A greener future planned for Lorca Castle with new restoration project

The €136,000 project will restore both the interior and outer slopes of the castle, including its butterfly garden and surrounding green areas

The city of Lorca has started work on a new project that will see the landscape around its famous castle restored and improved with a stronger focus on nature, sustainability and water efficiency.

The work is taking place at the Castillo de Lorca, also known as the Fortaleza del Sol, one of the city's most important and historic landmarks. The project forms part of a larger tourism sustainability plan, which is being funded through the Next Generation EU programme.

In total, €136,000 is being invested across both the interior of the castle grounds and the surrounding slopes. The idea is not to redesign the space as such, but to work with what is already there and strengthen it using natural methods. That includes planting native species, improving soil in selected areas and updating irrigation systems so water is used more efficiently.

Inside the castle grounds, around 16,000 square metres will be improved. This includes areas that already have green space as well as zones close to archaeological remains, which need to be carefully protected. The approach being used is based on nature-based solutions, which basically means using plants, soil and natural materials rather than heavy construction to manage the landscape.

One of the most interesting parts of the castle is its butterfly garden, which was created back in 2017. It was designed using native plants that attract butterflies and support them through all stages of their life cycle, turning part of the castle into a small natural habitat.

As part of this new project, that butterfly-friendly area will be expanded. More native plants will be added, chosen specifically because they support local butterfly species. 

Outside the castle, a larger restoration project is also underway across more than 51,000 square metres of hillside. This area is more exposed and has a higher risk of erosion due to the steep terrain. Here, the focus is on planting native vegetation that helps hold the soil in place, reduces runoff during heavy rain and gradually restores natural ground cover.

Local councillor for Culture and Tourism Santiago Parra said the project is an important step in protecting both the monument and its surroundings, while also improving the overall visitor experience.
He also said that the aim is to keep moving towards a more sustainable model of tourism, where heritage sites are cared for in a way that respects both the environment and their long-term preservation.

Images: Ayuntamiento de Lorca