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Castle of Caravaca de la Cruz
The Castle of Caravaca de la Cruz is a place worth visiting, as it has a fascinating history that is part of the ecclesiastical community.
On a hill, with an air of authority, this walled enclosure welcomes you with a magnificent pink marble doorway in the best Baroque style. From inside, you will have a panoramic view of the city of Caravaca de la Cruz.
Those who visit this place realize it is more of a sanctuary than a castle. Although they are two different realities, both form a captivating union of art and history.
The castle, now transformed into a sanctuary, has a Latin cross plan with three longitudinal naves. The main chapel has two sections separated by an entablature whose cornice houses a royal shield.
The Castle – Holy and True Cross of Caravaca complex was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.
Over the years, the castle has undergone transformations, currently leaving it with 15 towers and a breakwater. A particularity that must be noted its warlike character, which stands out in the width and length of the monument, although it was erected as a sacred centre.
Check the daily mass schedules so that you can observe the Holy Cross, which is displayed in the chapel to the right of the altar of the sanctuary. The architectural details are wonderful, but don't miss the opportunity to see the cross inside its glass safe surrounded by lights; it will invite you to enjoy peace and prayer in the Castle of Caravaca de la Cruz.
On a hill, with an air of authority, this walled enclosure welcomes you with a magnificent pink marble doorway in the best Baroque style. From inside, you will have a panoramic view of the city of Caravaca de la Cruz.
Those who visit this place realize it is more of a sanctuary than a castle. Although they are two different realities, both form a captivating union of art and history.
The castle, now transformed into a sanctuary, has a Latin cross plan with three longitudinal naves. The main chapel has two sections separated by an entablature whose cornice houses a royal shield.
The Castle – Holy and True Cross of Caravaca complex was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.
Location
The Castle of Caravaca de la Cruz, located at an altitude of 675 meters, is halfway between the Cazorla and Segura mountain ranges in the northwest part of the region of Murcia.In the middle of a visibly mountainous area and surrounded by the Argos and Quipar rivers, this site offers a historical experience for residents and tourists.
It can be accessed by car, and you can park in the same courtyard as the castle.
Depending on the date of your visit and what type of experience you want, you can also journey there on a tourist train.
It can be accessed by car, and you can park in the same courtyard as the castle.
Depending on the date of your visit and what type of experience you want, you can also journey there on a tourist train.
Origins
You might be surprised to learn that the castle's origins date back to the Islamic era. During the 12th and 13th centuries, the Arab al-Yacut pointed out the existence of a fortress in Caravaca, which was responsible for centralizing control of the area's fields and lands and defending the rural towns, their property and their livestock.Years later, this same building became the Templar Bailiwick, which included the towns of Cehegin and Bullas. When the Caravaca fields were transformed into a border space, the fortress became a defensive pillar of the military order in the kingdom of Murcia.
By 1344, the entire jurisdiction was part of the recognized Order of Saint James. At the beginning of the 19th century, it was fighting French troops during the War of Independence.
By 1344, the entire jurisdiction was part of the recognized Order of Saint James. At the beginning of the 19th century, it was fighting French troops during the War of Independence.
Guided visit
It is worth taking a guided tour to fully explore the area, This way, you can find spaces that you would not be able to visit otherwise.Check the daily mass schedules so that you can observe the Holy Cross, which is displayed in the chapel to the right of the altar of the sanctuary. The architectural details are wonderful, but don't miss the opportunity to see the cross inside its glass safe surrounded by lights; it will invite you to enjoy peace and prayer in the Castle of Caravaca de la Cruz.
Activities in the region of Murcia
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