Community Information: Mazarrón Old Town & Puerto de Mazarrón
Mazarron’s coastal area is bathed by the Mediterranean Sea and is known for its mining past and seamen’s traditions. It was in an important strategic position, able to defend a large land area, with an important castle and defense towers. The town’s geographic position led to the building of three towers, all of which were built in Islamic times. These towers being the ‘Caballos’ or horses tower; ‘Cumber’ or summit tower and the ‘Molinete’ or windmill tower.
Mazarron is also well known for its architectural, archaeological and monumental heritage. There are historical references to the current part of Mazarron, from the Paleolithic era (95,000 and 32,000 years ago.) In the Phoenician period the area’s magnificent natural geographic conditions were utilized as a port and harbour, with the arrival of Roman colonies that were attracted by the rich mining and of course with its close proximity to Carthago Nova (Cartagena.) The area’s sailing activity continued throughout the Roman period, transporting quantities of metal from the different mining reserves that could be found in the area. It is also thought that this area was one of the first to be mined and the Arabic al mezer (ochre or red) refer to the colours, which can be related to in the landscape.
In the old part of town you can find various historical and artistic interests, with every inch of Mazarron hiding a piece of history.
The historical heart of the town is the town hall and the beautiful casino, which is eclectic in style with a unique spiral staircase. Mazarron’s Sacred Heart of Jesus is located on Santa Catalina Mountain and was first erected and blessed in May 1924. It was destroyed during the civil war (1936-1939) and was re-built in 1952, thanks to donations made by the people of Mazarron.
The town area has over thirty beaches and lies below sea level. The bay hides many treasures, with an underwater garden of important sea fauna, where dolphins, whales and octopi can be found. Indeed, Mazarron is one of the main underwater centres in the Mediterranean Sea. In front of the Palya de la Isla, there are two great underwater treasures dating from VII B.C., known as Mazarron I and Mazarron II. These two Phoenician boats act as a reminder that Mazarron was once an important link with the Phoenicians and these two boats are the only ones of their kind in the world.
