El Palmar, the town in Murcia where Carlos Alcaraz was born

The Region of Murcia Not only does it boast wonderful natural landscapes, but it has also given us true champions. Carlos Alcaraz, who is the talk of the town after winning his fifth Grand Slam by beating Jannik Sinner in the Roland Garros final , was born in the small town of El Palmar in Murcia, a hamlet of more than 20,000 inhabitants. With his triumphs, the tennis player has managed to put the area where he was born, raised, and achieved success on the map.

A growing hamlet

El Palmar covers an area of ​​just over 26 square kilometers and has experienced population growth in recent centuries. In 1587, there were only 30 registered residents, but this number expanded to 5,000 by 1809.

Finally, in 1854, it was considered a district of the municipality of Murcia, but it wasn't until 1900 that it began a new period of growth following the construction of the Bernal Theater and its hosting of major events. By 2000, the population had reached nearly 16,000, and today, that figure has risen to 24,000.

What can you see in El Palmar?

Although it is a hamlet very close to the city of Murcia, it is not necessary to travel to the capital to enjoy a beautiful historical heritage , as there are many things to see in this town. The Castillo de la Asomada, also known as Castillo del Morrón or del Puerto de la Cadena, is a structure that rises 530 meters above sea level. It is a Moorish fortress built in the 12th century and declared a Site of Cultural Interest.

On the other hand, the Portazgo Castle is a group of Andalusian fortifications located in Puerto de la Cadena, made up of two structures: the lower and upper portazgo. They are also on the list of infrastructures declared a Site of Cultural Interest. We'll also find the parish church of La Purísima, whose origins date back to the 17th century with a Baroque-style construction built in honor of the Immaculate Conception. Its festival is celebrated in the town every December 8th.

How to get to El Palmar from Madrid?

To get to the town of Carlos Alcaraz from the capital of Spain, you have two options: by car, covering 409 kilometers in approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes , or by combining train and bus, taking around 4 hours.