of 12,
The meeting point is the car park of the snow wells next to the Collado Mangueta viewing point - click here for map.
Further information is available from Idiarta on 968 069202 or by email at reserva@idiarta.es.
For more upcoming events in the Region of Murcia go to the What’s on section of Murcia Today.
staff.inc.ali
Address
Altaona Sports and Wellness Resort. Avenida del Mundo, 1D. 30155 Banos y Mendigo, MurciaTel: +34 868 994 300
The Art of Living in Spain has been making Spanish property dreams come true for over 20 years
Founded in 2001, The Art Of Living In Spain (TAOLIS) stands as a visionary concept creator, specialising in property development and construction within the vibrant Region of Murcia.Nestled within the prestigious Altaona Sports & Wellness Resort, our headquarters comprises a dynamic team of 60 international professionals from diverse backgrounds, that infuse each project with a distinctive blend of expertise and innovation.
Spearheaded by our esteemed Dutch management team, they have overseen a multitude of design and construction ventures, ranging from residential developments to comprehensive renovation projects. With over two decades of exemplary service, TAOLIS has garnered a sterling reputation for delivering unparalleled quality to both private individuals and corporate entities.
Our track record speaks volumes, with countless satisfied clients benefiting from our unwavering commitment to excellence. Building upon our legacy of success, we are honoured to embark on our latest endeavour: the development, construction, marketing, and sale of a wide variety of projects and facilities over the next few years within the esteemed Altaona resort, that already comprises of approximately 600 properties. In the coming years, TAOLIS will continue to shape the landscape of Altaona with its innovative concept of a Bluezone-inspired Sports and Wellness Resort, focused on Longevity.
Whether you are in need of designs, construction, refurbishment or anything else for your real estate clients, get in touch with TAOLIS to see how they can help you achieve your property goals.
