Moratalla

Greetings Steemians!
A field full of red poppies - a sight to behold. Moratalla, in Murcia, is beginning to gain more interest. Its a sleepy working town. The silence of the night, the fresh mountain air, the crystal clear blue waters of its rivers and natural hot springs seems to be a well kept secret amongst the Murcian folk! Its a mystical place, full of folklore and traditions.

Last year on the 18th March 2017, Moratalla opened the first ever Drum Museum in Spain (Museo de Tambor). Easter is a time is when everyone seems to play their own drum!

Moratalla also has prehistoric caves and paintings. The biggest one being la cueva de Zaen. Since 1998 UNESCO has declared the cave paintings as Heritage of humanity and the area is also of great importance for archaeologists and geologists.

Its nearby towns are Caravaca de la Cruz is a major pilgrimage site, it's home to the Basilica Shrine of Vera Cruz, with its distinctive Caravaca Cross and Baroque facade.

Calasparra's rice paddy fields and Rice Museum (Arroz Bomba) first in the world to attain a denominacion de origen is a lovely fluffy rice cultivated by the Segura river.

The Sanctuario de la Esperanza (the sanctuary of Hope) is located by the river Segura close to the rice paddy fields. The sanctuary was built inside a cave.

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Nearby the Cueva del Puerto is an immense & beautiful cave.

Last year's floración was spectacular in nearby Cieza where the cherry, almond and peach blossoms show a full display of colours. Tourism is increasing every year and a highly popular photography contest is held in February/March.

Moratalla... no longer a secret!