The Jardín de los Patos public square in Alhama de Murcia

Jardín de los Patos means "garden of the ducks"

The Jardin de los Patos, the garden of the ducks, contains an appropriate sculpture in situ, and was formerly the site of the weekly market, as well as holding a water irrigation cistern fed by streams from the mountains of Sierra Espuña: much of what constitutes Alhama used to be orchards, and this tank fed water down to irrigate them.

Following the street up to the top, the original stone water channels which filled the tank below are clearly visible, set beneath glass blocks in the pavement, just before reaching the Iglesia de San Lázaro.

The garden now offers a setting of tranquillity for the locals and visitors to relax in the cafés and bars and is used for cultural activities and during the fiestas as a focal point for activities.

The park was designed by Mayor Constantino López Méndez in 1952, and has since been remodelled on two occasions, in 1985 and from 2009 to 2011. It features two pergolas supported by columns, two ornamental fountains (one devoted to ducks and the other to Admiral Bastarreche) and two main longitudinal flower beds, as well as mosaic paving and benches. 

A third fountain provides drinking water.

The Teatro Cine Velasco is in the corner of the Jardín de los Patos, used for theatrical representations, concerts and film showings.

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