We went on a trip for a few days to visit the town of Requena in eastern Spain. It is located on the left bank of the river Magro. The town has a long history and at one time was used as a Moorish fortress. The moors occupied Spain for around 800 years, from 711 to 1492. 

Part of the fortress in Requena Spain

Requena is dominated by the ancient citadel of the Moors, and still has traces of the original town walls.

Church front of Arciprestal Del Salvador in Requena
The Iglesia Arciprestal del Salvador is Renaissance-style, Roman Catholic church. It was erected in the 15th century.

We walked and explored some of the streets of the older section of Requena. 

One of the narrow streets in Requena
A narrow street in Requena

Another interesting fact about Requena is the existence of a labyrinth of caves located underneath the streets. Between the 12th and 13th centuries during the Muslim period, caves were excavated and used for storage and protection. 

One of the gated and locked entrances into the labyrinth of caves under the old quarter of Requena.

There are 22 caves that can still be found in Requena today. Many homes in Requena’s old quarter have a cave as part of the house. Thanks to geology, it was possible to easily excavate the subsoil which was done by the moors.

Entrance into the Historic Murviedro bodega.

We had the opportunity to visit the Murviedro’s Historic Winery located in the old quarter of Requena.

Entering into the cave system under Requena

Through part of the tour we explored some of the ancient caves under the city.

Ancient containers used for wine storage

It was like going back in time and experiencing the sensation of a different era. The bodega kept some of the original wine containers and in the original condition. 

 

Original clay cast for storage of olive oil or wine.

After exploring the caves of the winery we were able to enjoy a fantastic wine tasting of their different wines.

Overall It was a great experience and provided us with a snapshot of ancient times through the caves of Requena.

We finished our day by walking along the small alleys that led to the edge of the city, where we admired the stunning sunset.

A very enjoyable and memorable trip to Requena Spain.

“En la variedad está el gusto”