Plaza del Arco, Caravaca de la Cruz

A historic plaza used during many events in Caravaca de la Cruz

The Plaza del Arco marks the entrance to historic Caravaca de la Cruz, and is accessed via a deep archway which incorporates rooms belonging to the town hall, the Ayuntamiento de Caravaca de la Cruz which is the first building entering the plaza on the right hand side.

The  baroque building, approved in 1737, was designed by Jaime Bort, who was also responsible for the baroque façade of the Cathedral of Murcia, although it was later modified by Friar Juan de Santa Teresa and Juan García, and the construction work itself was supervised by Caravaca-born Antonio del Campo.

During this same amplification project the plaza itself was also modelled.

At this period in history, which co-incided with one of absolute monarchical power in Europe, the urban development of many towns and cities across Europe was driven by the creation of plazas. These open spaces were engineered to reinforce the power of the state, and were generally dominated by an administrative building, and formed the focal point for activities in the town, always overseen by the state and controlled by the state.

What is now known generally as the Plaza del Arco is still also called by its official title of Plaza del Ayuntamiento, although has changed its name several times throughout history as socio-political changes took place in Spain.

At various times it has been called the Plaza de la Constitución (referring to the 1812 act), Plaza Isabel II, Plaza de José Antonio and latterly, Plaza del Arco.

The plaza is still a central focal point of the city, and is fringed with bars and cafés, souvenir shops and municipal buildings, acting as the focal point for many fiestas and celebrations held in the town such as the Moors and Christians, Semana Santa and the running of the Wine Horses over the May Bank Holiday weekend. It is also a popular location for artisan markets and cultural events.

There is little parking close to the plaza itself and on festival days access to the plaza is closed off.
It’s advisable to seek parking in the main Gran Vía running up to the plaza or park around the back of the old quarter and walk in. It is possible to drive through the plaza and into the old quarter when there are no events taking place, but the fainthearted should be warned that it can be stressful driving into an old quarter which has narrow streets and a convoluted one way system.

Click for parking advice, Caravaca de la Cruz

Click for map, Plaza del Arco, Caravaca de la Cruz

Click for more information about Caravaca de la Cruz in the dedicated Caravaca de la Cruz section