Writers Abroad Magazine Issue 7 November 2017 | Page 27

WRITERS ABROAD MAGAZINE : THE THIRD SPACE

MAZARRON

BY Christine Nedahl
Mazarron is a port town situated on the Costa Calida in the province of Murcia . For those who live on the doorstep , within driving distance , or who need to take a flight , it is a place to be included in any itinerary . Within its confines , it provides unique and diverse experiences . The ocean , and the mineral wealth , both enjoyed throughout history , give it its particular essence . The coastline offers wild strands , family beaches , and expanses for the naturalists . Puerto de Mazarron is a hive of activity in the summer months , and an idyllic retreat off season . The waters provide the local restaurants with ingredients for delicacies characteristic of the area . Monkfish , pilchards , hake and grouper are cooked in a way perfected over generations . Invariably , the dishes are enhanced by adding tomatoes grown in the area , the flavour of which is renowned .
The mining of alum and lead was prevalent as early as the fifteenth century , lulling and reviving , until the beginning of the twentieth century . Areas of gold sands , arenas auriferas , were discovered and a mini gold rush ensued . In the mid-nineteenth century , it was quickly realised that gold was not going to create a fortune for the area and lead once again rose to prominence . Amazing archaeological sites pay homage to the greatness of this metallic mineral , and the debt modern day Mazarron owes it . Off the coast from the Playa de la Isla lie two Phoenician boats . They are the oldest found in the Mediterranean . The Mazarron 1 has little left , but the Mazarron 2 , still carrying its load of lead ingots , is virtually complete and preserved in situ .
Just two kilometres along the coast from the port is Bolnuevo , an area of outstanding beauty . During the 16th century , attacks from pirates were commonplace and a sanctuary was built in memory of the local inhabitants who came under constant attack . Bolnuevo Castle , known as the Tower of Horses , was constructed to defend the area . Later , the inlet became a sheltered , peaceful
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