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Final phase begins on Sierra Espuña snow well restoration project
The project aims to preserve one of Alhama de Murcia’s most important cultural and environmental landmarks
Work is continuing on the final phase of a major restoration project at the historic snow wells of Sierra Espuña, one of the most distinctive and important heritage sites in the Region of Murcia.
The project, backed by more than €2.5 million in European NextGenerationEU funding, aims to preserve and restore the old snow wells while also making the area more accessible and attractive for tourism.
The wells, known locally as pozos de la nieve, were once used to store snow and ice collected during winter before the invention of modern refrigeration. For centuries, the ice was packed underground and later transported to nearby towns and cities for use during the warmer months.
Today, the structures are considered one of Sierra Espuña’s most iconic historical landmarks, attracting walkers, hikers and visitors interested in the area’s rich rural history.
Alhama de Murcia mayor Rosa Sánchez and Totana mayor Juan Pagán visited the site last week alongside the technical team overseeing the works.The restoration project is expected to take around eight months in total and includes structural consolidation of the wells, conservation work and improvements aimed at helping to promote the site’s cultural and tourism value.
Officials said the harsh winter weather in the mountains has made progress particularly challenging at times, with the high-altitude location adding an extra level of technical difficulty to the works.
The project forms part of a wider programme focused on recovering and promoting the natural and cultural heritage of Sierra Espuña and the surrounding municipalities, including Aledo, Alhama de Murcia, Librilla, Mula, Pliego and Totana.
Once completed, the restored snow wells are expected to become an even more important attraction within one of the country’s best-known natural parks.
For more local information in English about the municipality of Alhama de Murcia and the Sierra Espuña including news and forthcoming events, go to Alhama Today.
