Caravaca De La Cruz, Famous For Its Spirituality And Beauty

Caravaca de la Cruz, located in Murcia, is a well-known city despite not being very big. The reason for its fame is that in 1998 the Pope declared it a Holy City, so it can celebrate the Jubilee Year every 7 years, in its case, around the Santísima and Vera Cruz de Caravaca.

Caravaca de la Cruz , what you cannot miss

We want to get closer to this town so that you know it more thoroughly and that you know what you should not miss on your next visit. Are you coming with us?

1. Sanctuary of the Vera Cruz

As a holy city that it is (and there are only five in the world), you cannot leave it without seeing its sanctuary. Legend has it that the Moorish king Abu Zeid saw how two angels came down with a cross to offer it to a priest who was in prison. After that, the king converted to Christianity.

That fortress is on top of a hill in the town.  Alfonso X reconquered it and later it passed into the hands of Berenguer, then to the Order of the Temple and, finally, to that of Santiago thanks to an Alfonso XI donation.

It was in the seventeenth century when the sanctuary, one of the most famous and beautiful in the country, was built there. It has a spectacular baroque façade that will take your breath away.

2. The town

The old area of ​​the city was declared a Historic-Artistic Site and is within a walled enclosure where you can see buildings of interest, as well as the Sanctuary of Vera Cruz.

The Plaza del Arco is the main square of the town and where the great events and festivals take place, such as the feast of the Santísima and Vera Cruz or the day of the Music Bands. In another square, that of San Juan de la Cruz, you can sit quietly on one of its terraces and contemplate magnificent views.

3. The Sources of the Marquis

Despite its name, don’t expect sculptures or something man-made. It is a wonderful natural enclave that transmits peace and relaxation thanks to the sound of its waters and the explosive mix of colors, especially in autumn and spring.

An idyllic place to walk, take refuge in the shade of a tree and even dip your feet in its waters. You can take photos of scandal and enjoy a few minutes of total calm. In the Torreón de los Templarios is the interpretation center.

4. Museums of Caravaca de la Cruz

Caravaca de la Cruz has history and many traditions. Some of them can be seen in the Museum of the Knights of Wine. Costumes, utensils, weapons and more await you in this magnificent museum, where you can learn more about the city considered the fifth most important Christian pilgrimage site in the world.

You can also visit the La Soledad Archaeological Museum. In it, an infinity of pieces found in different sites in the town are exhibited.

Finally, we mention the Museum of Ethnic Music, where you can see a great variety of musical instruments. They come from more than 145 countries in the world. You will be able to listen to them, know their history and know how they are played. The museum staff can explain everything you need about them.

6. Strait of the Caves of the Incarnation

For nature lovers there are the Caves of the Incarnation, a miracle of nature located in a heart-stopping gorge. In the area there are several archaeological sites, but it is a suitable place for tourists. Of course, going through the strait is mandatory with a guide and with all the required security measures.

If you like history, natural corners and you want to know and enjoy an emblematic place, Caravaca de la Cruz should be your destination.