City News

The Mojácar Excavation Yields New and Interesting Discoveries

The Mojácar la Vieja 2022 excavation campaign has concluded with very positive results, as those responsible for the dig revealed in the presentation of the results: the University of Granada, the MEMOLab Biocultural Archaeology Laboratory, the director of the General Research Plan and Mojácar Council.

As is customary, at the end of each campaign’s excavation works, those responsible explain the findings and conclusions stemming from the works carried out on Mojácar la Vieja to local residents and to those who are interested.

On this occasion, the locality’s Multi-Uses Centre, with a large audience, was the meeting point where Emmanuel Agüero, Mojácar Council Tourism Councillor; José María Martín Civantos, Director of the MEMOLab laboratory; Jorge Rouco Collazo, director of the General Investigation Plan; Julio Miguel Román, PGI Researcher; Cristina Martínez Carrillo, Archaeological Material Expert; and Noelia Aguado, Community and Participative Archaeology Expert, gave an interesting conference about the novelties found.

The 2022 campaign is the fifth since this project was started and the first carried out with the support of the General Investigation Plan. This year two main lines of action have been followed: one of them following the outside walls, by the entrance gate, and another in the area outside, on the southeast hillside, where it is suspected there were dwellings.

Worthy of note is the appearance of another wall and corresponding entrance gate, at the foot of the one initially found during other actions, and that in previous years was thought to be the only entrance to the compound. The defences of Mojácar la Vieja, as shown by its two walls, are much stronger than initially believed, indicating a huge investment in the construction of the castle and its control with this double fortification. This makes the defence and the attack very complicated since it is very intricate, both being built on a curve. This also suggests that this great effort would only have been made due to the great importance of the settlement.

In the new open zone, in the area outside the walls on the southeast side, a very well-structured, two-floor house has been found, and what could be other very well-built houses that correspond to the typical models of the Moorish era.

In the conclusions obtained during this month of work, there have taken part a group of professionals made up of researchers, the majority from MEMOLab, and by another 13, external, who are professors and researchers from different universities and analysis centres, such as CSIC, from both Spain and the UK, as well as two shifts of 35 archaeology students who have worked on the excavations.

Standing out is the reaffirmation of the potential, whether from the historical or heritage point of view of Mojácar la Vieja, that little by little is being uncovered and which can be seen with the naked eye on the mountain itself, underlining the importance and the significant remains, together with its good conservation and the possibility of understanding everything related to this settlement: how it was built, when and how it was abandoned.

In addition, increasingly more evidence of the instability of the terrain is appearing, mainly in the area of the old entrance. Work remains to be done on its origin and its formation in order to understand how it was founded, who created it and where the population came from, since we already know how they lived and what type of dwelling was used.

Also remaining is the work of study and analysis throughout this year, from organic remains like thorns, scales, shells, eggshells, and ceramic remains, including a pipe with remains of what is suspected to be hashish, found this year, and which will yield new data, new surprises about the form of production, subsistence and organisation, providing a complete image of Mojácar society of those times.

Coming away from the dig site, mixing with local people and bringing them closer to it, understanding the direct relationship between the two settlements – Old and New Mojácar with their surroundings – and keeping the intangible heritage alive, is a task that MEMOLab tries to carry out in all its actions.

With the PGI there opens a new stage of analysis and of basic management to restore, conserve and highlight its importance so it can be visited. Collaboration with both the Valparaíso Foundation and the owners of the land on which they are working, opens the door to gaining more support from the State, to the 1% Cultural that would be added to that already provided by the Local Council and from the Smart Heritage company.

Related Topics:Historical Local Mojácar

Up Next

Mojacar Celebrates the Day of the Most Beautiful Villages of Spain

Don't Miss

Mojácar Council Joins Its British Residents in the Days of Mourning

City News

Mojácar Finalizes the Restoration of a Great Symbol: the Pirulico Tower

Mojácar finalises the restoration of the Pirulico Tower, one of its great historical symbols

The Pirulico Tower, one of the most representative monuments of the Mojácar coastline and of Moorish defensive architecture in the Levante area of Almería, is now open to the public following the completion of the restoration work carried out over the last month.

The project, financed with a total investment of 16,575 euros, has allowed the consolidation of the tower’s upper skylight, improved accessibility with the installation of new handrails, and incorporated efficient solar lighting, all while respecting its status as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) and adapting to the regulations for the protection of the land and the natural surroundings in which it is located.

Francisco García Cerdá, Mayor of Mojácar, gave a very positive evaluation of the completion of the project: “Restoring and preserving the Pirulico Tower is not only an institutional responsibility, but also an act of respect for our history and our identity. With these works, Mojácar takes another step forward in its commitment to a sustainable tourism model, where heritage is the focus. Now, this icon is once again an accessible, safe place, ready to continue exciting those who visit us.”

The installation of efficient solar lighting not only guarantees the energy sustainability of the monument, but also completely transforms its presence in Mojácar’s nocturnal landscape. Thanks to this undertaking, the Pirulico Tower becomes a visual landmark visible from much of the coastline, especially from the municipality’s most visited beaches. This scenic effect creates an emotional connection between the visitor and the heritage, inviting them to rediscover the local history in a new light, literally. The tower, now also the focus at dusk, adds a new attraction to Mojácar’s tourist offer, extending its enjoyment beyond the daytime.

