Purchena Travel Guide

At the foot of the Sierra de los Filabres, Purchena stands out as a 56 km² municipality full of forests that rise up to the mountains. Its town keeps an Arab legacy that is noticeable in the shape of the crowded houses and orderly, quiet streets, while also providing the landscape with an important heritage. Its origins date back to prehistory, specifically to the Eneolithic period or the Copper Age. As a city, it was founded by the Arabs in the 9th century, around the Alcazaba or fortress. The foundation of this town took place in the year 888 BC. It has important archaeological remains, such as the “Llano de los Churuletes”, which show the different cultures that have lived on the land, mainly Iberian, Arab, and Christian.

In the 19th century, the exploitation of iron and mercury mines, as well as the construction of the railway, gave a great economic boost to the town. More recently, the exploitation of marble has contributed to its development. Various historical monuments can be seen in its historic centre, which includes buildings that preserve the trace of its Arab past along with Christian religious buildings. The Almanzora Greenway, a natural corridor for walking and cycling, is a place for recreation and sports activities.