MIRADOR PLAZA NUEVA.
The existence of this square dates from the end of the 16th century. There is nothing left from the original after the renovation carried out in 1960 when some of its old buildings were knocked down and the new access to the village was opened.
From this view point we get a magnificent Panorama of the “Valley of the Pyramids” and we gaze at the vast space which encloses the Sierras of Cabrera, Bedar and Almagrera and finally the opening to the sea.
From left to right one can see the villages of Turre, Bedar, Los Gallardos, Vera, Garrucha , Cuevas de Almanzora, Villaricos, the River Aguas, the farm steads, etc.
In the Square we can find the chapel of “our Lady of the Pain” built in the XVI century on top of the arab mosque , and rebuilt on the XVIII century, presently it houses a gift shop.
IGLESIA DE SANTA MARIA.
Constructed at the end of the XVI century , probably on top of and old mosque, not only did it have a religious function , but it was also used as fortress with very thick walls made of heavy stones. The old tower was restored almost completely at the beginning of the XX century.
In front of the church , we can find the statue of “La Mojaquera” ( Mojácar woman) sculpted in white marble and dressed in the typical attire , she holds the arab scarf with her teeth and she carries the water vessel that was used to bring the precious liquid from the fountain.
Bordering the church we find a set of stone steps that descends to the Plaza del Parterre, which is the old Arab necropolis where the tombs look towards Mecca, and thus we arrive at Calle Enmedio ( middle street) which follows the old wall that surrounded the upper part of the citadel.
In the town hall square we can see a magnificent old tree which was brought to Mojácar by a villager ho had emigrated to America.
CASA DEL TORREON.
This is the old toll house were the gate taxes were collected. Its present state dated from the XVIII century and it now houses charming pension.
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MIRADOR DEL CASTILLO.
Here we find a frontal sea view which compliments the one enjoyed from the Plaza Nueva. The ancient water storage of Moslem origin has been restored and now houses the town hall contemporary art gallery. The castle was constructed on the XIII century, reformed after the Christian conquest and again after the earthquake of 1518. It lost its importance as the danger of Moorish invasion disappeared. Nevertheless up to the XVIII century one could still find an “Alcaide” ( Moorish mayor) appointed by the house of Alba.
Around the middle of the last century, it was reconstructed once again, this time it was turned into an auditorium by the famous Colombian pianist E. Arias, and here took place important international music festivals.
CITY DOOR.
The inscription reads “Puerta de la Almedina” ( City gate ). This is a typical half point arch dating from 1574 which bears the shield of Mojácar ( A two headed eagle of the Austrian household , a price given to the Village for its loyalty in the battle of the Alpujarra).
This Gate served as the entrance of the Village until the construction of the new access. Here the market used to take place taking advantage of its connection to the Plaza del Caño, this gate gives way to the Arrabal.
ARRABAL ( Jewish quarter ).
This area of the town was were the Jewish community used to live, this was common in Arab towns were, although the two communities worked together in harmony, the Jews would live outside the citadel. The low entrance doors, the lobular arches and the monotony of interior planes as well as the fact that this is the only place in the village where the sea can not be seen leads us to believe that this was in fact the place inhabited by the Jewish colony.
ARAB FOUNTAIN.
Its existence is mentioned in ancient Arab writings. It was without a doubt the cause for the placing of Mojácar in this area. The twelve spouts at present come from the reformation carried out at the end of the XIX century. Its abundant waters have served through out the centuries to quench the thirst, to wash the clothes and to irrigate the fields.
The washer women so as not to contaminate the water that served to irrigated the fields would wash from inside out with their legs submerged in the water. An important piece of Mojácar history is reflected in the inscription therein.
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