JUMILLA HISTORY
FROM ANCIENT EARRINGS TO CAVE PAINTINGS: Jumilla’s Historical Gems
Discover the town’s rich history and vineyard traditions
Tales of the ages: Jumilla’s castle, ancient earrings and cave art
In Jumilla town, a visit to the Moorish castle is a must. Well worth visiting there too is the Jeronimo Molina archaeological museum, where a pair of gold earrings found in a necropolis at Coimbra del Barranco Ancho and dating back 2,400 years testifies to the ancient grape- growing traditions of the Jumilla region. Each earring bears a tiny bunch of grapes.
Close to Hellín is the superb Tolmo de Minateda archaeological park, which includes cave paintings dating back to 6,000 BCE.
TRACES OF THE PHOENICIANS, ROMANS, MOORS AND CHRISTIANS CAN BE FOUND HERE
Echoes of Jumilla’s past
Jumilla’s history resonates like a symphony of diverse cultures and civilisations that have left their imprints on this picturesque town. Traces of the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors and Christians can be found here, each contributing unique layers to the town’s story.
The Phoenicians were among the earliest settlers, introducing grape cultivation to this fertile land. The Romans recognised Jumilla’s agricultural potential, and centuries later the Moors fortified the region, leaving behind architectural marvels, such as Jumilla’s iconic castle.
With the Christian Reconquista, Jumilla saw the blending of these influences into a rich cultural tapestry that remains alive in its traditions, cuisine and, of course, its renowned wines.
Vineyards and tradition
Wine has flowed through Jumilla’s history like a cherished river. The tradition of viticulture here dates back over two millennia, with the golden age of winemaking flourishing during Roman times. Even today, the vineyards of Jumilla produce some of Spain’s most renowned wines, with Monastrell grapes at their core. The vines themselves seem to whisper stories of generations who worked tirelessly on these lands, nurturing them into the thriving wine region we see today.
