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Restoration work continues at the church of San Juan in Lorca
1.8 million euros to re-open the church to the public 90 years after its closure
Work continues in Lorca to restore and re-purpose the historic church of San Juan, which stands at one of the highest points in the current city on the lower slopes of the castle hill, in what Mayor Fulgencio Gil refers to as “paying off a historical debt” to the building, which was taken out of use for religious services in 1936, at the start of the Civil War.
The intention now is to convert the old church and make it a venue for social and cultural activities, and the investment is estimated to be 1.8 million euros. However, it is worth the financial effort, according to a Town Hall press release, as can be seen in the successful restoration of the old church of Santa María, which is now home to the CiuFRONT medieval museum, and a similar project at the church of San Pedro.
The church of San Juan dates from as long ago as the 15th century although it underwent considerable rebuilding in the 17th, after another major earthquake hit Lorca in 1647. Only the cylindrical tower remains of the original structure, and in 1694 a baroque altar screen was added by Manuel Caro, with gold leaf added six years later.
In its early days it housed city council meetings and also served as a watchtower until the late 18th century, when the tower was adapted to house a bell.
Image: Imran Abbas Google Maps
For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist office at the Palacio de Guevara (telephone 968 441914) or go to the home page of Lorca Today.
Address
Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, LorcaTel: 968 441914
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
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. Among these are Lorca Castle, the Jewish quarter of the castle and synagogue, 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 two earthquakes measuring 5.3 and 5.5 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011, claiming 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.
The tourist office relocated for 14 years to Calle San Patricio, near the church, but has now returned to its former premises alongside the Palacio de Guevara in the Plaza Concha Sandoval, or Plaza de la Bordadora (click for map).
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 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 along difficult tracks or by boat!
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 series of processions 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.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca tourist office:
Every day of the year apart from 1st and 6th January and 25th December, 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30 (except Sunday afternoons).
These opening times are often extended and other information points created during the Semana Santa celebrations.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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