Patrimonio geológico y minero y usos tradicionales de la geodiversidad. Las canteras romanas de los Baños de Fortuna (Murcia) / Geological and mining heritage and traditional uses of the geodiversity. Roman quarry of Baños de Fortuna (Murcia) (original) (raw)

2021, El Patrimonio Geológico y Minero como Instrumentos de Desarrollo Territorial, Madrid

The quarries of the Sierra del Baño are located on the southeast slope of said mountain range, specifically to the west of the fortified hamlet of Los Baños and next to an important Roman archaeological complex of the I-II centuries A.D., formed by a lodge and a building monumental or sanctuary that includes a hot spring. The quarries are located in rocks of the deltaic, coastal and reef geological context of the north of the neogenous basin of Fortuna, of Tortonian age. The quarries of the Baños de Fortuna are a geological zone of international importance because they belong to one of the best examples of coral reefs in the Mediterranean Neogene due to the quality of their outcrops and dimensions, called Cabezo del Desastre-Cerro Agudico. But in addition, next to the quarries of the Baths of Fortuna there are other archaeological values of great importance, such as those of the building of the Roman thermal baths and the Iberian necropolis of Castillejo. Unfortunately, despite the fact that this archaeological environment has a great scientific, educational and tourist interest, since it is next to the resort of Leana, all its sites, including quarries, are abandoned, without fencing and without musealization. Given all these reasons, we recommend the conservation, study and enhancement of the geological and historical heritage of this region, as economical and cultural profit would be obtained by the inhabitants of this unique area in Región de Murcia.