Restoration project presented in the Old Church in Yecla
The 500-year-old building in the heart of Yecla is to be refurbished and put to public use
At the end of September members of the public were welcomed inside the Iglesia Vieja of Yecla to admire the original interior of the church for the last time, and progress is now being made in the efforts to restore the building and make it available to the local community with a different use in the future.
This Gothic/Renaissance-style building, which is located between the Town hall and the Santuario del Castillo in the higher part of Yecla, is known as the Iglesia del Salvador or the Iglesia de la Asunción, but it has been referred to as the Iglesia Vieja since the completion of the Basílica de la Purísima (the Iglesia Nueva, or new church) in 1868.
In line with the principles of sustainable tourism it is envisaged that part of the building will become a visitors’ centre, providing a fitting welcome to those exploring this part of northern Murcia for the first time. But such diverse aspects as architecture, art and music are all being taken into account to ensure that the adaptations made are both tactful and respectful towards the building’s 500-year history.
In charge of the artistic side is local artist Lidó Rico, who will oversee the replacement of the 16th-century altarpiece which was burnt on 16th March 1936, in the early days of the Spanish Civil War. At the same time, composer Diego Corraliza is working on music which will accompany visitors, evoking the strong musical traditions of Yecla.
Visiting information is available from the tourist office of Yecla (email turismo@yecla.es) or, for more local events, news and visiting information in English, 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
