LA HUERTA (agricultural countryside)

It has been said that in order to know Murcia, it is necessary to know the Huerta, as it is difficult to understand one without the other. Spreading throughout the Vega Media area of the river Segura, it occupies the plain between two parallel mountain ranges through which the river Segura runs on its way to the sea.

The Arabs came up with a complete system of irrigation and they made use of these fertile plains. The Contraparada weir, started by the Romans and perfected by the Moors, is the starting point of a clever system which takes advantage of the water. It allows the water to enter the Vega, so that, via the many irrigation channels which branch out, it can reach the furthest point of both sides of the river, encouraging for centuries the cultivation of fruit trees, especially citrus fruits, and vegetables.

The so-called "living waters" which come from the river are separated by a dike or "azud" (known as Contraparada since the 18th century). Situated in the middle of the riverbed, it causes the water level to rise so that they can be channelled and distributed through two major irrigation channels, Alquibla and Aljufia, which run through both of the Segura river banks.

From there, the stream moves to smaller irrigation channels, which in turn, provide other channels with water until they reach the watering points and it flows directly into the land where it is used. The Contraparada is the first stop for those who wish to know La Huerta.
This irrigation system is complemented by the collection of surplus water -dead water- through special doors or "escorredores" which run into collection channels or "azarbetas" which in turn run into the "azarbe" or collection/irrigation channel, so that the water can be reused.

Very close to the Contraparada is The Wheel of La Ñora, a hydraulic invention powered by the current in order to elevate the water for irrigation. This wheel is similar to the Wheel of Alcantarilla, also very close to Murcia, which was built in the 14th century. Right next to it, is the museum of La Huerta, situated in an orchard of lemon trees. There, you can get to know "La Barraca", the traditional house of the Huerta and centre of the family and working life for the "huertanos", at first hand. Dozens of barracas are put up in the city during the spring fiestas. This ingenious yet curious irrigation system is deservedly famous, so much so that, in many foreign guides, it is described as the most typical and important aspect of this region. It is true that in a way, the history of Murcia is that of its irrigation. Its conservation and use is guaranteed by the Town Hall and the Committee of Landowners, through the regulation established in the Huerta bylaws.

From the Castle of Monteagudo or the Sanctuary of La Fuensanta the fertile Huerta offers an extraordinarily beautiful view in every shade of green. However, it is also worth seeing the Huerta from inside and enjoying the feast for the senses offered by the fruit trees and flowers. The Huerta of Murcia means folklore, gastronomy, fiestas and so many other things that we can only recommend you come and discover them for yourself.