Caravaca: The town in Spain expertly marrying historic conservation with modern needs
A new plan for the historic centre will help Caravaca de la Cruz seamlessly blend tradition with innovation
Caravaca de la Cruz is redefining the way tradition and modern-day living coexist with a major overhaul of the outdated Special Plan for the Interior Reform and Protection of the Historic Centre (PERID). The town council has joined forces with the Polytechnic University of Cartagena in a groundbreaking initiative that will breathe new life into the town's historic heart while preserving its rich cultural heritage.
At the forefront of this innovative project is the town's commitment to balancing preservation with progress.
“The current PERID, which was approved over 35 years ago, is outdated, which is why it is very necessary to have an update of the standard, adapted to the reality of today's life,” Mayor José Francisco García emphasised, adding that the collaboration will create a technical roadmap that reconciles the needs of a modern town with the conservation of heritage.
Caravaca's dedication to heritage conservation is nothing new. The town has a proven track record of successfully blending tradition with innovation, something that’s been showcased in recent projects such as the transformation of the central 'Europán' block into a vibrant green area, the renovation of the San Sebastián church and the restoration of the Caravaca Castle and its surroundings in the Medieval Quarter.
These initiatives have not only enhanced the town's cultural landscape but also improved the quality of life for its residents.
As a preliminary step to drafting the new PERID, the Caravaca Town Council and the Polytechnic University of Cartagena have already worked together to develop the Strategic Plan for the Historic Centre, which, in addition to a detailed study of the current situation, includes proposals for action to revitalise it and enhance the value of public spaces.
The current plan dates back to 1989 and was one of the first to be implemented in the Region of Murcia. The new PERID will renew and adapt regulations, planning and the cataloguing of buildings, all crucial aspects of revitalising and protecting the historic centre's high historical value.
With a scope that covers an area of approximately 364,895 square metres, this initiative plan has the potential to make a lasting impact on the town's cultural and economic landscape.
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Address
Calle De Las Monjas, 19, 30400 CARAVACA DE LA CRUZTel: 968 702424 / 968 701003
Oficina de Turismo de Caravaca de la Cruz
More information about the places of interest which can be visited in the municipality of Caravaca de la Cruz, along with what's on and local news can be found in the Caravaca Today.
Caravaca de la Cruz, in the north-west of the Region of Murcia, is one of only 5 Holy Cities in the Roman Catholic world, a centre of pilgrimage, along with Rome, Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela and Santo Toribio de Liebana, and is home to the Cross of Caravaca, the Vera Cruz.
The status of Holy City was bestowed by Pope John Paul II in 1998, granting the City a Permanent Jubilee year every 7 years for perpetuity, the first one held in 2003 and the next in 2024.
The strategic and natural advantages of Caravaca de la Cruz have attracted the attention of settlers for more than 800,000 years, the Cueva Negra yielding remains of Homo Heidelbergensis, forbears of the Neanderthals and the municipality also houses important archaeological remains from the Argaric, Iberian and Roman cultures. many of these can be seen in the Municipal Archaeological Museum.
As a border town caught between the Catholic forces of Castille and the last remaining Moorish stronghold in Spain, Granada, Caravaca had a turbulent medieval history, but it was during this period that the legend of the Cross of Caravaca was born, bringing the religious orders which shaped the structure of Caravaca today, with its impressive hilltop castle and eclectic collection of churches and monasteries, religious tourism today being a backbone of the town´s economy.
Caravaca de la Cruz is a municipality with important natural resources, including extensive forests, part of which have protected status due to their wealth of flora and fauna, and due to the abundant water supplies is also a major area for canned fruit production, apricots in particular being an important crop.
Caravaca is renown for its important May Fiestas, held in honour of the Vera Cruz, which also incorporate the Moors and Christians celebrations and the Running of the Wine Horses.
Caravaca de la Cruz is also the home of Europe´s largest collection of ethnic instruments at Barranda, the Museo de Música Étnica Barranda and is the location of the Barranda festival de Cuadrillas, which celebrates the Region's ethnic music traditions.
The municipality is home to around 26,000 inhabitants and sahres boundaries with Moratalla, Cehegín, Lorca, Puebla de Don Fadrique in the province of Granada and Vélez-Blanco in the province of Almería.
Opening times:
Weekdays: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.30
Saturdays: 10.30 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.30
Sundays and public holidays: 10.30 to 14.00
Click for map, Caravaca de la Cruz Tourist Office
