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The extensive archaeological works under the Plaza de Santa Eulalia and the Interpretation Centre of the Muralla have concluded this week and have brought to light previously unexplored elements of the first settlers in Murcia.

 

This delicate restoration project involved the joint recovery and enhancement of the remains under the Almudaina building, the Plaza de Santa Eulalia and the Muralla Interpretation Centre, creating a subterranean museum space and exhibition centre of more than 1,300m2 and a tour route 200 metres long.

 

Previously, excavations under the square revealed two pantheons and one of the seven doors that formed part of the Medieval Wall of Murcia. The remains of the Moorish city wall were first discovered during excavations in 1964.

 

According to mayor José Ballesta, the newly uncovered museum "will allow locals and visitors to better understand the importance of the Wall of Santa Eulalia, reinforced with the important archaeological finds of recent months, among which burials are included that would correspond to the first Murcianos, dating back to the 9th, 10th and 11th centuries, dates very close to the founding of the City of Murcia, which in 2025 will celebrate 1,200 years of history."

 

Through the new guided tours, visitors will be able to discover and explore several of the most important gates of the Murcia wall, such as the Puerta del Toro, Puerta del Sol, Puerta del Puente, Puerta de la Aduana and Puerta de Vidrieros.

 

In addition, part of wall structures of a possible pantheon is quite clearly visible, as is the caisson of an ancient water wheel and an Islamic cemetery where around 50 tombs have been located.

 

 

Images: Ayuntamiento de Murcia