Marco Topo in Yecla, Murcia

Discover Yecla by playing

Yecla offers an original and entertaining way to discover its historical, cultural and natural heritage with the interactive Marco Topo game. Designed for families, schools and educational tourism, the experience includes two routes with twelve stops each, exploring emblematic places through challenges, clues and interesting facts. It is an ideal way to learn through play while enjoying the surroundings. Urban Route: a journey through Yecla’s history and art The first route explores Yecla’s historic centre, discovering emblematic buildings, centuries-old traditions and key figures in local culture. It begins in Plaza Mayor, where the Renaissance Town Hall displays the coats of arms of Charles V and the town. The square also commemorates writer Azorín, closely linked to Yecla’s literary identity, and features a sculpture of an arquebusier, symbol of the patron-saint festivities. A few steps away, the Old Church or Parish Church of the Assumption reveals imposing Gothic-Renaissance architecture, while the Arch of the Catholic Monarchs recalls the royal visit of 1488. Nearby is a niche devoted to Saint Blaise, whose festival is celebrated with traditional sweets. The route continues through places such as the Hospitalico Chapel, linked to 18th-century social assistance, and the Archaeological Museum, where visitors learn about World Heritage rock art, Iberian sculpture and Roman busts such as that of Emperor Hadrian. Visitors also discover Yecla’s more recent past at places such as the former Casino Primitivo, now the public library, and admire architectural landmarks such as the Basilica of La Purísima, with its great blue dome and a sculpture by Salzillo. The route also highlights the Concha Segura Theatre, an important local cultural venue, and green spaces such as Parque de la Constitución, where history and nature meet. Other stops include the Church of San Francisco, the Chapel of San Roque, the oldest in the town, and the Church of El Niño opposite the former hospital and care home. Every stop offers an educational challenge that helps visitors discover Yecla’s richness while having fun. Blue Trail Route: nature, sustainability and heritage The second route, known as the Blue Trail, explores the natural and rural surroundings of Yecla while combining environmental education with cultural and festive heritage. It begins at the Bioclimatic Building, an example of sustainable architecture that reuses rainwater and makes use of natural energy. From there, La Molineta viewpoint offers a panoramic view over the town and surrounding mountains. The route follows the Yecla Valora Blue Trail, an accessible path of almost four kilometres along wooden walkways and natural tracks that encourages respect for the environment. One important stop is Paso de la Bandera, a traditional setting for the patron-saint festivities during the emotional Descent of the Virgin. Old paths such as El Ahorro recall routes once used as shortcuts towards the castle, now crowned by the Castle Sanctuary, a 19th-century church built over the remains of the Muslim fortress Hisn Yakka and home to the Virgin of the Castle, patron saint of Yecla. Beside the sanctuary, the Marian Museum displays clothing, symbols and ceremonial weapons from the festivities, including the arquebus used by the arquebusiers. The route also reveals archaeological remains of Hisn Yakka and its medina, together with environmentally interesting areas such as the Northern Trails access point, where visitors learn about native plants and invasive species. It ends at the Ecclesiastical Cemetery, with a focus on cultural landscape and a panel encouraging final reflection. The Marco Topo game in Yecla transforms a tourist visit into an interactive educational adventure. Ideal for families with children, schools and cultural groups, it helps visitors discover local heritage in a fun and participatory way while encouraging respect for history and the natural environment. With this treasure hunt, Yecla becomes an excellent destination for family and educational tourism, where learning becomes part of the journey.