July 8 Guided tour of the magnificent Ex-Collegiate church of San Patricio in Lorca

A chance to admire the superb architecture and artwork and climb the belltower of the most iconic church in Lorca

Among all the magnificent buildings in Lorca arguably the most remarkable is the Ex-Collegiate Church of San Patricio, which was built and named following the epic Battle of Los Alporchones on 17^th March 1452.

Considerable restoration work has been completed following the earthquakes which hit Lorca in May 2011, and the naves, chapels and crypt are now visitable again, providing insights into the art and architecture in southern Spain from the Renaissance to the baroque period. In addition, it is possible to climb to the top of the belltower and admire the views out over the city and the Guadalentín valley, the skyline punctuated by the other domes and towers of the churches of central Lorca.

The 75-minute guided tour on Saturday July 8 is held in Spanish and begins at 12.30 at the tourist office in the Plaza de España. Online bookings can be made here and further information is available from the tourist office and the visitors centre in Puerta de San Ginés (telephones 968 479003 / 968 959646, email [email protected], [email protected]).

Registration costs 9 euros for those aged over 13 (7 euros for holders of the Lorca y Tú card, free for under 12s), or 14 euros if the option of climbing the belltower is required (12 euros for holders of the Lorca y Tú card, free for under 12s).

NOTE: The stairs are not easy and this visit is not recommended for visitors with limited mobility.

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