Purias: Military History, Landscape and Traditions

Purias can be understood through its historical and landscape features: these include military remains from the Spanish Civil War, the Torre de Purias, historic water management and the foothills of the Sierra de Carrasquilla. There is also a weekly market and a Christmas tradition. These topics range from architectural and military history to local events.

Traces of War and Defence

The Portajo area of Purias contains military remains from the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939). These include two reinforced-concrete casemates with machine-gun nests, sections of trenches, connecting branches, ammunition depots and improvised shelters for troops. Together, these features illustrate the different functions within a military installation: fortified positions, connecting routes, and areas for accommodating and supplying troops. The site is in a state of disrepair, with no conservation work in place.

Another part of the area’s military history is the Torre de Purias. The small square tower lies near the Camino Real de Vera, a historic route from the coast. It served to control this route and was also part of a larger defensive complex that monitored the access routes to Lorca and its castle. Its location near a historic route and the protection of the roads to Lorca were therefore part of the same military context. The tower is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural and is protected under Spanish heritage law.

Landscape and Historic Water Management

The landscape of Purias includes the foothills of the Sierra de Carrasquilla. During the Muslim period, norias, canals and underground qanat galleries were used in Purias to obtain and distribute water. The galleries included ventilation and cleaning shafts. Taken together, these features describe different parts of the historic water supply system: water collection and distribution, canals, underground galleries, and shafts for ventilation and cleaning.

Castillo de Felí and Routes

Some authors date the construction of Castillo de Felí to the last years of the 12th century or the first years of the 13th century, during the Islamic period. This remains a historical estimate rather than a confirmed year. For the Fiestas de Santa Ana, a walking route is planned from the Ermita de Felí via the former Ermita de Felí to Castillo de Felí; the climb to the castle is optional.

To reach Castillo de Felí, travel from Lorca in the direction of Águilas. At Purias, turn left onto a local road that leads via Morata to Aguaderas and Mazarrón. Check road conditions before setting off.

Market and Christmas Tradition

The weekly market in Purias takes place on Sundays. It is one of the markets in the Lorca pedanías with more than 50 stalls; the number may vary. If the market is important to your travel plans, check the market day before you arrive.

At Christmas, the Cuadrilla de Purias takes part in the traditional Encuentro de Cuadrillas de Pascua in Lorca. At this gathering, the groups sing and dance. The market and the Encuentro take place at different times—the market is held on Sundays, while the Encuentro takes place at Christmas—so they offer different points of reference for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Cartagena, Huerta De Abajo, Aledo, Llano de Brujas, La Palma, La Escucha, El Algar, Caravaca De La Cruz

For the main travel overview: Murcia.