Date Published: 12/09/2025

Restoration work ready to start at the old church of San Juan in Lorca

The church is one of the oldest in Lorca and dates from the 15^th century

Restoration work ready to start at the old church of San Juan in Lorca Following the awarding of the works contract, all is now ready for the restoration of the church of San Juan in Lorca to begin, this being one of the last monuments in the city to still be awaiting repairs following the catastrophic earthquakes of May 2011.

In the upper quarter of Lorca this is the last old church still awaiting restoration, and after the contract was awarded on 22^nd July for around 1.8 million euros it is anticipated that the start of work is now imminent. This had become a matter of urgency following the damage done by the torrential storms of February and March 2025, exacerbating damage done by the 2011 earthquakes and many decades of neglect.

Despite the sorry state of the building, it is still believed possible to save the dome and the bell tower and replace the central vaulted ceiling before restoring some of the magnificent decoration of the interior. When this is complete it is anticipated that the building will be used for cultural purposes, making the most of its panoramic views over the city below.

The church dates from as long ago as the 15^th century although it underwent considerable rebuilding in the 17^th, after another major earthquake hit Lorca in 1647. In its early days it housed city council meetings and also served as a watchtower until the late 18^th century, when the tower was adapted to house a bell.

For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist office in the Plaza de España (telephone 968 441914) go to the home page of Lorca Today.

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Plaza de Espana, 30800 Lorca

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Oficina de Turismo de Lorca

Lorca Tourist Office

The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites, and historic buildings, around which the modern City has built its tourism industry. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, the Jewish Quarter of the castle and Synagogue, Lorca Tourist Office Plaza de España, Colegiata de San Patricio, Museo de Arqueologico Municipal, Iglesia de San Francisco, Casa Huerto Ruano, Palacio de Guevara, Iglesia de San Mateo, Pósito de los Panaderos, Convento Virgen de las Huertas, Antiguo Convento de la Merced, Iglesia del Carmen and the Teatro Guerra.

Unfortunately Lorca has also been prone to natural disaster, suffering a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as an earthquake which measured 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives. Since this earthquake the city has been rebuilding, winning recognition for its Lorca, Open for Restoration initiative, which used the restoration of the city as a tourist attraction whilst it rebuilt its historical buildings, some of which are currently still not open.

Lorca Tourist Office The tourist office itself has temporarily relocated until the renovations are completed and is on Calle San Patricio near the church.

Lorca also has an area of coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of, Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San Lorca Tourist Office Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only through agricultural exploitations.

However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a Lorca Tourist Office series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.