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Paving works at Caravaca Castle to enhance accessibility and aesthetics
Works underway will not only improve the look of the monument but also solve longstanding drainage issues
Caravaca de la Cruz’s Town Council has launched a major paving project at the Castle esplanade, part of ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance the historic centre. The project, which began after the conclusion of the Jubilee Year in 2024, aims to address both aesthetic and practical issues. The paved area, which has suffered from cracked and uneven surfaces, will be improved to enhance mobility and tackle water leaks affecting the walls, battlements and cisterns of the castle.The project is overseen by the mayor of Caravaca, José Francisco García, alongside Mónica Sánchez, the Councillor for Urban Planning and Public Services. The two recently visited the works, accompanied by municipal technicians in charge of the project. The mayor explained that “natural materials from the area will be used to maintain harmony with the environment, and the design will be radial to highlight the façade of the Basilica of Vera Cruz, a symbol of the city’s architectural heritage.”
With a total budget of €658,000, the works are supported by the European Union’s “Next Generation” National Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, under the "Camino a Caravaca" Sustainable Tourism Destination Plan. More than €470,000 of the total budget will go towards the paving itself, while the remaining funds are allocated for the installation of a new stormwater drainage system.
The project covers nearly 3,000 square metres and will feature three types of materials: cobblestone, bush-hammered caramiel-type natural stone and Levante limestone with a scalloped finish. This combination will create a non-slip surface, ensuring that the area remains safe for visitors and compatible with the celebrations of the Caballos del Vino festival.
The works, which began in mid-February 2025, will be completed in two phases to avoid disrupting the patron saint festivities, which take place from May 1 to 5. In addition to the paving, a new stormwater drainage system is being installed as part of the project. This new system, with a budget of €187,000, includes a 650-metre-long collector that will run from the Castle esplanade, through various roads and discharge into the San Jerónimo Ravine.The project represents a significant investment in the preservation of Caravaca’s historical legacy while ensuring the comfort and safety of visitors.
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Image: Ayuntamiento de Caravaca de la Cruz
