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Because of my work I often travel through the province of Murcia. But away from the Costa Cálida, there are still gems to discover. Like here in the northwest in Calasparra. It is a beautiful area crossed by three rivers. Deep grooves in the landscape and caves, where ancient rock carvings have been found, point to a long history. Driving along the agricultural fields and along narrow roads flanked by fruit trees and more fruit trees, I also came across the remains of an old Moorish fortress and the medieval castle of San Juan.
But what appealed to me most was the curious Sanctuary la Esperanza. A few kilometers outside Calasparra you will find this little church, hewn out of the rock. Long ago it was a refuge for people who sought shelter in cave openings from the rising waters of the Segura River. That was much higher then than it is now. After the accidental discovery of a statue of Saint Esperanza, the cave was further excavated and a small church was built in it. Now it is an important place where local pilgrims go in a procession every year. The location with a view over the Segura River is very beautiful in itself, but it is really special to look at the Sanctuary from a distance and ask yourself the question: Where exactly do the rocks end and where does the building begin? Due to the building materials used, it looks like an inseparable whole. Greetings again, Jolanda.
