Holiday apartment in Ojós – culture and landscapes in the Ricote Valley

The surroundings of Ojós in the Ricote Valley are characterised by the rugged limestone mountains of the Sierra de Ricote, Sierra de La Navela and Sierra del Chinte, as well as the rocky cliffs of El Solvente and El Salitre. Gorges along the Río Segura contrast with the greenery of the huerta. The Azud de Ojós holds back the water of the Río Segura and creates a landscape contrast between a rocky gorge and fertile traditional huertas. It also offers wide panoramic views of the Río Segura, the valley’s rock walls and the traditional cultivated areas, making it suitable for nature experiences, photography and rural tourism.

Culture

The Iglesia Parroquial de San Agustín was built in the 18th century over a 16th-century church, which in turn stood on the site of a small mosque. In May 2008, it was protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC). The church contains religious artworks associated with Murcian Baroque and the circle of Salzillo, including the Virgen de los Dolores and a Purísima in the Salzillo style.

The Museo de Belenes del Mundo is housed in the Casa de la Inquisición, a former 18th-century manor house. Around 260 nativity scenes are currently on display there; the entire collection comprises more than 805 nativity scenes. By prior reservation, the museum offers workshops and guided tours through the village.

The patron-saint festivities of Ojós also have a fixed place in the cultural calendar: they take place at the end of August and include processions in honour of Saint Augustine and the Virgen de la Cabeza, as well as a fireworks display. On the left side of the Acequia Ojós-Ulea stands the Noria de la Ribera, a waterwheel with a diameter of 7 metres and an iron framework. For visits, reservations should be made and availability and official visiting hours should be checked directly with the Ayuntamiento de Ojós or local tourism operators.

History

In the immediate surroundings of Ojós are the Yeseras de Ojós, along the Pila del Caballo route. Former open-pit gypsum mines and factories can be seen there, along with several kilns, a warehouse and a circular grinding area. At the saltworks, salt crystallises from a saltwater deposit that has been used since Roman times.

The present-day bridge is also one of the town’s historical traces: it was inaugurated in 1988 after the flooding of 1986. Its origins date back to the 19th century, when it was intended to facilitate access to the huertas and paths on the opposite bank of the Río Segura.

Nature

The Puente Colgante offers views of the Río Segura, the traditional huerta and the natural landscape of Ojós. The Mirador del Estrecho del Solvente is located within the municipality of Ojós and is part of the Entre Palmeras y Limoneros network of viewpoints. From there, views extend between rock walls, traditional huertas and the calm course of the Río Segura. The viewpoint is suitable for birdwatching, hiking and nature tours.

On the move

The Rutas de los Puentes de Ojós are suitable for families, hikers and photography enthusiasts. The bridge at Salto de la Novia can be reached via the Área Recreativa Soto and is part of the Corredor Verde del Río Segura. The Puente Tibetano del Solvente can be reached from the right bank of the Río Segura via the El Solvente hydroelectric station and then along a narrow path beside the Acequia Ojós-Ulea. The Presa del Mayés is suitable for camping and fishing for barbel.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Ojós, you can compare the displayed offers by exact location, type of accommodation, occupancy, included services, price components, and booking and cancellation conditions. Check these details directly in the respective offer before booking. Especially when travelling with several people or following different stay plans, it is worth carefully comparing occupancy and cost components and reading the applicable booking and cancellation conditions in full. Included services should also be clearly stated before you make a decision.

Other places

Other destinations: La Cueva, Barinas, Cánovas, Calasparra, Fuente Amarga, San Ginés, Fortuna, Totana

To the higher-level travel overview: Murcia.