Originally Islamic, the building has been remodelled many times. Inside it holds a cross thought to be miraculous, the Santísima Vera Cruz de Caravaca.

The Basilica of Vera Cruz consists of two clearly differentiated parts: the walls and the sanctuary. Despite its Islamic origins, the monument has undergone many changes. Nowadays, 14 different shaped-and-sized fortified towers are spread along the wall. The fortress belonged first to the Order of the Temple, and later to the Order of Santiago, a Spanish Christian military order. Moreover, the castle was used for military purposes during the Spanish Succession War and the Peninsular War.

The Holy True Cross Sanctuary was built in the heart of the old fortress in the 17th century. Then, in the 18th century, its magnificent baroque façade was annexed to the sanctuary. The church has a Latin-Cross plan, a continuous gallery over the lateral naves, and also a dome over the transept. Recently, the Holy True Cross Museum has been reopened in the sanctuary rooms.

Website: https://www.lacruzdecaravaca.com/real-basilica-de-la-vera-cruz/

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4jCKzJRi2PvwLrWW6

The historical importance of Caravaca de la Cruz is absolutely evident.

Pope John Paul II, in 1988, granted the town the celebration of the Permanent Jubilee Year "in perpetuum", something that only five cities in the world have: Jerusalem, Rome, Santiago de Compostela, Santo Toribio de Liébana and, of course, Caravaca de la Cruz.

That first holy year was celebrated in 2003 and is celebrated every 7 years. 2024 was a Jubilee year and many special events took place over the year. The next Jubilee year will be in 2031.

In the Castle of Caravaca de la Cruz we highlight the so-called Cuesta del Castillo formed by stone slabs, it takes us to the entrance of the Castle, where you can see the famous Wine Horses running in May. In fact, before reaching this fortification we find the statue of the Horse by Rafael Pi with two people in front holding the reins and another two behind holding the decorated cloak.

As soon as we enter the Plaza del Castillo we find the Chacona Tower, so called because it was rebuilt by Juan Chacón in the 15th century. However, what stands out the most about the façade is the main door of the church facing west and remodelled during the seventeenth century. Photos are not allowed inside.

The Castle was declared a National Historic Landmark on March 18, 1944

The Basilica Shrine of Vera Cruz is within the castle grounds.

Caravaca de la Cruz, a Holy City, full of miracles and also of legends. One of these miracles has become a destination for pilgrims from all over the world, namely the place where two angels are said to have brought the "lignum crucis" to the sanctuary, and which today is still home to one of the splinters of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.

Located between Murcia and Granada, Caravaca de la Cruz is also a city of great historical events, with one of the most significant being the construction of the most important monument in the north-west of Murcia: the Santuario de la Vera Cruz.

There are 8 different recognised pilgrimage routes, Caminos, where the final destination is Caravaca de la Cruz.

Full information on pilgrimage to Caravaca de la Cruz can be found at https://www.peregrinosacaravaca.com/

The old town of Caravaca de la Cruz was declared a Historic-Artistic Site. The route runs over the “Cerro del Castillo”. It is the oldest neighbourhood in Caravaca de la Cruz, formed between the 12th and 13th centuries.

The medieval neighbourhood has an irregular layout, with narrow and steep streets that intersect, as well as squares and dead ends. It is still possible to see remains of the old wall that surrounded the neighbourhood.

 The tour of the neighbourhood is worth doing without haste, so that one can pay attention to the details of the old facades and the surprises that each of its corners shows

In the Museum of the Festival of Caravaca de la Cruz the visitor can discover the Festivities of the Vera Cruz in May. In a sixteenth-century building, a museographic project has been developed that is accessible to all audiences, and specially adapted to blind people.

On the first floor, the origin of the Vera Cruz is revealed, and a chronological tour of the five days of the festival is made. The ground floor is dedicated to the festival of the Wine Horses. Finally, the basement has a series of interactive modules that make visitors participate in the festivities.

