Archena

Sister cities

• Chesham

History

Although the settlement of Archena dates back to the Bronze Age, it was during the Roman period (1st–2nd centuries CE) that the town was established. This is evidenced by the archaeological remains of the thermal baths at Archena's spa. Around the site, the Romans built temples, lodges, and roads that connected the town with other parts of Hispania. Following the conquest of the Nasrid Emirate of Granada by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492, the Reconquista of the Iberian Peninsula was completed. Like much of the Kingdom of Murcia, Archena experienced a period of crisis in the 17th century. The century initially saw demographic growth and an expansion of cultivated land, with rice, maize, oil, and barley as the main products. However, a sharp population decline followed, aggravated by floods, droughts, locust plagues, earthquakes, and outbreaks of disease. The 18th century was generally a period of stability and economic growth in Spain, particularly in the Region of Murcia. The Ricote Valley and Archena experienced significant population increases. The town, however, was negatively affected by the stationing of French troops, which placed an economic burden on the community. Despite this, the Enlightenment era marked the beginning of a steady demographic increase that continued into modern times. During the Peninsular War, the Archena spa (balneario) suffered extensive damage. The century was also marked by political instability and civil conflict. With the triumph of liberalism came the abolition of the Ancien Régime. The underlying social and political tensions of the Restoration period re-emerged in the early 20th century and culminated in the Spanish Civil War. Archena benefited from the establishment of a small sanatorium founded by Dr. Mario Spreáfico, who…

Geography

Archena is located 24 km from the city of Murcia. The municipality covers an area of 16.5 km2, most of which is irrigated farmland. It is one of the towns of the Ricote Valley. The Segura River runs through 7 km of the municipal territory and forms its main geographical axis. Archena has a hot semi-arid climate (BSh on the Köppen climate classification) bordering on a hot desert climate (BWh). As in most of the Region of Murcia, rainfall is scarce, averaging less than 300 mm annually. Most precipitation falls in spring and autumn, although amounts vary considerably between years. The highest recorded temperature was on 15 August 2021, while the lowest was on 17 December 2010. Winter temperatures rarely fall below , while summer temperatures above are common. Archena is considered the main town in the Ricote Valley. Other municipalities in the valley include: * Ulea — covers 42.5 km2 and has a population of 913. * Villanueva del Río Segura — covers 13.18 km2 with a population of 2,650. * Ojós — covers 45.28 km2 and has a population of 504. This neighbourhood, the second most populous after La Algaida, dates back to the early 20th century, when it was known as Camino de la Paira. The Duque de Huete football field was built there, and the area was later urbanised on its site. Because of this, it is colloquially referred to as "el fútbol" ("the football"). This neighbourhood developed around a small settlement founded by entrepreneurs. Its name derives from the Hurtado family, who owned much of the land. Las Arboledas (Spanish for "the groves") is a small neighbourhood whose patron saint is the Virgin of Lourdes. Its festivities are celebrated in honour of Saint James. This neighbourhood ("the other side") dates to the late 19th century. The Spreáfico family…