The Beauty of the Extraordinary in the Region of Murcia

Caravaca de la Cruz is a focal point for spirituality and culture during 2024

Source: ITREM, regional tourist board of Murcia, “La belleza de lo Extraordinario”

It’s always a great time to visit the Region of Murcia but in 2024 that’s doubly true, as this year we are celebrating the Holy Jubilee of the city of Caravaca de la Cruz.

Every seven years the history city becomes a focal point of spirituality and culture with the holding of the Jubilee Year, a richly religious and cultural event which offers a unique experience to visitors and pilgrims from all over the world. At the same time, of course, there are countless other options available in the Region of Murcia, and countless reasons to come and visit during Jubilee Year.

Now enshrined as a very special location in the Christian world, Caravaca de la Cruz has been blessed with its Jubilee Year in perpetuity since it was conferred by John Paul II in 2003, making it one of only five cities worldwide to enjoy this privilege. One of the reasons for its holy status is that it had already been a destination for pilgrims for centuries on account of its devotion to the True Cross and the presence in the city of San Juan de la Cruz in the 16^th century.

The Jubilee Year revolves around the venerated Cross of Caravaca, which is kept on the impressive Basílica/Santuario building. The city comes to life with a series of processions, numerous cultural activities and a welcoming atmosphere which is extended to all visitors: apart from an event of religious significance, the Jubilee Year is also an opportunity to learn more about the history, traditions and beauty of both the city and the surrounding countryside.

Furthermore, beyond its spiritual importance the Jubilee Year is a testimony to the cultural diversity of the Region of Murcia. Visitors can enjoy the local gastronomy, explore the wonderful unspoilt countryside and immerse themselves in the historical roots of the Region: an irresistible invitation to enjoy a fusion of faith, culture and fraternity in a setting where tradition blends seamlessly with the present.

If you are a fan of walking and basking in the beauty of the landscape, you can follow various pilgrimage routes to Caravaca de la Cruz, the most obvious perhaps being the Camino de Levante. This is a 118-kilometre route packed with legend, spirituality and culture, beginning in Orihuela and running through glorious scenery, enchanting towns and historic locations on its way to Caravaca.

Taking on this unique challenge helps you to harmonize body, mind and spirituality, while at the same time the different stages through Orihuela, Murcia, Mula and Bullas illustrate for you the cultural, natural and gastronomic heritage of the Region of Murcia: a route to transform the soul!

Caravaca, apart from a religious city, is a transformational experience in itself. We cordially invite you to form a part of this celebration, in which every step along the path of the Camino de la Cruz is one of discovery and every moment becomes one of those memories which remain in your mind for ever.

Further information on the Jubilee Year in Caravaca de la Cruz can be found on the ITREM website here.