El Carmen
El Carmen neighbourhood can be reached via the Puente Viejo, also known as the Puente de los Peligros [Danger Bridge] but the only risk you’ll run is falling in love with the area’s history, streets and sense of calm.
The best way to reach El Carmen neighbourhood is by crossing the Puente Viejo or Los Peligros, the oldest bridge in Murcia. While crossing, look out for an image of the Los Peligros Virgin in an alcove at the far end of the bridge – Murcia residents are extremely devoted to this saint. The El Carmen area was once a slum but was later industrialised; it has slowly lost its industrial feel and today practically all that can be seen of its past are remains such as the railway line and station, and several factory buildings that have been converted into homes.
Returning to the area around the Puente Viejo, make sure to spot the old water mill developments that were so essential in centuries past. And don’t forget to visit the “Los Molinos del Río” Water Museum, which reminds visitors of the importance of the flour mills that were typically found along the river’s course at the start of the 19th century. More culture is waiting to be discovered just moments away because this riverbank is also home to the Museum of Science and Water, housed in the old cisterns that once used to supply the city with water. The museum space has different rooms full of learning experiences such as the Water Room, the Discover and Imagine Room, the Planetarium, with a dome that imitates the night sky, and a space used for temporary exhibitions. It’s the perfect place to visit with children.
Culture continues to be the main theme of a visit to the University Museum, which sits in the old Jaime I artillery barracks and contains objects and items that were once used in teaching. If you’re travelling with children, you’ll be interested to know that the barracks complex also contains Murcia Aquarium, which has marine ecosystems from around the world, both tropical and Mediterranean.
The religious heritage of El Carmen neighbourhood isn’t as noteworthy as other neighbourhoods but it’s well worth stopping at the Church of El Carmen, built on top of the old San Benito hermitage. It’s the seat of the famous Archicofradia de la Sangre [Archconfraternity of the Blood], which has a museum in the next-door building and is one of the most famous brotherhoods that feature in Murcia’s Holy Week.
On a stroll around this neighbourhood of over 23,000 residents you’ll quickly get a sense of how multicultural it is, with a mixture of languages spoken here and a lively atmosphere in the streets. It’s definitely worth saving time to visit this type of neighbourhood on the outskirts of the historic centre during your trip to Murcia.