Open Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/munR4qGe8UWfyv679

This space dedicated to the Caballos del Vino (Wine Horses) is located in the old house of the family Muso Muñoz Melgarejo, from the 18th century, which has been totally restored. It is a journey through its origins until the present, where all aspects of the festivity are represented: the bareback horses, the design, embroidery and piece of harnessing, the Race...

The aim is to proudly transmit and spread, through several rooms and audio-visuals, the roots and the present situation of a celebration that is currently a Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bJVTHv3Q4SJdWKwW7

The Archaeological Museum is a first-rate cultural centre. The cultural building sits on what was once a church built on the site of the primitive parish of El Salvador, which from the end of the seventeenth century became part of the mayorazgo of the Muñoz family, falling during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, to the counts of Clavijo and marquises of Salar as a result of marriage alliances and inheritance partitions.

The Archaeological Museum contains pieces resulting from the numerous discoveries made in the excavations carried out in various archaeological sites, especially those carried out in the Iberian-Roman complex of La Encarnación.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ko6rVkyULCn9cC2k6

The Blanco Fadol Collection at the Ethnic Music Museum in Caravaca de la Cruz, Spain, is an impressive collection of traditional instruments, recordings, and artifacts from around the world. The collection was started in the late 1970s by the late Juan Blanco Fadol, a passionate collector of ethnic music and instruments.

The collection comprises musical instruments from 145 countries representing cultures from throughout the world, and was been growing since the 1970s. The museum is set in an old flour mill and has a hanging auditorium and stage.

Google Maps Link: 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zJkm6okcpF8zU1yu8

The museum houses a selection of 90 works donated by the famous sculptor from Caravaca de la Cruz, José Carrilero. In the exhibition you can admire a representative sample of his art, including sketches and figurative proposals that gave rise to his magnificent sculptures. In addition, another collection presents Carrilero's sculptural work in bronze and sculpted and engraved medals.

At the entrance to the museum there is a full-scale musical trio that astonishes with its artistic quality even before entering the exhibition.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3TMA846QEtjHko4C7

A charming spot located a little more than two kilometres from the inner city of Caravaca, one of the prettiest spots in the region awaits you, the Fuentes del Marqués.

Here you will find natural springs of pure water, lots of wildlife and an undeniable charm to help you unwind. There is also an old Torreón Templario which according to legends served as an outpost to defend against the Muslims in the Middle Ages, and which now houses the Centro de Interpretación de la Naturaleza.

Website: https://lasfuentesdelmarques.com/

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UASN774eEFF4zLD47

The Casón De Los Reyes, a restaurant and tapas house, was inaugurated in 2008 at the main entrance to the city of Caravaca de la Cruz.

It is a rustic-style restaurant and has 2 areas: a large bar and a lounge where you can enjoy a variety of tapas or an excellent à la carte meal in the dining room. It offers a wide variety of pinchos, tapas, meat and fish, but its star dishes are the scrambled eggs with ham and eels, the oxtail and the torrijas del casón for dessert.

Tel: 968 72 22 47

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VUCy5rfyNuMJBNCH8

Felymar Gastroteca in Caravaca is located in the town's Plaza de Abastos, where it shares a location with some other restaurants.

They offer a menu with quality tapas that is a sensational option in the area.

Tel: 
666 06 56 97

Website: 
https://restaurantesfelymar.es/

Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/FelymarGastroteca/?locale=es_ES

Google Maps Link: 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/x47W4fHtufJhMRB47

Restaurante F.J. Dems, is a renowned Spanish restaurant with two rooms serving quality food, whether business, family or for any celebration with a limited capacity.

In their restaurant you can taste the most exquisite and intense flavours you have ever tasted, as they have unique dishes that over the years have catalogued them and positioned them among the best restaurants in the region.

Tel: 610 39 87 93

Website: https://www.restaurantedems.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DemsRestaurante/?locale=es_ES

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/s6SZBdLn2Ynwyk5Z9

La Bodega Restaurant Bar is where you can taste typical dishes of traditional Mediterranean cuisine.

