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Los PerezLos Perez is nestled in the countryside and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Los Perez is situated not only about 20 minutes from the cultural and historic city of Cartagena but also 20 minutes from the golden beaches of Mazarron. Fun Fact: Los Perez is a volcanic caldera! |
Cartagena
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Cartagena has been prized since Carthaginian times. Thanks to its strategic position on the Murcia coast, it has been inhabited by several cultures which have left their mark on its artistic heritage. A tour of the city and its museums will draw you into the history of a city closely tied to the sea.
You will find within, a wealth of history and beautiful architecture. If you explore the port area you will find a mixture of old and new. The large naval base occupies a large area and throughout the city, the importance of the port will become evident with numerous buildings belonging to the navy, as well as a good naval museum. You must see the Naval Headquarters, Artillery Headquarters, Dockyard Gate and the Midshipman School.
Cartagena has always been a major port, due to its unique position on the Mediterranean coast and you will see high on the hilltops, several forts and castles
Much of the historical weight of Cartagena in the past goes to its coveted defensive port, one of the most important in the western Mediterranean. Cartagena has been the capital of the Spanish Navy's Maritime Department of the Mediterranean since the arrival of the Spanish Bourbons in the 18th century. As far back as the 16th century it was one of the most important naval ports in Spain, together with Ferrol in the North. It is still an important naval seaport, the main military haven of Spain, and is home to a large naval shipyard.
Over recent years many of the important buildings in the city have been restored. Indeed, to this day the work continues. There are numerous churches, palaces, government buildings and several good museums worthy of a visit.
There are plenty of parks and squares to rest in, surrounded by good restaurants and bars and you will almost certainly find life here very slow and easy going.
Much of Cartagena's Roman history has long gone, however there are sites, such as that under the current bullring that have been excavated. The bullring was erected in 1854, over the Roman amphitheatre. All well worth a visit.
There is so much do in or around Cartagena, here are some more ideas: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g187517-Activities-Cartagena_Municipality_of_Cartagena.html
You will find within, a wealth of history and beautiful architecture. If you explore the port area you will find a mixture of old and new. The large naval base occupies a large area and throughout the city, the importance of the port will become evident with numerous buildings belonging to the navy, as well as a good naval museum. You must see the Naval Headquarters, Artillery Headquarters, Dockyard Gate and the Midshipman School.
Cartagena has always been a major port, due to its unique position on the Mediterranean coast and you will see high on the hilltops, several forts and castles
Much of the historical weight of Cartagena in the past goes to its coveted defensive port, one of the most important in the western Mediterranean. Cartagena has been the capital of the Spanish Navy's Maritime Department of the Mediterranean since the arrival of the Spanish Bourbons in the 18th century. As far back as the 16th century it was one of the most important naval ports in Spain, together with Ferrol in the North. It is still an important naval seaport, the main military haven of Spain, and is home to a large naval shipyard.
Over recent years many of the important buildings in the city have been restored. Indeed, to this day the work continues. There are numerous churches, palaces, government buildings and several good museums worthy of a visit.
There are plenty of parks and squares to rest in, surrounded by good restaurants and bars and you will almost certainly find life here very slow and easy going.
Much of Cartagena's Roman history has long gone, however there are sites, such as that under the current bullring that have been excavated. The bullring was erected in 1854, over the Roman amphitheatre. All well worth a visit.
There is so much do in or around Cartagena, here are some more ideas: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g187517-Activities-Cartagena_Municipality_of_Cartagena.html
Mazzaron
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Mazarron is broken up into small districts, with the main tourist areas being along the coastal region, including Puerto de Mazarron Bolnuevo, Playasol, Playagrande and Bahia. However, moving inland into the municipality and the landscape turns into vegetation and agricultural land, where tomatoes, cereals and citrus fruit are major produce for Mazarron.
Further inland you come to the Sierra, a mountainous and unpopulated part of the municipality, where the land is more arid and mountainous. The beautiful forest reserve of Coto Fortuna is a beautiful area for those who enjoy rambling and outdoor pursuits.
If you are interested in exploring the history and culture of the region then you are in luck as Mazarron is rich with archaeological remains and ancient buildings, which tell the tale. Interesting sites include the Old Alum Factory, the Velez Castle, dating back to the 15th century, the old Mazarron Mining Reserves, the 16th century San Andres Church and the Roman Milestone, datingback from the 3rd century, there are indeed much more historical sites of interest..
Beaches
The area boasts 35 kilometres of fine sandy beaches, many which have been awarded the blue flag for cleanliness and facilities. During the summer months you can enjoy live music most evenings on the Paseo (promenade) in Puerto Mazarron.
In environmental terms Murcia is halfway between Africa and Europe which helps to explain its variety of landscapes and habitats. In a relatively small area one can pass from mountains to arid, steppe-like, plains, to the forests to the rich meadows and finally to one hundred miles of coastline.
