Date Published: 01/10/2011

The Jardín de los Patos public square in Alhama de Murcia

Jardín de los Patos means "garden of the ducks"

The Jardin de los Patos, the garden of the ducks, contains an appropriate sculpture in situ, and was formerly the site of the weekly market, as well as holding a water irrigation cistern fed by streams from the mountains of Sierra Espuña; much of what now constitutes urban Alhama de Murcia was formerly orchards, and this tank fed water down to irrigate them.

Walking from the bottom of the garden uphill towards the top, the original stone water channels which filled the tank below are clearly visible, set beneath glass blocks in the pavement, located on the left hand side of the street, just before reaching the Iglesia de San Lázaro.

The garden now offers a tranquil setting for the locals and visitors to relax in the cafés and bars and is used for cultural activities throughout the year, also providing a focal point during the annual fiestas.

The park was designed by Mayor Constantino López Méndez in 1952, and has since been remodelled on two occasions, in 1985 and again between 2009 and 2011. It features two pergolas supported by columns, two ornamental fountains (one devoted to ducks and the other to Admiral Bastarreche) and two main longitudinal flower beds, as well as mosaic paving and benches.

The Jardín de los Patos public square in Alhama de Murcia

A third fountain provides drinking water.

The Teatro Cine Velasco is in the corner of the Jardín de los Patos, used for theatrical representations, concerts and film showings.

The Jardín de los Patos is one of the stopping-off points of the FREE ENGLISH language audiotour offered by the municipal tourist office (also provides street maps, leaflets etc) which can be followed by visitors at their leisure. Click for full information

For more local information about Alhama de Murcia in English including news and forthcoming events, go to the home page of Alhama Today.