PROPERTY SEARCH
Yecla secures nearly 3 million euros for Yakka archaeological project
The money will go towards the restoration and exhibition of the town’s famed historical site
Yecla Town Council has been granted nearly 3 million euros in European funding through the Next Generation programme, a subsidy scheme under Spain’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, that will enable them to execute their ambitious ‘Rebirth of Yakka’ project, aimed at restoring, conserving and enhancing the historic Hisn Yakka archaeological site for tourism and cultural purposes.
The site, located on Cerro del Castillo (near the castle), dates back to the 11th century and showcases a rich history spanning several centuries, including significant defensive expansions in the 12th and 13th centuries and continuous use until the late 15th century.
The funding, totalling 2,999,957 euros, will support a range of works, including restoration, consolidation, protection, universal accessibility, and musealisation to ensure its historical significance is preserved and made accessible to visitors.
The Yecla proposal stood out among 88 approved projects, scoring an impressive 78 points under the programme’s technical evaluation criteria and ranking 29th overall. This achievement reflects the strength of the preliminary project submitted by the municipal government.
Upon receiving the news, Yecla’s mayor, Remedios Lajara, expressed her delight, highlighting the council’s commitment to preserving the city’s heritage.
“This significant intervention will restore, consolidate, protect, musealise, enhance and provide universal accessibility to the entire Hisn Yakka archaeological site,” Lajara stated.
She also emphasised the ongoing efforts to secure funding for heritage preservation, referencing earlier successes such as the 3.3 million euros received from the Regional Government of the Autonomous Community.
These funds have supported the rehabilitation of the House of the Arches, the Old Church, sections of the Hisn Yakka site and the musealisation of the Arab baths at Los Torrejones.
The ‘Rebirth of Yakka’ project is set to mark another milestone in Yecla’s dedication to revitalising its historical assets, ensuring their cultural and economic value endures for future generations.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Yecla Today
Image: Ayuntamiento de Yecla
Address
Plaza Mayor, Casa de los Arcos, s/n 30510 YECLATel: 968 754 104
Oficina de Turismo de Yecla
Yecla is a large municipality in the north of the Region of Murcia, home to just under 35,000 people, and these days is best known for its wines, which enjoy Denomination of Origin status, and its furniture production, which has its origins in the abundance of pine trees on the mountainsides and the high plateaux.
While visitors in the 21st century may be attracted primarily by wine tourism, the town (or city, as it was proclaimed in 1878) also has a wide historical, cultural and natural heritage, and an identity quite different from the coastal areas of the Region of Murcia. For this reason it is often grouped together with its neighbour and fellow wine-producing area Jumilla as part of the Altiplano area.
Yecla borders with Castilla-La Mancha and the Region of Valencia and is closer to Alicante coastal areas than much of Murcia. These visitors come to see the historic old town itself - an atmospheric and interesting place, crammed full of history - the natural beauty of Monte Arabí, with stunning views for those who enjoy the outdoors, the gastonomy and of course the wine route.
Yecla boasts cave paintings from 10,000 years ago in Monte Arabí, a Bronze Age settlement at El Arabilejo, Iberian remains in El Pulpillo and a Roman administrative centre at Los Torrejones as well as the remnants of the 11th century Moorish castle on the hill behind the town. More modern (and complete) testimony to the past are the buildings in the town centre, which include the grandiose Basílica de la Purísima, with its striking blue dome, the archaeological museum and the attractive Plaza Mayor, where the 16th century Town Hall stands alongside the Renaissance Casa de los Alarcos, the clock tower and the old grain store.
The tourist office holds a full selection of leaflets, maps, pre-planned routes, accommodation and restaurant options and information about visiting Yecla for both individuals and groups.
There is parking close to the tourist office, although those driving to Yecla for the first time are advised to park in Calle Perales.
For further information go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday 8.00 to 15.00
Saturdays 10.30 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.30.
Public holidays 10.30 to 14.00
Click for map, Yecla tourist office
