ARCHIVED - Renovation work nears completion on Sierra Espuna snow wells
ARCHIVED ARTICLE
Two more snow wells will be restored in the next few years
The rehabilitation of two of the ancient snow wells (Pozos de Nieve) located in the Sierra Espuña Natural Park is all but complete after a complex restoration of the historic structures.
These two Murcia wells, located between Collado Mangueta and Valle de Leiva, were used in medieval times to store ice before the days of modern refrigeration, a valuable commodity used by the wealthy during the scorching summer months. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, ice would be carted to the cities of Murcia, Cartagena, Lorca and Orihuela until the first ice factory was constructed in Totana in 1924. The wells produced their last blocks in the spring of 1926.
Most have fallen into a state of ruin although a few still have their roofs, and soon wells number 11 and 13 will be ready to welcome visitors. Only the finishing touching remain, which include waterproofing the exterior and erecting wooden stairs and walkways so that explorers can access the historic structures fully. Circular openings in the roof will allow visitors a clear view into the interior of the wells.
The plan is to renovate a further two wells in the next few years, a painstaking and delicate operation that includes using as much of the original brickwork and handmade masonry as possible. The entire project will cost somewhere in the region of a million euros and will also recover two auxiliary constructions (warehouses and dwellings), two fountains, two roads and a livestock route.
The Pozos de Nieve has been listed as a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC) by the General Directorate of the Natural Environment.
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