One of the most popular places for the people of Murcia, and one of the closest to El Valle, is the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta, located in the Regional Park of Carrascoy and El Valle, less than 30 minutes’ drive from El Valle Golf Resort. High up in the dense pine forests, in a protected area of natural beauty, there are stunning views across Murcia city and the surrounding countryside.
For most of the year, the Sanctuary is home to the patron saint of Murcia, the Virgen de la Fuensanta, except for twice a year when she is carried in a ‘Romeria’ lasting 8 hours from the Sanctuary down to Murcia Cathedral in the city centre. It’s also the perfect venue for a wedding, although you will need to get into line with a waiting list of several years! But who wouldn’t choose it as the place to tie the knot with a stunning background for the wedding album.
Journey to the Sanctuary: A Route Filled With Scenic Views and Historical Gems
You can drive right to the Sanctuary, taking the exit for La Alberca off the A30 and following the signs for Algezares. A nicer way, with a bit of exercise thrown in, is to take exit 148 marked for El Valle Park and follow the signs to the Visitor Centre. Leave your car at the carpark and walk up. It’s about 40 minutes uphill (downhill on the way back!) on a tarmac road and you will pass other places of interest including the Visitor Centre and Monastery of Light (Monasterio de la Luz), the San Antonio el Pobre Visitor Center, and the Convent of the Franciscans of Santa Catalina del Monte.
Next to the Sanctuary is a restaurant where you can sit and enjoy the wonderful views:
- The Sanctuary is open to visitors (free of charge) every day from 09:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 19:00.
