article_detail

Work has begun on a new pedestrian access linking Lorca Castle with the neighbourhood of Santa María. The €2.8 million project, which includes restoring the castle’s eastern gate, is expected to be completed between June and July 2026. Once open, the new path will reduce the distance from the city’s medieval museum (ciuFRONT) to the Fortaleza del Sol from 1.3 kilometres to just over 300 metres.

 

Luis Torres del Alcázar, president of the foundation managing the museum, welcomed the move, saying it will boost tourism in the area.

 

“When visitors come to Santa María and ask how to get to the castle, it’s clear that it’s too far away. With this access, everything could be connected in just a few steps,” he said.

 

The restored eastern gate, once used before the fortress became a tourist site, could also revive traditional events such as the procession of the Virgin of Las Huertas up to the castle. “It would improve access and bring the castle closer to the city,” added Torres del Alcázar.

 

However, the new access is unlikely to be open permanently. Councillor for Culture Santiago Parra explained that keeping it staffed all year round may not be feasible: “Opening it on specific dates, such as Saint Clement’s Day, while maintaining the current reception area, seems the most practical solution.”

 

Safety improvements are also underway on the castle hill, including replacing damaged safety screens and removing obsolete ones that blocked access. Meanwhile, reforestation work is being carried out to enhance the area’s appearance and biodiversity.

 

Since April, the Town Hall has planted around 1,500 trees, and the BosqueO2 association is adding about 50 more on the northern slope.

 

“Restoring the natural landscape brings the castle to life and promotes environmental awareness,” said BosqueO2 head Pedro Quiñonero. The project uses native, drought-resistant species and includes two years of technical monitoring and irrigation to ensure their survival.

 

 

 

Image: Ayuntamiento de Lorca