Caravaca de la Cruz

One of the main features is the castle that rises up above Caravaca’s urban layout. It is of Muslim origin, was extended in the 15th century by the Patronage of the Templars and later belonged to the Order of Saint James. Its 14 fortified towers are there to safeguard the shrine of the Santísima Vera Cruz which was built in its centre in the 17th century. The façade, which was built a century later, is Baroque style. The site is a Historic-Artistic Monument and it houses the Museum of Sacred Art and History.One of the religious constructions considered a crowning work of the Murcian Renaissance is found in Caravaca. It is the church of El Salvador, which has been declared an Historic-Artistic Monument. The cultural tour is completed by the church of Soledad, which today is the Archaeological Museum; the Carmelitas Convent, founded by Saint John of the Cross; and the Purísima Concepción, which was built in the 16th century on the site of the ancient Cofradía Hospitalaria de San Juan de Letrán Church. Of Renaissance origin, within its interior there are beautiful Mudejar cofferings and Baroque altar pieces.Caravaca de la Cruz is also the fifth city in which a Holy Year (Jubilee Year) of the Catholic religion can be celebrated, along with Santiago de Compostela, Santo Toribio de Liébana, Rome and Jerusalem. In this regard, in this town Holy Year is celebrated every seven years and one can achieve jubilee, plenary, solemn and universal indulgence. The next Holy Year is 2024.

Fiestas

The Santísima Vera Cruz festivities take place between 1 and 5 May. The two main highlights are the colourful Caballos del Vino and Moors and Christians parades. On the third Sunday of each month, between October and June, there is a Pilgrims' Market selling typical products and crafts.