April 25 to May 25 Exhibition of work by artist Fernando Carpena in Yecla
The centenary of Fernando Carpena Puche’s birth in Yecla is celebrated at the church of San Francisco
This slightly belated centenary exhibition of the work of artist Fernando Carpena Puche, who was born in Yecla on 23rd April 1924 (International Book Day), is being held at the church fo San Francisco in his home town from Friday April 25 until May 25.
Carpena Puche showed an early interest in art and his parents engaged the services of local painter Amelio Quiles Berenguer to help him develop his talent. The family soon moved to Madrid, where young Fernando worked as a chauffer and found an entry into the capital’s more elite social and cultural circles before being accepted by the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando.
When the family returned to Yecla he was obliged to help out in the family fishmonger’s, but after the death of his father he returned to art in the 19490s. He remained creatively productive until the end of the dictatorship in 1975, his output including dozens of paintings and a host of drawings, sketches, notes and other fascinating items, leading to his being acknowledged as one of Yecla’s finest painters of the 20th century.
The exhibition at the church of San Francisco can be seen every day of the week apart from Mondays between 19.00 and 21.00.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Address
Plaza Mayor, Casa de los Arcos, s/n 30510 YECLATel: 968 754 104
Oficina de Turismo de Yecla
In early 2025, due to renovation work at the usual office, the service is located on the other side of the Plaza Mayor at Calle Epifanio Ibáñez nº 2 (click for map).
Yecla is a large municipality in the north of the Region of Murcia, home to just under 35,000 people, and these days is best known for its wines, which enjoy Denomination of Origin status, and its furniture production, which has its origins in the abundance of pine trees on the mountainsides and the high plateaux.
While visitors in the 21st century may be attracted primarily by wine tourism, the town (or city, as it was proclaimed in 1878) also has a wide historical, cultural and natural heritage, and an identity quite different from the coastal areas of the Region of Murcia. For this reason it is often grouped together with its neighbour and fellow wine-producing area Jumilla as part of the Altiplano area.
Yecla borders with Castilla-La Mancha and the Region of Valencia and is closer to Alicante coastal areas than much of Murcia. These visitors come to see the historic old town itself - an atmospheric and interesting place, crammed full of history - the natural beauty of Monte Arabí, with stunning views for those who enjoy the outdoors, the gastonomy and of course the wine route.
Yecla boasts cave paintings from 10,000 years ago in Monte Arabí, a Bronze Age settlement at El Arabilejo, Iberian remains in El Pulpillo and a Roman administrative centre at Los Torrejones as well as the remnants of the 11th century Moorish castle on the hill behind the town. More modern (and complete) testimony to the past are the buildings in the town centre, which include the grandiose Basílica de la Purísima, with its striking blue dome, the archaeological museum and the attractive Plaza Mayor, where the 16th century Town Hall stands alongside the Renaissance Casa de los Alarcos, the clock tower and the old grain store.
The tourist office holds a full selection of leaflets, maps, pre-planned routes, accommodation and restaurant options and information about visiting Yecla for both individuals and groups.
There is parking close to the tourist office, although those driving to Yecla for the first time are advised to park in Calle Perales.
For further information go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday 8.00 to 15.00
Saturdays 10.30 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.30.
Public holidays 10.30 to 14.00
Click for map, Yecla tourist office
