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ARCHIVED - August 6 La Noche en Vela, a magical night of candlelight in the medieval town of Aledo

ARCHIVED ARTICLE

An atmospheric night in the fortress town of Aledo in the Sierra Espuña

The spectacular medieval fortress town of Aledo, perched on a rocky outcrop in the Sierra Espuña above Alhama de Murcia and Totana, is home every summer to one of the most atmospheric festivals in the Region of Murcia, when the streets and castle are lit by candles and torches for the “Noche en Vela”.

The residents decorate their homes, balconies and streets with over 15,000 candles and at street corners there is music, poetry, dancing and all kinds of cultural sideshow, starting at 20.30 and lasting until 2.30 in the morning.

In order to limit numbers the town can be visited in two shifts, the first from 20.30 to 22.00 and the second from 23.00 to 00.30: reservations can be made here. Early arrival is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Visitors are asked to remain quiet during their walk around the town and to refrain from touching any of the decorations, as well as sharing cars to ease the parking congestion.

For more upcoming events visit the What’s On section of Murcia Today.

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Aledo Tourist Office

Oficina de Turismo de Aledo

The tourist information office of Aledo is located within the Torre del Homenaje, the keep of the castle at the top of the old town, and although it is possible to drive to within just a few metres of the tower and park in the streets just below, this can be an unnerving experience for those unaccustomed to driving in narrow streets. It may be advisable to park lower down in the town close to the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) and walk 5 minutes up to the castle.

Aledo Tourist Office Aledo is a hilltop town, originally built by the Moors and then rebuilt by the Christian forces of the Reconquista, who took this area during the 13th century and converted it into a Christian stronghold from which to continue their fight to claim all of Spain for a further 250 years.

Aledo Tourist Office The tower is well worth a visit for the views alone, although those with an interest in geology or fossils will also find the 20 million year walk back in time down into the valley below of great interest, as the rock upon which the castle is built is renowned internationally as a location of geological interest.

Aledo also contains the only surviving Picota, or pillory, in the Region of Murcia, as well as a church, the Iglesia de Santa María Real, containing two sculptures by the baroque master Francisco Salzillo. It is also within the Sierra Espuña regional park and is a good stop-off point if heading up into the mountains, and the views from the church plaza and tower are spectacular.

Aledo Tourist Office On 6th January it is the scene of the traditional Auto de los Reyes Magos, a musical nativity play which takes place in the streets of the town with the participation of donkeys and many of the local townspeople.