Ricote

Key facts

Type
Village
Region
Region of Murcia
Coordinates
38.14, -1.38

The last place in Spain where Moriscos (converted Muslims) lived before the final expulsion in 1613. The Valle de Ricote preserves Moorish irrigation systems, terraced agriculture, and an atmosphere of Al-Andalus that survived longer here than anywhere else.

In the Segura valley between Murcia and Cieza, the Valle de Ricote is one of the most historically significant and least-visited landscapes in Spain.

History

Ricote, nestled in the Ricote Valley in Murcia, holds a profound place in Spanish history due to its deep Moorish roots. The valley was one of the last strongholds of Islam in the Iberian Peninsula after the Reconquista. Even after the fall of Granada in 1492, the Moriscos (Muslims forcibly converted to Christianity) of Ricote were able to maintain a degree of autonomy and preserve many of their traditions, language, and religion for a significant period. Their isolation, coupled with legal agreements, allowed for a slower integration than in other regions.

However, this cultural resilience eventually clashed with the policies of the Catholic monarchy. The Ricote Valley became notable as the very last place in Spain from which the Moriscos were expelled. While the general expulsion decree was issued in 1609, the Moriscos of Ricote, numbering around 2,500, were not fully expelled until 1613. This marked the dramatic end of a centuries-long Islamic presence in a region that had, for a time, served as a poignant symbol of coexistence and later, of resistance to assimilation. The expulsion left a lasting demographic and economic impact on the valley.

Highlights

How to get there

From Murcia city, Ricote is approximately 45 km northwest. Take the A-30 motorway north, then transfer to the A-7. Exit towards Blanca/Abarán/Ricote and follow local roads RM-411 and RM-520 directly to the village. The drive takes about 40 minutes.

Explore nearby: Region of Murcia guide