January 24 and 31 Free guided tours of Caravaca tracing the life of artist Rafael Tegeo

The “La Caravaca del Siglo de Tegeo” walks retrace the steps of the artist in the historic centre of Caravaca de la Cruz

Coinciding with the closing fortnight of the “El Siglo de Tegeo” exhibition, which features a collection of works by the 19^th century artist at the former church of the Compañía de Jesús, two guided tours are being held in Caravaca de la Cruz in which the places and buildings which marked the artist’s childhood are visited.

The walks begin at the tourist office at Calle de las Monjas nº 19 at 11.30 as participants retrace the footsteps of Tegeo in some of the most famous streets and landmarks of the old city centre. Tegeo lived in Caravaca not only during his childhood but at various times in his adult life, although he died in Madrid in 1856 at the age of 58.

Now, 200 years after he achieved fame, he has returned to Caravaca through the current exhibition of his work.

These tours are entirely free of charge and the maximum group size is 20, so prompt bookings are advised online here.

Rafael Tegeo Díaz was a prominent neo-classical painter, known mainly for his portraits, in the first half of the 19th century and was born in Caravaca de la Cruz in 1798 before studying in Murcia and then in Madrid. In 1824 he travelled to study in Rome with Pietro Benvenuti and received the influence of Raphael and Guido Reni before being named an "Academician" in 1828 after producing “Hercules and Antaeus”.

Although he initially focussed on mythology and historical scenes such as the Siege of Málaga, he achieved most success as a portrait artist, and his last important exhibition was at the Universal Exposition in 1855 before he died the following year.

The street in Caravaca where he was born has now been named after him.

The exhibition “El Siglo de Tegeo” can be visited at the former church of the Compañía de Jesús until February 4 during the following opening hours:

Tuesday to Saturday 10.00 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.00

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