Ojós can be explored through two distinct themes: architectural and art history centred on the Iglesia Parroquial de San Agustín and the Museo de Belenes del Mundo, and water engineering, viewpoints and trails in the landscape around the Río Segura. If you plan your stay around a particular theme, you can discover both cultural highlights and reasons to take a closer look at the surrounding area.
Church, Art and Nativity Scene Museum
The Iglesia Parroquial de San Agustín was built in the 18th century on the site of a 16th-century church, which in turn stood on the site of a small mosque. This building history brings together several historical layers in one place. In May 2008, the church was protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC), a property of cultural interest.
Religious artworks associated with Murcian Baroque and the circle of Salzillo include the Virgen de los Dolores and a Purísima in the style of Salzillo. These works provide a specific point of reference if you are interested in the region’s sacred art.
The Museo de Belenes del Mundo is housed in the Casa de la Inquisición, a former 18th-century mansion. The collection comprises more than 805 nativity scene ensembles; around 260 of them are currently on display. The number on display and the total collection size therefore refer to different figures. The collection can continue to grow through donations.
The museum offers workshops and guided tours of the village by prior reservation. The patron saint festivities also mark a particular time of year: they take place at the end of August and include processions in honour of Saint Augustine and the Virgen de la Cabeza, as well as a fireworks display. The exact dates may vary from year to year.
Water, Huerta Farmland and Views
The Azud de Ojós holds back the waters of the Río Segura, creating a striking contrast in the landscape: rocky gorges meet fertile, traditionally cultivated huerta farmland. The surrounding area in the Valle de Ricote includes the rugged limestone mountains of the Sierra de Ricote, Sierra de La Navela and Sierra del Chinte, as well as the cliffs of El Solvente and El Salitre. River gorges and the greenery of the huerta together shape the landscape.
There are several named viewpoints from which to take in the area. From the Puente Colgante, the view stretches across the Río Segura, traditional huerta farmland and the natural landscape of Ojós. The Azud de Ojós offers wide panoramic views of the river, the valley’s cliffs and the cultivated fields; it is also associated with nature experiences, photography and rural tourism.
Another example of the area’s water engineering heritage is the Noria de la Ribera, on the left side of the Acequia Ojós-Ulea. The waterwheel has a diameter of seven metres and an iron frame. If you plan to visit, make a reservation and check availability and official visiting hours directly with the Ayuntamiento de Ojós or local tourism operators.
Choosing Viewpoints and Trails
The Mirador del Estrecho del Solvente is located in the municipality of Ojós and is part of the Entre Palmeras y Limoneros viewpoint network. From there, views stretch across cliffs, traditional huerta farmland and the Río Segura flowing peacefully below. The viewpoint is suitable for birdwatching, hiking and nature tours. The Rutas de los Puentes de Ojós, in turn, are described as suitable for families, hikers and photography enthusiasts.
Access information differs for the named bridges. The bridge at Salto de la Novia can be reached via the Área Recreativa Soto and forms part of the Corredor Verde del Río Segura. To reach the Puente Tibetano del Solvente, follow the route from the right bank of the Río Segura via the El Solvente hydroelectric station, then take a narrow path alongside the Acequia Ojós-Ulea. These directions help distinguish the specific destinations without presenting them as a single route.
For a nearby cultural and historical detour, the area around Ojós includes the Yeseras de Ojós, along the Pila del Caballo path. Here you can see former open-cast gypsum quarries and factories, as well as several kilns, a warehouse and a circular grinding area. This site complements the heritage of sacred art and nativity scenes with traces of the area’s former gypsum industry.
When planning, it is worth keeping the relevant requirements in mind: museum activities require advance booking, you should check availability and visiting hours for the Noria, and the exact dates of the patron saint festivities may vary from year to year. This makes it easier to choose cultural events and excursions to suit your interests.
Discover more destinations: Alcantarilla, Fortuna, Mazarron, Inazares, Lo Pagán, El Espinardo, Sangonera la Verde, Puntas De Calnegre.
For the full travel overview: Murcia.