The project also strengthens the municipality’s tourist and cultural offer, integrating this spot into already consolidated interpretative and hiking routes in the area. In the words of the Tourism Councilor, María Gracia Alarcón: “The Pirulico Tower is much more than a historical construction; it is one of the main attractions for those who choose Mojácar in search of authenticity, landscape and history. With this action we guarantee its preservation and improve the experience of those who visit us, reinforcing Mojácar’s image as a destination where the past is experienced with a future.”

The tower, located in the Bordonares area, is part of the inventory of municipal facilities and is situated in an enclave of high environmental value, designated as Non-Developable Land of Special Protection. The works have had the pertinent authorizations, including that of the Regional Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, complying with the regulations for the visual and landscape protection of the surroundings.

With the reopening of the Pirulico Tower, Mojácar consolidates a line of work focused on the enhancement of its historical and natural heritage, integrating it respectfully into the municipality’s tourism and cultural strategy.

City News

New QR Audioguides to Discover its Heritage From the Sand in Mojácar

Mojácar takes its history to the beach: new QR audioguides to discover its heritage from the sand

Mojácar, one of the most emblematic destinations on the Almeria coast, has unveiled an innovative tourist initiative that reinforces its commitment to a more comprehensive, experiential and cultural tourism model. Starting this Easter, visitors will not only be able to enjoy sun and sea, but also discover the history of the municipality thanks to a system of audio guides accessible directly from the beach itself via QR codes.

This initiative allows users to listen in several languages to the history of the main monuments and corners of the old town: the Santa María Church, the City Gate, the Public Fountain, the Castle Viewpoint, the Plaza Nueva Viewpoint, the Indalo, Mariquita la Posá, the Moors and Christians Festivities and the Mojácar origin of Walt Disney. By simply scanning a QR code from their mobile phone, tourists can take an audio tour while relaxing on the sand, promoting curiosity and the desire to visit the historic centre of the municipality.

The proposal is part of a broader strategy promoted by the municipal Council to diversify the tourist offer and enhance the value of visitors’ stays in Mojácar. In addition to offering a unique sun and beach experience, this action aims to enable visitors to discover the most significant elements of the local identity in a simple and accessible way.

“With this action we want to remind our visitors that Mojácar is much more than sun and beach. Our heritage, our history and our essence also deserve to be discovered, and now we are making it available to everyone from the most visited place: the beach”, affirmed the Mayor of Mojácar, Francisco García Cerdá. “It’s an invitation to, after relaxing in the sun, go up to the old town and fall in love with our past as well.”

The Tourism Department has worked to create attractive, accessible content adapted to the new ways of consuming culture, especially among tourists who are looking for authentic experiences. The inclusion of representative elements such as Mariquita la Posá, the City Gate and the Indalo highlights local traditions and symbols that not only enrich the visit, but also highlight the uniqueness of Mojácar compared to other destinations.

“Today’s visitors don’t just want to relax, they want to learn, connect with the place they are visiting and take away more than just photos. This audio experience from the beach is a different way of getting to know Mojácar, of planting the seeds of curiosity, of motivating tourists to walk through our streets, to appreciate our history”, stated Tourism Councillor María Gracia Alarcón. “What’s more, by offering it in several languages, we broaden the reach to an international profile that increasingly values cultural tourism.”

This Mojácar project reinforces the municipality’s digital presence, integrating technological tools that enrich the visitor experience without the need for complex apps or additional devices. A simple gesture – scanning a QR code – is all it takes to begin a journey through the history and soul of Mojácar.

Mojácar, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and one of the happiest to live in, in this way reinforces itself as a destination where sun and beach tourism harmoniously coexists with culture, tradition and innovation.

City News

Mojácar Reinforces Its Position as a Destination of Excellence for Easter

Mojácar reinforces its position as a destination of excellence this Easter

Mojácar is preparing for one of the busiest Easter Weeks in recent years, with a forecast of a very high hotel occupancy rate and many establishments near to full capacity.

The combination of tradition, culture, privileged climate and a quality tourism offer has once again made Mojácar one of the Mediterranean’s favourite destinations.
According to data gathered by the Tourism Department, many hotels will reach 90% and 100% occupancy on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, and others will exceed 85% in their average bookings for the whole week.

At the same time, some recently opened accommodation and several tourist apartments are still offering availability, which represents an opportunity for last minute visitors.

In addition to the excellent tourist response, Mojácar presents a full Easter Week programme with religious and cultural events in the heart of the old town. The processions on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday will mark the most emotional moments, starting from the Santa María Church and going through the municipality’s most emblematic streets.

The spring-like weather will be another of the main attractions, with temperatures forecast to be between 22 and 25 degrees and no rain, ideal for enjoying both the religious events and the beach and open-air leisure.

The Local Council has activated a special mobility plan, reinforcing public transport between Mojácar Pueblo and Mojácar Playa for the enjoyment of both visitors and residents of the municipality

Francisco García, Mayor of Mojácar, has been very positive about the response from the tourism sector: “Easter Week once again positions Mojácar as one of the leading destinations in the Mediterranean. Our offer combines tradition, culture, beach and fine cuisine, and that translates into an almost full occupancy rate”.

Tourism Councillor María Gracia Alarcón highlighted the joint work that has made this success possible: “These figures are the result of coordinated work between Mojácar Council, business owners and tourism promoters. Mojácar offers much more than sun and beach, and increasingly more visitors are discovering it all year round, not just in summer.”.

With all these elements, Mojácar approaches an Easter Week marked by the high number of visitors, the quality of its tourism offer and the deeply-rooted nature of its traditions. The municipality thus reaffirms its commitment to a sustainable, welcoming and quality tourism model, consolidating itself as an essential destination not only in summer, but also at key times of year such as this Easter Week.