ARCHIVED - Saturday 8th February Lorca: Extended visit to Excolegiata de San Patricio in Lorca (Spanish language)

Of all the historic and monumental buildings in Lorca perhaps the most important is the Excolegiata (or Antigua Colegiata) de San Patricio, which was originally built to commemorate a victory in battle over the Moors in the 15th century.

Situated along the northern side of the Plaza de España in the centre of Lorca, it forms part of a series of buildings which have been awarded Item of Cultural Interest status, including the Town Hall, the Casa del Corregidor and various palatial residences dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Towering over all of them, though, is the place of worship whose construction was decided upon to commemorate the victory which was achieved by Alonso Fajardo “El Bravo” against Moorish raiders from Granada in the Battle of Los Alporchones in 1452.

That it was economic prosperity which lay behind the decision to build the church of San Patricio is illustrated by the fact that it was not until 1533, over 80 years after the Battle of Los Alporchones, that a Papal Bull was issued by Clement VII authorizing its construction on the site of a previous church dedicated to San Jorge (Saint George): thus the city of Lorca shifted its allegiance from the patron saint of England to the patron saint of Ireland!

However, the construction of San Patricio was not completed overnight, and a series of delays meant that the building was not finished until 1780.

Detailed guided tours of church (Spanish language commentary)

For those interested in digging a little deeper into the history of this remarkable building and the artwork contained within it, though, the recommended option is this special guided tour. The tour lasts approximately an hour, beginning at 12.30, although if fully booked a second session can be organized afterwards.

The price to join the tour group is 4€ per adult and child aged over 13 (12 and under free), and prior reservations are required at www.lorcatallerdeltiempo.com or via the tourist office in the Plaza de España (where the tour begins).

For the time being the tour is offered only in Spanish and is held once a month on the second Saturday of the month. Click the icon to book and select "Visita Guiada Especial San Patricio". 

The visit includes access to the crypt which was rediscovered during restoration, as well as the restored frescoes and painted chapels.

Booking is essential as places are limited. To book contact Lorca Tourist Information Office or alternatively book directly online below

Click for more information about the Lorca municipality, places to visit and forthcoming events.