An excellent day out for all
and a must for anyone who likes mountain walks etc
La Fuensanta and the Nature Reserve "El Valle"
Very close to Hacienda Riquelme is the sanctuary of "La Fuensanta", the usual residence of the patron virgin of the city. It is situated in La Alberca. La Alberca is the next junction after Corvera on the way to Murcia city. Twice a year the virgin is visited in a pilgrimage from the city (Lent and September fiestas).
Inside the sanctuary, there are some splendid sculptures by Gonzalez Moreno. The paintings and murals of the dome and of the choir are the work of the painter Pedro Flores. In the first, the people and history of Murcia on a pilgrimage to the virgin with Alfonso X, the Count of Floridablanca, Cardinal Belluga, Francisco Salzillo, etc are represented. In the choir we can see the coronation of the virgin of "La Fuensanta" on the old bridge.
"El Valle" is a natural corner, buried in the heart of the Carrascoy Mountains. The place is made up of 2700 hectares, of which 1900 form the park, declared a protected natural space since 1979. It is covered in pine trees, craggy rocks and places of extraordinary natural beauty. There is a recovery centre for rare birds and wild boars etc. It is, without doubt, one of the best-loved natural spots in Mucia.
There is a large BBQ area with aprox 10 BBQs for you to use. There is also a outdoor food area selling sandwiches burgers and drinks.
A little further up is another food area selling taps, drinks etc. From here you can see spectacular views of Murcia city and the surrounding mountains.
There are some excellent walks for both beginners and experienced walkers.
From the "Cresta del Gallo", as from the "Fuensanta", there are some impressive views of Murcia and its countryside; of Monteagudo -with the heart of Jesus- of the monastery of "Los Jerónimos", the Murcian mountains, etc. Close to the Sanctuary of the virgin of "La Fuensanta", we can see the chapel and the monastery "de la Luz" (whose first residents where anchorites), the chapel of "San Antonio el Pobre", and the convent of the Franciscans of "Santa Catalina del Monte". All of these places are well worth a visit.