The
Alcantarilla Waterwheel, located in the main Alquibla irrigation ditch (
Alcantarilla), was built and commissioned in the 15
th century by the
Cartagena Church Dean. The waterwheel was made entirely of wood until 1890, when a larger waterwheel was built using metallic materials.
The modern waterwheel, used to distribute water to the highest areas of Alcantarilla and the Turbedal irrigation ditch, has a diameter of 11 meters, a height of 8 meters and a water distribution capacity that is twofold that of the former one.
The waterwheel was categorized as a Site of Cultural Interest on July 30, 1982.