Located in one of the highlights of the old town of Caravaca de la Cruz, you will find La Bodega restaurant. It offers its customers a wide range of tasty tapas typical of the land, and is also characterized by its specialties in meat, fish and homemade desserts.

At La Bodega you can enjoy a welcoming and distinguished atmosphere, both in its dining rooms and on its terrace located in the Plaza del Arco, where a large part of the parades and parades of the Wine Horses of the patron saint festivities of the Hon. and Vera Cruz take place.

Tel: 635 50 94 79

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaBodegaCaravaca/

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3dNCLDj2FtuHUcad8

El Horno Cafeterias has something different to offer you. They love gastronomy and artisan pastries, so their goal is to make it an art. In their establishment they take care of the details so that you can enjoy your favourite flavours of a lifetime while tasting new textures and sensations.

From the unmistakable aroma of freshly ground coffee, to cakes and desserts made with the traditional recipe, a quick and casual dinner with friends, an exclusive event for exquisite palates, a meeting of foodies interested in surprising their palate, to the most innovative cocktail to put the finishing touch. You decide when and how, they set the where.

Tel: 868 17 51 66

Website: https://elhornocafeterias.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elhornocafeterias/?locale=es_ES

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/s6Tzmg48dpdUeJxA9

Located in the Ciudad Jardín Park, in the centre of Caravaca de la Cruz, and close to the Sanctuary of Veracruz, is the Los Gemelos Restaurant.

Here you will find an extensive menu of Murcian food offers, among other delicacies, a wide variety of homemade tapas, lamb shanks, pig's trotters in sauce and more. The service stands out for its cordiality and good service.

Tel: 615 33 28 64

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070498100018&locale=es_LA

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kTJhDghMQMqSeNPJ9

La Despensa del Peregrino is an interesting concept of a neighbourhood butcher shop, with a restaurant section where you can taste cold meats and cheeses and have delicious cooked meats.

Tel: 
627 28 28 03

Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/LaDespensaDelPeregrino/?locale=es_ES

Google Maps Link: 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ei6kJLfjN6132VCJ6

Molière Resto-Bar & Grill is where you will find a delicious combination of Argentinian and Spanish cuisine.

Molière Resto-Bar & Grill's excellent location makes it very accessible even at peak times. Their staff is known for being cheerful and friendly, offering professional service that will make you feel right at home. 

Tel: 968 70 56 15

Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/MoliereCaravaca/

Google Maps Link: 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yMZvCgENSetXd9BaA

Piazza Massima is a perfect place to enjoy a cosy and modern atmosphere. On their menu you will find a wide variety of dishes, from their unmistakable pizzas and burgers, to their pasta specialties and Italian cuisine.

They are experts in bringing the authentic flavours of Italy to your table. All their dishes are made with fresh ingredients of the best quality.

Tel: 968 70 20 90

Website: https://plazamassima.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plazamassima/

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jGmNiUwFBjKBXKnv7

Located in the Argos River Canyon, El Molino del Río dates back to the beginning of the sixteenth century, although possibly earlier. Transformed into a Rural Guesthouse in 1998, its structure and decoration have maintained the spirit of the farmhouses of the time, with the comforts of today.

Enjoy their meticulous cuisine and their own craft beer that will open your senses. They invite you to participate in the different proposals of activities, programs and therapies that will provide you with well-being and energy to improve your lifestyle. Enjoy a unique experience in the Region of Murcia.

Tel: 
692 65 48 04

Website: 
https://www.molinodelrio.com/

Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/molinodelrio/

Google Maps Link: 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zzF8xPXxBgoRKgzu6

Bar Tere Restaurant is a little out of the city centre, so a bit quieter.

Very well known for its great atmosphere, specializing in grilled meat, homemade meals and various tapas.

Tel: 
968 70 30 37

Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/barterecaravaca

Google Maps Link: 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RfbbSHsbLutnP7Ad9