The Pozo de los Moros, an ancient rainwater collection system in Aledo
Aledo, La Torreta, Pozo de los Moros
One of the most interesting aspects about the fortifications dating from the Middle Ages in Aledo is the system used for catching and storing rainwater.
The ability to withstand sieges for long periods of time was one of the most important features of any walled fortification, and in Aledo engineers developed an ingenious system to access natural rainwater sources.
The castle is high up on a promontory of rock, so the engineers cut channels in a series of steps into the rock face, directing rainfall down into an opening. This fed down into a deep well below the surface of the rock, accessed via a passageway and a spiral staircase cut into the rock. Water was stored in a deep natural subterranean pool and could be extracted and carried up to the castle during siege situations.
To protect the staircase and water stores, a defensive tower was built, covering the entrance. 
Looking at the castle from the western side, the protective tower, known as La Torreta, can clearly be seen.
Exiting from the castle, a pathway leads straight down the hillside to the valley below, and it is possible to see the tower standing below the castle, although the access is blocked off due to the dangers of going down into the subterranean well.
Visitors to the Torre del Homenaje in Aledo can view a video about this subject shown in the Interpretation centre on the ground floor: ask the guide to make sure he or she shows you this particular video.
There is a small entry fee to the tower, which is well worth paying as it's the only form of income for the council and covers the expense of keeping the tower open for visitors.
Mobile: 696 962 116
Oficina de Turismo de Aledo
The tourist information office of Aledo is located within the Torre del Homenaje, the keep of the castle at the top of the old town, and although it is possible to drive to within just a few metres of the tower and park in the streets just below, this can be an unnerving experience for those unaccustomed to driving in narrow streets. It may be advisable to park lower down in the town close to the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) and walk 5 minutes up to the castle.
Aledo is a hilltop town, originally built by the Moors and then rebuilt by the Christian forces of the Reconquista, who took this area during the 13th century and converted it into a Christian stronghold from which to continue their fight to claim all of Spain for a further 250 years.
The tower is well worth a visit for the views alone, although those with an interest in geology or fossils will also find the 20 million year walk back in time down into the valley below of great interest, as the rock upon which the castle is built is renowned internationally as a location of geological interest.
Aledo also contains the only surviving Picota, or pillory, in the Region of Murcia, as well as a church, the Iglesia de Santa María Real, containing two sculptures by the baroque master Francisco Salzillo. It is also within the Sierra Espuña regional park and is a good stop-off point if heading up into the mountains, and the views from the church plaza and tower are spectacular.
On 6th January it is the scene of the traditional Auto de los Reyes Magos, a musical nativity play which takes place in the streets of the town with the participation of donkeys and many of the local townspeople.
The tourist office is open only when the tower is open, so for enquiries at other times contact the Town Hall on 968 484422 (alcaldia@aledo.es).
For more information visit the Aledo section of Murcia Today.
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