Attractions in Fortuna

To say that Fortuna has been known as a spa town for centuries would be a gross understatement. The ancient Iberians praised Fortuna's hot springs as did the Romans centuries later. Today, Fortuna's historic spa (Balneario de Fortuna-Leana) offers some sublime services to go with its healing waters. And for those who prefer getting dirty, there are remarkable archaeological sites dotting the hills around Fortuna.

Balneario de Fortuna-Leana

This historic spa was originally built in 1896, but has recently been thoroughly renovated - don't worry it still exudes its celebrated charm! Its pools and baths take advantage of 126°F (52.2°C) thermal waters bubbling from beneath the ground; the same waters prized by ancient Romans and Iberians.

The water's unique composition is known to help with rheumatory arthritis, osteoporosis and respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis... oh, it's also known to slay stress and leave you rather lovely and relaxed! Whether you take a dip in the thermal baths, enjoy a sublime massage or drift to sleep during aromatherapy, this spa will make you feel young again.

El Balneario Romano

This phenomenal archaeological site dates back over two thousand years, when it was the site of both an Iberian and Roman spa. The site is found just 3km north of Fortuna in the Sierra del Baño and excavations didn't start here until 1991. More recent digs discovered that the site consists of two sections: the Hostelry and the Nymphaeum.

The Hostelry is thought to date back to the 1st century AD and consists of several small rooms and two large cisterns. As the name would imply, the rooms are believed to have been lodgings for the ancient spa.

Sitting nearby, on the eastern side on the Sierra del Baño, is the 1st century BC Nymphaeum. Three successive digs between 1999 and 2001 revealed a semicircular, stepped sanctuary around a fissure where the thermal waters used to rise to the earth's surface.

La Cueva Negra

Between Fortuna and El Balneario Romano, within an outcrop of the Sierra del Baño, is this intriguing site that's linked to El Balneario Romano. The blackened walls of this cave (la Cueva Negra translates to 'the Black Cave') host numerous inscriptions known as tituli picti. The most significant inscriptions date from the 1st century AD and detail a cult of nymphs and other divinities, like Bacchus, Esculapio and Cibeles.

Archaeological work started here earlier (early 1980s) than at El Balneario Romano. Numerous exports have poured over the walls texts and most believe that it was a place of worship for both Romans in the 1st century AD and for Iberians during the Bronze Age. It's thought to have been most active during the 5th century BC.

Castillejo de los Baños

Set on a small plain, only 100m from El Balneario Romano, this archaeological site contains numerous tombs and artefacts. A wide variety of Iberian weapons, like falcatas and spears, have been discovered along with fine examples of Iberian ceramics. Ancient ploughs and sickles have also been unearthed and tell of the Iberians agricultural prowess.

Castillico de las Peñas

Atop a rocky outcrop, some 430m above see level, are the ruins of Castillico de las Peñas (Castle of the Rocks). The site has yet to be fully excavated but historians have concluded that the site contains several different phases.

The first is believed to be Iberian and dates back to the 5th century BC. Unlike many similar buildings of the same time period, the Castillico de las Peñas survived the Second Punic war and was inhabited until the end of the 2nd century AD.

Fuente de Fortuna

Fuente de Fortuna or Source of Fortune is the site of the spring that the village of today was built around. The tapping of the Old Source (as it's also known) was as an important development as the introduction of the automobile to the wee village.

The fountain structure was rediscovered near the streets of San Leandro and San Isidro in 1991 and was in a sad state of repair. The age of the structure is still hotly debated... the style of the structure screams 16th century Renaissance, though the inscription Reinando Carlos IV would lend credence to those who date it to the late 18th century

Castillo de los Moros or Torre Vieja

Though some people believe the remains atop this hill are simply a lookout tower, the size of the foundations make most agree that it is a Moorish castle.

It dates back to the 12th or 13th century and is one of the very few pieces of evidence of Moorish occupation in Fortuna. When Ibrahin Aboxac Ibenfuc (king of the Morrish of Arrexaca of Murcia) sold Fortuna to the noble Aparicio of Nompot in 1295 AD, this structure was actually mentioned in the deed.

Iglesia de la Purísma Concepción de Fortuna

Standing tall over Fortuna's central square, the Church of Immaculate Conception is easily Fortuna's most identifiable attraction. It was originally raised between 1728 and 1744, though it's witnessed various modifications over the years. In 1998 the fabulous baroque façade of the bell tower was rehabilitated to its former glory. The interior's altarpiece and the grand Custodia de las Espigas are both rather grand.

Town Hall

Although in comparison to Iglesia de la Purísma Concepción de Fortuna this building is quite modern, it is still worth a look. Its polychromatic stuccos and friezes are stunning - both the work of J. Medina in 1907. Especially unique is the building's vestibule, which is decorated with oil canvases or panneaux.

Murcia

Straddling the Río Segura, just 30km south of Fortuna is this laid-back university city with a remarkable past. Founded by Muslims in 825 AD atop a former Roman colony, the town flourished until being captured by Alfonso X of Castilla and Léon in 1243. Its wealth grew and in 1358 the massive Catedral de Santa María was built. Things reached an apex in the 18th century, when the wealth of its silk and agricultural sectors were booming. It was at this time that the cathedral was bestowed with its sumptuous baroque façade.

Things took a turn for the worse in the 19th century, with Napoleonic troops looting Murcia in 1810 and subsequent outbreaks of the plague and cholera. The first half of the 20th century was equally unkind as the city was the scene of many Spanish Civil War battles in 1936.

Several museums delve into the city's amazing history and thankfully, the enthralling cathedral still stands for you to marvel at. Don't miss the cathedral's stunning 15th-century Gothic Capilla de los Vélez and be sure to climb the 92m tower for an astounding view.

Orihuela

Also about 30km from Fortuna is the intriguing city of Orihuela. The Río Segura attractively cuts this city in two, marking the transition from a modern commercial centre to the storied city of centuries ago. You'll find that the old city's historical buildings are as interesting as they are varied... wander through Gothic, baroque and Renaissance structures. Remember, you don't have to rush, you're now on Spanish time.

The 16th-century Convento de Santo Domingo is Orihuela's most splendid ecclesiastical building, with its fine Renaissance cloisters and rich 18th-century tilework in the refectory. Delve into the Gothic-Catalan 14th-century Catedral de San Salvador and visit the Museo Diocesano, which boasts the Temptation of St Thomas by Veláquez. While in the cathedral, be sure to get a good glimpse of its three finely-carved portals.

The exteriors steel the show at the Iglesia de las Santas Justa y Rufina and the Palacio Episcopal. The former has a lovely Renaissance façade and gargoyles draped from its gothic towers, while the latter's façade is soberly baroque.

Head to the Universidad Miguel Hernandez to visit Museo de la Muralla. There, you'll descend and explore the immense underground remains of the city walls and old Arab baths.

The fact that there's so much see around Fortuna will only enhance your Spanish experience. It also increases the potential for holiday lets if you're simply looking for a property to invest in. Take a look at the quality properties currently available in Fortuna.