Carmen del Campillo - Casa Morisca

Carmen del Campillo was originally an old finca, abandoned and forgotten, until a visionary with a deep love for Arabic art and culture decided to revive it. He saw the potential in the weathered walls and the neglected gardens. With great patience and passion he began the transformation, inspired by the Moorish architecture and the serene atmosphere of Andalusian patios.

Casa Morisca in the Campo of Crevillente is lovingly referred to as “the Mini Alhambra” baptized. That is a rather pretentious nickname, which of course can be difficult realized. Yet this Moroccan oasis, spread over several hectares, succeeds on almost all fronts. What the visitor exceeds after the trip about a dusty, unpaved road awaits, goes beyond all expectations. A complex of beautifull gardens and tastefully decorated Moorish buildings guides the guests from one surprise to the next. While strolling, it is easy to spend hours in this serene oasis, which is a perfect for all the senses. Everywhere one goes, there is yet another opportunity to take a stunning photo or enjoy a cup of tea with Moroccan cakes or baklava. Admission to the tea garden and buildings is 8 euros. Tea is included. During the winter months, the complex of Carmen del Campillo, as it is also called, opens at 4pm and in summer at 6pm. That late opening is chosen because, as darkness falls, the already super relaxing atmosphere is optimally enhanced by the lighting of the many glass lamps, the scent of jasmine and peacocks flying or walking around among the buildings. In colder weather, the fireplaces are lit.

That Casa Morisca is still so unknown may be due to its remote location, poor signposting and the fact that Crevillente is not high on most people's list of towns to visit. But this complex deserves more. Rarely will you find an oasis set up with such a great sense of taste and detail.

The mines of Mazarron:

The abandoned mines of Mazarrón. The ‘Forbidden Entry’ sign is nowhere to be seen. Anyone can walk round here undisturbed watch the remnants of a once thriving industry. Rotting equipment, half-collapsed buildings and still visible mine entrances together form a kind of open air museum. The mines are now protected heritage and provide insight into both the technical advances and the human stories that shaped this place and formed. Today, the abandoned mines and the ghostly ruins of the mining towns are the silent witnesses of a turbulent past. What makes everything here so bizarre and different, are the colours created by oxidation. Virtually everywhere on the ground and rocks have been given various shades of red and yellow. The effect is intensified after a heavy rain shower, when puddles of water make the strange colour palette really unreal.

The mines have a rich and fascinating history dating back to ancient times. These mines were first exploited by the Phoenicians and later by the Romans, due to their rich deposits of lead, zinc and silver. Over the centuries, different civilisations continued to mine these valuable minerals, bringing economic prosperity to the region, but also hard labour and sometimes dangerous working conditions for the miners. In the 19th century, mines experienced a resurgence during the Industrial Revolution, when demand for metals increased exponentially. British companies invested heavily in the Mazarrón mines and introduced modern techniques and machinery to increase productivity. The mining towns around the mines grew rapidly, and workers from all over the world came to Mazarrón in search for work and a better life. But unfortunately the miners often had to work in dangerous and unhealthy conditions. Collapses, explosions and heavy metal poisoning were the order of the day. Despite the harsh conditions, a close-knit community developed among the miners, characterised by solidarity and mutual support.Mazarrón's mines became exhausted during the 20th century and were eventually closed.

Murcia

The city Murcia is a great place to visit. It is rich on culture, history and architectural wonders. It is a big city, but still with a very relaxed atmosphere. That is undoubtedly due to the fact that much of the old town is set up as a walking area. This makes it easier to explore the rich historical and cultural heritage of the city.

When visiting Murcia, there are some sights you absolutely should not miss. At the top of the list of important sights for many is Santa Maria Cathedral. Murcia's pride and joy has a long history. That began in the late 14th century when on the foundations of an old mosque construction began. Its location is not accidental. It was very common at the time to symbolically reject the era of the Moorish rulers. And how better than to build on a site where a mosque once stood? Although the cathedral had already been completed in 1465, new elements were added. Because of its convenient location in the city centre, a visit to the cathedral can easily be combined with visits to other churches in the vicinity, such as Santa Domingo church, San Miguel church and San Bartolome church.

For art lovers, the Museo Salzillo is a must-see. This museum is dedicated to Francisco Salzillo, a famous sculptor from Murcia. His detailed and emotional religious sculptures still attract admirers from all over the world.

A walk through the narrow streets of the historic centre brings you to Plaza de las Flores, a lively square surrounded by flowery balconies and charming cafés. It is the perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere and try a cup of coffee or tapas.