Holiday apartment in Canteras: Roman Quarries and Culture

Canteras combines an archaeologically shaped landscape with visible traces of everyday life in the past. At its center are the Canteras Romanas, an archaeological complex of sandstone quarries, also known as tabaire quarries. In 1993, they were classified as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) in the category of “Historic Site.”

Culture

The Ermita Virgen del Carmen-Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is located in the village of Canteras. It was rebuilt in 1957 and is now a parish church. The artesian well of Los Díaz de Canteras is also part of the area's history. The associated washhouse was built from sandstone from the Roman quarries. At the request of local residents, the artesian well and washhouse were completely restored in 2022. Today, the artesian well of Los Díaz de Canteras features a mural depicting its former use by women for washing clothes. In this way, the structure, restoration, and mural together preserve several layers of local history.

History

The Depósito de Aguas del Inglés recalls the area's water management history. It forms part of a water-collection network created in the 19th century to alleviate the severe drought in Cartagena and is located on Loma de Odón. One of the grain mills built in the second half of the 19th century also stands on the same Loma de Odón today. Here, water supply and agriculture appear as two distinct, preserved traces of historical development.

Festivals

Canteras's patron-saint festivities, held in honor of the Virgen de la Soledad, take place from late July to mid-August. The program includes a cartagenero-style bowling tournament, a trovera evening, a futsal championship, games, gastronomy, and musical performances. The Cruces in Canteras feature live performances, dancing, gastronomy, and the traditional rebujito. These events thus bring together religious tradition, games, music, and culinary elements.

Landscape

Due to erosion, the Canteras Romanas offer a particularly attractive landscape of considerable geological interest today. In the immediate vicinity of Canteras are Playa de Fatares, Playa de Portús, and Playa de la Parajola; all three are beaches. Cabezo de la Estrella, a mountain, is also located nearby. The landscape around Canteras therefore includes both the eroded sandstone quarries and named beaches and a prominent elevation.

Surroundings

The immediate surroundings of Canteras also include Castillo de Atalaya, a castle, the Museo Arqueológico Municipal de Cartagena, a museum, and Castillo de Galeras, also a castle. The archaeological site Parque Arqueológico Cerro del Molinete is located in the vicinity of Canteras. The surrounding area therefore brings together different types of places: historic buildings, a museum, an archaeological site, and destinations shaped by the landscape.

More places to choose from: Aljucer, Huerta De Abajo, Sangonera La Seca, Alhama De Murcia, Puerto Lumbreras, Cieza, Murcia, Bullas.

To the overview of the broader destination: Murcia.