June 1 Free guided tour of 16th century architecture in Yecla

Discover the historical heritage of Yecla at the Town Hall and the church of El Hospitalico

The town of Yecla in northern Murcia has a long and fascinating history dating right back to prehistoric times, and this guided visit in the centre of town focuses on some of the most important buildings which remain from the prosperous times of the 16^th century, when Christian rule was consolidated in Spain after centuries of Moorish dominance.

The main Town Hall building in Yecla is in the Plaza Mayor, the main square of the old town, and dates from the first half of the 16th century. The stone façade is punctuated by two wide arches on Tuscan columns, between which is the imperial coat of arms of Carlos V (1516-56), including the two-headed eagle.

Meanwhile, the church of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, also known as the Iglesia del Hospitalico, is located in Calle Hospital in Yecla and owes its name to the fact that it adjoins the building which, in the 16th century, was the old Hospital de Caridad, as recorded in the documents which were compiled on the orders of King Felipe II in 1575. It was built in the typical Murcia baroque style with three naves separated by semi-pointed arches and a semi-spherical dome.

The visit on Sunday June 1 begins at 10.30 in the Plaza Mayor and lasts approximately 2 and a half hours.

The route is entirely free of charge but prior registration is required and will be available online here in due course.

If visiting Yecla don’t forget to make sure one of your first ports of call is the tourist office (Plaza Mayor, 1, telephone 968 754104, email turismo@yecla.es).

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