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Date Published: 01/12/2023

17th century cloisters of Santo Domingo in Lorca reopened to the public

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Another stop for sightseers on tours of the historic city centre of Lorca

17th century cloisters of Santo Domingo in Lorca reopened to the public After a total expenditure of almost half a million euros the old cloisters of the church of Santo Domingo in Lorca are now another visitable monument in the historic city centre of Lorca, restored at last after the devastating earthquakes which struck Lorca in May 2011.

The restoration work on the religious complex of Santo Domingo has now been completed allowing the recovery of three separate building areas, the cloisters, the church and the chapel of what used to be a Dominican monastery.

The cloisters of Santo Domingo have a long history, having been designed by Pedro Milanés as long ago as 1646, and the stonework has now been treated to avoid further deterioration in the future. Their reconstruction represents a considerable achievement after 560 pieces were collected from the earthquake rubble in 2011, but fortunately the foundations were located below ground level and it has been possible to reconstruct the magnificent structure.

Traditional methods have been used throughout the restoration, according to the works foreman Teo Campoy Martínez, who highlights the use of hydraulic limestone and other materials which were in common use in the 17^th century. However, the cloisters will be illuminated by rather more modern methods than those used at the time of their construction, allowing the building to become another stop on sightseeing tours both by day and at night.

For more local events, news and visiting information please go to the home page of Lorca Today.

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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, Plaza de España, the former Collegiate church of San Patricio, the municipal archaeological museum, the Casa Huerto Ruano, the Palacio de Guevara and the churches and convents of San Francisco, San Mateo, the Virgen de las Huertas, La Merced, El Carmen and many others.

Unfortunately, Lorca has been prone to natural disaster, suffering a severe flood in 1973 which killed 50 people, and a Gota Fría on September 28^th 2012, as well as a series of earthquakes, the most recent of which was 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11^th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives.

Lorca Tourist Office Lorca also has an area of unspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Cala Calnegre and various others. Although only one is accessible by road others can be reached along dirt tracks!

In terms of fiestas, Lorca is synonymous with Easter (Semana Santa), its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status being famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azul) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.

In the Autumn Lorca also celebrates the Fiestas of San Clemente and a Feria and there are a series of important events throughout the year in the Recinto Ferial, as well as a busy cultural and sporting programme.

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 Tourist Office Lorca also has an area of inspoilt 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!

Lorca Tourist Office 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.