For more ideas: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g673863-Activities-Puerto_de_Mazarron_Mazarron.html
Further inland you come to the Sierra, a mountainous and unpopulated part of the municipality, where the land is more arid and mountainous. The beautiful forest reserve of Coto Fortuna is a beautiful area for those who enjoy rambling and outdoor pursuits.
If you are interested in exploring the history and culture of the region then you are in luck as Mazarron is rich with archaeological remains and ancient buildings, which tell the tale. Interesting sites include the Old Alum Factory, the Velez Castle, dating back to the 15th century, the old Mazarron Mining Reserves, the 16th century San Andres Church and the Roman Milestone, datingback from the 3rd century, there are indeed much more historical sites of interest..
Beaches
The area boasts 35 kilometres of fine sandy beaches, many which have been awarded the blue flag for cleanliness and facilities. During the summer months you can enjoy live music most evenings on the Paseo (promenade) in Puerto Mazarron.
In environmental terms Murcia is halfway between Africa and Europe which helps to explain its variety of landscapes and habitats. In a relatively small area one can pass from mountains to arid, steppe-like, plains, to the forests to the rich meadows and finally to one hundred miles of coastline.
For more ideas: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g673863-Activities-Puerto_de_Mazarron_Mazarron.html
Castillitos Battery
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Castillitos Battery, locally known as Batería del Castillitos, lies on the ridge of a cape above the sea, west of the city of Cartagena in the province of Murcia in Spain.
WW I had resulted in huge technological advances, which rendered the defences of Cartagena obsolete. Cartagena then already was the headquarters and main military port of the Spanish Navy. So in 1926 a Defence Plan called for the construction of a new defence system, compromising the building of tens of new fortifications around Cartagena, giving it full protection against attacks from sea and air.
Cabo Tiñoso, a cape some 25 kilometres from Cartagena, was amongst the sites chosen to be used. On the ridge of this cape were built 3 batteries; Atalayón, Castillitos and Jorel. Castillitos Battery was built between 1933 and 1936, on the ridge between Atalayon and Jorel some 250 meters above sea level. It was an anti shipping battery armed with two massive Vickers 381 mm 45 caliber anti shipping guns. They had a reach of about 35 kilometres. The only other battery near Cartagena armed with these guns was Cenizas Battery to the east.
The battery was deliberately built into the top of the ridge to render it invisible from the sea. For the buildings of this battery the builders used a style of eclectic modernism, decorating them with crenellations and towers like a medieval castle.
At the beginning of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 Castillitos Battery was almost operational, only lacking its fire-control system. In 1937 it fired one shot against a Nationalist squadron, and the knowledge of the havoc the guns could wreak was enough of a deterrent to ensure that they were not required to take part in further combat. With the passing of time the guns became obsolete and the battery was decommissioned in 1994. It was subsequently dismantled and abandoned. The two Vickers guns remained. In 2010/2011 it was somewhat restored. It is still owned by the Ministry of Defence.
At present Castillitos Battery can freely be visited. From the hamlet of Campillo de Adentro you can drive, over the old very winding military road and through some great mountainous scenery, up to a small parking lot almost at the entrance of the battery. A very nice place with lots of rooms, passages and tunnels to explore and of course offering great views.
Recommended.
WW I had resulted in huge technological advances, which rendered the defences of Cartagena obsolete. Cartagena then already was the headquarters and main military port of the Spanish Navy. So in 1926 a Defence Plan called for the construction of a new defence system, compromising the building of tens of new fortifications around Cartagena, giving it full protection against attacks from sea and air.
Cabo Tiñoso, a cape some 25 kilometres from Cartagena, was amongst the sites chosen to be used. On the ridge of this cape were built 3 batteries; Atalayón, Castillitos and Jorel. Castillitos Battery was built between 1933 and 1936, on the ridge between Atalayon and Jorel some 250 meters above sea level. It was an anti shipping battery armed with two massive Vickers 381 mm 45 caliber anti shipping guns. They had a reach of about 35 kilometres. The only other battery near Cartagena armed with these guns was Cenizas Battery to the east.
The battery was deliberately built into the top of the ridge to render it invisible from the sea. For the buildings of this battery the builders used a style of eclectic modernism, decorating them with crenellations and towers like a medieval castle.
At the beginning of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 Castillitos Battery was almost operational, only lacking its fire-control system. In 1937 it fired one shot against a Nationalist squadron, and the knowledge of the havoc the guns could wreak was enough of a deterrent to ensure that they were not required to take part in further combat. With the passing of time the guns became obsolete and the battery was decommissioned in 1994. It was subsequently dismantled and abandoned. The two Vickers guns remained. In 2010/2011 it was somewhat restored. It is still owned by the Ministry of Defence.
At present Castillitos Battery can freely be visited. From the hamlet of Campillo de Adentro you can drive, over the old very winding military road and through some great mountainous scenery, up to a small parking lot almost at the entrance of the battery. A very nice place with lots of rooms, passages and tunnels to explore and of course offering great views.
Recommended.
