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ABANILLA ULEA

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Situated in the Eastern side of the Murcia Region, Abanilla is Ulea is, by definition, a land of contrasts, and it is here
like an oasis in the middle of the desert. The dryness of that the dry landscapes of the adjoining mountains
its “lunar” landscape contrasts with the fertile crop lands converge with the greener of the Ricote Valley where the
bathed by the River Chícamo, which is what makes the municipality is based, providing travellers with the perfect
municipality particularly unique. excuse to stop off on their journey.
Strolling around the old town of Abanilla is almost like Its narrow, staggered streets, hearing the constant trickling
going in time, particularly during the festivals of Moors and of water through the fountains, water tanks and wheels,
Christians when the battles of the time of the Reconquest bear testimony to its Moslem heritage which extends
are remembered. throughout the valley. Without a shadow of a doubt, an
imprint which can be appreciated as one of the most
The faith and devotion of its people mark the start of the important monuments in the municipality: the Church of
traditional procession on May 3rd in honour of the Holy St. Bartholomew, the oldest in the Ricote valley.
Cross to its Mahoya hermitage. The act culminates in a Here we can see the evolution of the former Moslem
lively lunch during which typical dishes and confectionery mosque (pre-15th century) to the present church (as from
are tasted such as “fried rabbit” and “Easter cake with the late 15th century). Throughout the year, this temple
egg”. houses the “lignum crucis” of Ulea, a splinter from
Christ’s cross.
We would urge the visitor to get to know the numerous
hermitages to be found on the route and which recall the Other monuments worthy of a visit are the Pile of the
compassed attached, since that time, to this municipality. Moorish Queen and the Plaza del Henchidor, where
We would recommend a visit to Church of St. Joseph, the every May 3rd the Most Holy Vera Cruz is bathed.
patron saint of Abanilla. In Baroque style, it was built in
1700 under the mandate of the Military and Religious
Order of Calatrava. One of its chapels houses the shrine
known as the Most Holy Cross of Abanilla. According to
tradition, it is a ”lignum crucis” which derives from the
timber from which Christ was crucified.