Blanca

Right in the heart of the Ricote Valley, on the banks of the River Segura, lies Blanca, known to our ancestors as La Negra or "The Black", due to the colour of the mountain where it lies.

The castle which reigns over the town was built by the Moslems in the twelfth century; before it lies the valley in all its splendour. It can be reached by setting out from the old quarter where the traveller can get to know the ancient mediaeval layout of the town and, at the same time, the warmth of its people.

Outstanding among its buildings are the Church of St. John the Evangelist, from the sixteenth century; the Hermitage of Saint Roque with its Baroque style; the Favorita ("Favourite") House, built in an eclectic style during the nineteenth century; the Count's house, a faithful example of nineteenth century neoclassicism, now turned into the Hostería Conde de la Vallesa; and last, but not least, the Victoria Theatre, which has recently reopened its doors after a period of restoration.

The Fundación Pedro Cano -Pedro Cano Foundation- is a must: its location is great, since it is in an extraordinary building on the bank of the River Segura; it houses some of the best works of Pedro Cano, the artist from Blanca. In addition, it has temporary exhibition rooms, workshop rooms, a library and an auditorium. The Centro de Interpretación de la Luz y el Agua is also very interesting for the visitor, since it shows the ways of exploitation of water through history in this locality.

Blanca, where natural beauty and historical tradition meet to offer the traveller the chance to enjoy an adventurous type of tourism which includes a descent of the River Segura, hiking and pony trekking among others.

'Source: murciaturistica.es'