Nature centre and youth hostel reopen to the public at Las Fuentes del Marques in Caravaca

The hub of activity in the Caravaca de la Cruz beauty spot has been repaired, restored and enlarged over the last few months

Work has now been completed to refurbish the nature centre (Centro de la Naturaleza) within the park and beauty spot of Las Fuentes del Marqués in Caravaca de la Cruz and the building is now open to the public again.

Much of the work carried out consisted of repairs to the building itself, which was affected by the damp which is part of life among the springs and streams of the park, and both the displays and the youth hostel have been updated considerably, with new lighting and display panels now installed.

On top of this, various parts of the building are now usable again after being out of operation for years, and it is envisaged that these will be used to reinforce the role of the centre in the environmental education activities provided for local schoolchildren. It should be remembered that the building housing the nature centre, the Torreón de los Templarios, is far from new, having been built as long ago as the 16^th century!

As Councillor José Santiago Villa commented during a visit to the fully refurbished building, the work performed has not only restored the educational and aesthetic value of the nature centre, it has also made it more accessible, more didactic and generally more attractive.

Meanwhile, the youth hostel can now sleep 66 guests rather than the previous maximum of 48, and accessibility here has also been improved – a new door with a ramp is now featured and adapted toilet facilities are available. All this has been achieved alongside the modernisation of doors, windows, plumbing and electrical fittings.

For more local news, events and visiting information contact the local tourist office (see below) or go to the home page of Caravaca Today.