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From Murcia the main road to Albacete climbs slowly and runs parallel to the river Segura, by the time we reach Cieza, we are at an altitude of 188 metres. The town is fairly large, with a population of 31.680 and spreads along the bank of the river Segura an attractive setting. Cieza is surrounded by the Sierras of Ascoy, Almorchón and Oro, and the cultivated land near the river is fertile. Since prehistoric times there have been signs of men in the land round Cieza, this landscape of mountains, rivers and plentiful vegetation was perfect for primitive tribes and their descendants. It is thought that some of these ancient peoples arrived here on foot using paths alongside the rivers. Nowadays hikers use the paths and river beds to explore this area.



Places like Almadenes and Losares in the Sierra de la Palera, Sierra de Ascoy, Sierra Large, Sierra de Benís and Sierra de la Cabeza are of great interest for potholers because this is a large Karsts area and there are more than 200 caves and cavities on record at the present time.



Theodore’s Mill is on the outskirts of Cieza in the area known as El Estrecho, and is fed by the water channels of the Andelma, which, via an aqueduct, fall to the cellar where the huge foundation walls are sited. The town hall is purchasing this wonderful piece of Cieza´s heritage with a view to restoring it and turning it into a museum for everyone to enjoy.



If you are in the area at the end of July, don’t miss the “Descent of the Almadenes Canyon”. On the 26th and 27th July rustic boats are used by those brave enough to come down the river Segura through the Canyon. The best place to watch this is from Los Losares.



The “Monk’s Market” is held on the first Sunday of every month near the Plaza de España and here you will find many types of artisan work typical of the region, an interesting way of learning more about this area.



PLACES TO SEE.

The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Asuncion is the main church of the town and was constructed between the 15th and 18th Centuries.

The Hermitage of Saint Bartholomew is a medieval tower which was transformed into a church in the 18th Century, here the patron saint of Cieza is worshipped and it features a special platform from which the harvest is blessed every year.

The Convent of Saint Joaquín is a Franciscan monastery which was built in the 17th Century and has a beautiful cloister which is well worth seeing.



FIESTAS.

The Patron Saint of Cieza is Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso (Our Lady of the Good Event) and fiestas held in her honour at the end of September.

There is a fiesta on the 3rd of May for Santo Cristo de Consuelo.

Fiestas for San Bartholomew are held between the 24th and the 31st August.

Easter Week in Cieza has been declared as of Interest to Tourism.