It is the best known Murcian
esplanade in one of the most emblematic places of our city.
The fight against floods has always been present, and this
walkway has been fundamental in their prevention.
El Malecón is a wall built against the water of the
River Segura. It originates from the XV century and, despite
being the object of various repairs, by the XVIII century
it had deteriorated considerably because of the rain, the
wind, horses and the continuous traffic of the city. For
these reasons, it was rebuilt in 1736 by the Mayor of the
city, D. Francisco de Luján y Arce.
Nowadays, it is an exceptional esplanade three metres above
the ground. It stretches more than 15,000 metres into the
"Huerta" or agricultural countryside like a stone
tongue around the Western Side of the city, running between
the Botanical gardens and those of the old Convent of San
Francisco. It is made up of an area for leisure and the
esplanade, from which you can enjoy magnificent views. If
you want to rest there are numerous stone benches along
the walkway.
Particularly noteworthy is the Arch dedicated to María,
the statue of the Murcian philanthropist D. José
María Muñoz and the old facades of the "huertos"
and the houses that were beside the "Malecón".
On the left side are the Maristas School and Murcia Parque.
On the right side you can find the Botanical Garden, born
by joining the land of the old park with the other adjoining
gardens such as "El Huerto de los Cipreses". Nowadays,
it is the largest park in Murcia and, since it has been
used as a botanical garden, it has recovered the name by
which it is known to many people.