November 23 Free guided tour of 16th century architecture in Yecla
Discover the historical heritage of Yecla at the Town Hall and the church of El Hospitalico
The town of Yecla in northern Murcia has a long and fascinating history dating right back to prehistoric times, and this guided visit in the centre of town focuses on some of the most important buildings which remain from the prosperous times of the 16th century, when Christian rule was consolidated in Spain after centuries of Moorish dominance.
The main Town Hall building in Yecla is in the Plaza Mayor, the main square of the old town, and dates from the first half of the 16th century. The stone façade is punctuated by two wide arches on Tuscan columns, between which is the imperial coat of arms of Carlos V (1516-56), including the two-headed eagle.
Meanwhile, the church of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, also known as the Iglesia del Hospitalico, is located in Calle Hospital in Yecla and owes its name to the fact that it adjoins the building which, in the 16th century, was the old Hospital de Caridad, as recorded in the documents which were compiled on the orders of King Felipe II in 1575. It was built in the typical Murcia baroque style with three naves separated by semi-pointed arches and a semi-spherical dome.
The visit on Sunday November 23 begins at 10.30 at the Iglesia del Hospitalico and lasts approximately 2 hours.
The route is entirely free of charge but prior registration is required and is available online here.
If visiting Yecla don’t forget to make sure one of your first ports of call is the tourist office (Plaza Mayor, 1, telephone 968 754104, email turismo@yecla.es).
For more local events, news 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
