Michal Kazimierczak
6 min 
In the Region of Murcia, our Murcian land is a fascinating mosaic of cultures, peoples and civilizations that have left their mark over the centuries. Walking through its cities is like taking a trip back in time, where each street, monument or name holds a story that deserves to be told. Do you want to discover the secrets hidden in some of the most emblematic cities of this region? I invite you to a tour full of myths, curious facts and a lot of history.
Yecla: between Egyptians and Celts
Did you know that, according to some ancient chronicles, even groups of Egyptians passed through the lands of Yecla? It is said that they founded up to three cities in the municipality of this town. Imagine that: in the heart of southeastern Spain, vestiges of an ancient culture such as the Egyptian. In addition, in the Murcian Altiplano there have been settlements whose origin could be traced back to Celtic villages, specifically in the hills of La Campana and Madalena. This mixture of geographically distant civilizations is further proof of how important this area was for the passage and settlement of peoples in ancient times.
A super curious fact is that the name “Yecla” seems to share the same philological formation as the Egyptian word Acarit. This has given rise to some very interesting theories about the origin of the city. Can you imagine that Yecla could have linguistic roots that take us to Egypt? That makes every visit to its streets more mysterious and special.
Mula: from the Greeks to the land of Murcia
We move to Mula, another city with a past that goes back a long time. Some authors argue that its origins could be as far back as thirteen centuries before Christ, when Greeks from the island of Zakynthos founded a small polis called Salonac. Does the name ring a bell? It looks a lot like Thessaloniki, a Greek city with a lot of history.
This Greek connection in the Region of Murcia is one of those little-known facts that give a lot of value to our local history. Mula, with its traditional air and its old town, is impregnated with the essence of an ancient Greek polis that makes its streets look like tales of classic legends.
Cartagena: mythology and reality on the Costa Cálida
Cartagena is one of the most important and well-known cities in the region, but also the one that is surrounded by mythical stories that mix with reality. Legend has it that the mythical Alethes, a character from Greek mythology, was the one who founded this port city. Aletes is famous for having usurped the throne of Mycenae and although he was assassinated, it is said that he had time to visit the Costa Calida before his death.
A really striking fact is that Mount San José, one of the geographical symbols of Cartagena, has always been known as Mount Aletes. It even appears under this name on not-so-ancient maps, showing the persistence of oral tradition and myth in the local culture. It is as if legend and history have decided to walk together in this city.
Cehegín: land of Trojan heroes
In Cehegín we find another fascinating story that mixes mythology and reality. According to the work Antiquities of the Villa of Cehegín (1660), written by Martín de Ambel y Bernard, this town was founded by Trojan heroes who accompanied Ulysses on his adventures. They gave it the name Theogi, which means “God’s Land”. It sounds like the perfect title for a city full of magic and mystery.
In addition, in that manuscript it is mentioned that Cehegín had an impressive wall with 32 towers, and a castle that was practically impregnable. This castle was built with jasper ashlars and with the famous local marble, which is also present in the Chapel of Los Vélez of the Cathedral of Murcia. Imagine the fortress and art that were hidden there, uniting classical legends with the architectural richness of Murcia.
Other Murcian cities with stories that will surprise you
But the Region of Murcia does not end here, far from it. Each city has its own story, its own mysteries and curiosities that deserve to be discovered.
For example, in Lorca, known as the city of the Sun, we find a crossroads of cultures ranging from Roman times to Muslim and Christian influence. Its imposing castle, which has withstood earthquakes and wars, bears witness to all that historic passage and stands as a symbol of resistance and local pride.
Cartagena, in addition to its Greek legends, is a city with one of the most important natural ports in the Mediterranean and has been fundamental in Spanish naval history. Every corner has an air of living history, from its Roman theatre to the Isaac Peral submarine museum.
In Jumilla, famous for its wine, you can trace vestiges of Iberian and Roman settlements, which speak of a land rich not only in flavors, but also in culture.
A heritage that lives in every street
The beautiful thing about these cities is that history is not only in books, but we wear it on our skin when we walk through their streets, visit their museums, talk to their people or enjoy their festivals. The Region of Murcia is a place where the past and the present coexist and mutually enrich each other.
So when you are walking through Yecla, Mula, Cartagena, Cehegín or any other Murcian city, think of those traces of Egyptians, Celts, Greeks, Romans, Muslims and mythological heroes who have lived, loved and fought in those same places. Every stone, every corner has a story waiting to be told and heard.
Do you want to know more?
If you are passionate about these stories and want to delve into Murcian culture, don’t miss the historical routes that many municipalities organize, the guided tours by experts, or the museums that house pieces that date back thousands of years. Immersing yourself in this adventure is the best way to connect with our roots and understand how rich and diverse our heritage is.
And remember: each city in the Region of Murcia is like an open book waiting for someone to read it and bring it to life. Do you dare to discover its secrets?
