In 2024, the Region of Murcia will be immersed in the celebration of its Jubilee Year of Caravaca de la Cruz. Without a doubt, this is an excellent opportunity to get to know one of the most interesting cities in the MURCIA province, very close to both the coast, and to well-known destinations such as La Manga del Mar Menor. Do you want to know more?
Popularly known as the Holy City, Caravaca de la Cruz has been a religious and cultural attraction since the Middle Ages. According to legend, it was here that the Moorish king Abu Zeid converted to Christianity in the year 1232 after contemplating two angels descending a cross from heaven, so that a priest who was imprisoned in the castle of the old kingdom, could teach the Holy Mass. In that same place, centuries later and in memory of that miracle, a spectacular sanctuary dedicated to the Holy Cross was built which continues to attract thousands of pilgrims and visitors every year.
Around that old castle, converted into a sanctuary, is where the city has grown and evolved over the centuries until it became the beautiful town it is today and which is well worth a visit. Or two!
For believers, a Jubilee Year is a time in which the Catholic Church grants some special indulgence or spiritual grace to all those believers who meet certain conditions.
In Caravaca de la Cruz, every seven years, the Jubilee Year is celebrated in memory of the miracle of the Holy Cross that descended from the heavens in the 13th century and led to the Christian conversion of the city.
Since then, devotion to the Caravaca Cross spread throughout the Christian world. So much so that there is even a belief that the Knights Templar deposited a relic of the True Cross of Christ in Caravaca for the veneration of the faithful.
In short, it is such a special devotion that since Pope John Paul II designated the year 1981 as the Jubilee Year for the 750th anniversary of the miracle, it has been renewed every seven years with a large influx of pilgrims.
The Jubilee, or plenary indulgence, is for believers, the forgiveness of sins before God and to achieve this, it is necessary to visit the Basilica of the Holy Cross, pray before the relic and participate in any liturgical celebration that takes place there.
However, if you cannot participate in a celebration in person, it is enough to pray for peace in the world and perform the sacraments in any other church a few days later.
Any time is good to visit Caravaca de la Cruz, especially in 2024 when the Jubilee Year is celebrated. But if you want to get to know its most authentic side, do not hesitate to go to its patron saint festivities dedicated, of course, to the Most Holy Vera Cruz and declared of International Tourist Interest by the Ministry of Tourism.
They take place from May 1st to the 5th, during these days of music and celebration the sumptuous Moors and Christians parades and the impressive Wine Horse races take place, well worth seeing. They will leave you speechless!
Below, you will find what things you should miss on your visit to Caravaca de la Cruz:
The Basilica is built on an old castle of Islamic origin. The current building dates back to the 17th century and stands out for its slenderness and artistic richness. Some of its most notable architectural landmarks are the slender walls dotted with up to fourteen towers or the main doorway of the Baroque style Basilica dating from the 18th century. The entire complex was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1944.
It is a beautiful set of springs located two kilometres from the town centre of Caravaca de la Cruz that give rise to several streams. A natural landscape of thick vegetation that is ideal for enjoying a walk-through nature.
It is the heart of the oldtown of Caravaca de la Cruz and has some of the most notable buildings in the town such as the Town Hall or the Church of El Salvador, both from the 18th century. Without a doubt, there is no better place to get to know the essence of the town and a great place to start from and explore its beautiful streets.
In a beautiful 18th century building is this exhibition, capable of taking the visitor to the Wine Horses celebration at any time of the year, delving into its roots and meaning. It has different rooms where some of the incredible costumes, worn by horses in the past, for this celebration, can be found. This has been declared an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO and which display these local handmade true works of art.
A little more than 10 minutes from the old town of Caravaca de la Cruz is a narrow gorge excavated by the Quípar River. Since Prehistoric times, this passage has served as a natural corridor between the Levante and Andalusia areas; and currently different archaeological sites and interesting caves have been located there.
Are you thinking about your next getaway to the Costa Calida? The Region of Murcia can boast such exceptional and well-known coastal areas, such as La Manga del Mar Menor, but many do not know that it also has cities full of history and beauty that are ideal for enjoying an excursion during your beach holiday. Choose your dates now to visit the Hotel Servigroup Galua, in the heart of La Manga, and start enjoying an unforgettable vacation now.
Do you want to know the most beautiful town in the province of Alicante? If you travel to Benidorm, you will have no excuse to miss it. And it is that less than half an hour from your hotel you can enjoy this little corner of unsurpassed beauty: Guadalest.
The picturesque old town full of attractive museums, a beautiful castle and a spectacular reservoir surrounded by unspoiled nature are just some of the reasons why it will steal your heart. An immense lake with turquoise waters ideal for walking and even taking a bath.
