Orography

Paraje del Palo

Paraje del Palo was of great social and cultural importance in the second third of the 20th century. It is believed that its name comes from an old bridge that may have existed in this area at the time when it functioned as a partition for the hydraulic regulation of the water channelled to Albacete by the Canal de María Cristina.

To get here, it is necessary to walk about three and a half kilometres from the Parque de la Fiesta del Árbol, going in the opposite direction to the flow of the Canal de Maria Cristina.

It currently has a recreational area with drinking water provided where it is very common to find the residents of Albacete doing some kind of outdoor sport. Until the middle of the 20th century it was a meeting place for the less wealthy residents of Albacete, being one of the most loved spots by the citizens of the capital, who have gone there, especially in the summer months, to bathe, have a snack and rest in the shade provided by the elm and poplar trees in the area.

Visual evidence of this unique spot has been preserved, showing idyllic scenes of the locals enjoying a rich natural environment far from pollution. The stagnant water in this area was also used to irrigate the city's agricultural belt. With the drying up of the area's surface waters, its decline began. Today the place is almost unrecognisable, as this wetland area is now dried up and water is only present after heavy rainfall.

Despite this, it has been completely restored and prepared for the enjoyment and relaxation of hikers and cyclists.