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The small town of Moratalla lies between the hill of San Jorge and at the feet of the Sierra de los Alamos near an extensive plain, which is watered by the Benamor and Alharabe rivers. The mountain of Buitre at 1427 metres is to the south, the province of Granada is not far to the west, whilst the road north towards Albacete runs through stunning scenery – steep ravines and thick pine forests.



Moratalla also has a long, rich history and contains many interesting buildings in spite of its small size. Amongst them are; the Iglesia de Santa María de la Ascensión, which was constructed during the 15th and 16th centuries, the Iglesia de Santa Ana, dating from the 17th century, the Convent of San Francisco (16th to 18th century), the 14th century Medieval Castle and the 15th century Ermita de Jesucristo Aparecida.



A popular place for people wanting to see the lovely scenery, absorb the history and sample the local dishes and wine, Moratalla is usually a quiet town. Maybe for this reason the people of the town celebrate their fiestas with panache. Easter Week here is famous for the tambourine playing on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, and the people of Moratalla are woken to the sound of the instruments that play right through the day. Although the playing of the tambourine during Easter Week is not unique to Moratalla, this is probably the place where this old custom is best appreciated.



The fiestas of Santísimo Cristo del Rayo celebrated from the 11th to the 17th July are something special. Then the hotels, pension, bars and restaurants are full and the excitement is tangible. Sturdy wooden barriers are set up through the streets and both the people of the town and the visitors look forward to a Bull Run, when the famous fierce Spanish black bulls are released from their pens and charge through the town with young men brave enough to run with them, visitors are urged to take care throughout this typically Spanish custom and take refuge in the special viewing points provided.