Community Information: Aledo

From a distance the fort of Aledo on its high rocky pinnacle can be clearly seen and when you arrive from the Totana road. You will find that the village still maintains a medieval air.

The fort was constructed in order to control the ways of communication that descend from the high plateau into the valley of the River Segura. It had an important part in history as it was known as an impregnable fortress, partly owing to the cleverly constructed waterways which are an integral part. The Muslim people of Andalucia built the walls surrounding the village creating a safe haven for the inhabitants.

The Tower of Homage stands out from these ancient walls and it is believed that this is where Alfonso X (known as the Wise King), wrote his famous documents.

Aledo became famous throughout the region in 1086, when the noble Spaniard Garcia Giménez, in command of his troops, took the village and settled his forces. He audaciously took over vast territories which extended as far as the villages and fields of Granada, Jaén and Alicante for a period of six years, putting an effective stop to any Moorish invasions.

The village is in a sceinic location on the eastern side of the Sierra Espuña, with its pine forests climbing up the mountainsides. This area is ideal for those who enjoy walking and wildlife with clear icy cold streams high in the Sierra .

On the lower slopes and in the valley there are many vineyards which produce a good quality table grape.

Almonds are also cultivated here and carnations are grown in greenhouses.