Historic Jumilla Castle Set for New Archaeological Investigation

One of Murcia's Best-Preserved Fortresses

The Castle of Jumilla, described as one of the best-preserved fortresses in the Region of Murcia, is set for a significant new phase of archaeological investigation. The project will be funded through Integrated Action Plans (PAI) supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with a total budget of €290,400.

The castle sits on the site of a former Andalusian hilltop settlement. Its features include a main keep, an inner walled enclosure of approximately 130 metres in perimeter, several towers, water cisterns, and an outer defensive wall that once enclosed the original Islamic settlement. It is considered an important site for understanding the northern frontier of the former Islamic Kingdom of Murcia.

Six Excavation Zones Over Five Months

The investigation will cover six designated excavation zones within the medieval fortress and is expected to last five months. Tenders were invited from specialist firms with a submission deadline of May 26, with bids to be reviewed from May 28.

The scope of the project goes beyond excavation alone. The successful contractor will also be required to produce:

• A specialist technical restoration plan
• A tourism enhancement development strategy
• A detailed construction and restoration work plan
• Stabilisation and repair works on excavated structures
• Improvements to walls to match the condition of the main keep

Heritage and Tourism Combined

The inclusion of a tourism development strategy within the project brief reflects growing recognition of the castle's potential as a visitor attraction for the Jumilla area. The town, well known for its wine production, is seeking to further develop its heritage tourism offer alongside its established culinary and agricultural identity.

For those interested in visiting, the Jumilla tourist office can be reached on 968 780237 or at oficinaturismo@jumilla.org.

This article is based on reporting from Murcia Today, published May 2026.