The Ermita de San Roque, the oldest church in Lorca

The hermitage has been converted into a belén museum

The modest Ermita de San Roque y San Sebastían church in Lorca is the oldest in the city, having stood since the 14th century on a spot commanding impressive views in the Altamira area.

The simple late 17th century main façade by Juan Caro Serrano is very reminiscent of the nearby Church of San José, with its Doric columns and the central niche. Inside, the single nave is flanked by brickwork arches and roofed by the Mudéjar-style woodwork ceiling vaults, and various fragments of the original 17th and 18th century wall paintings depicting the nativity and death of Christ have been restored.

The original 14th century baptismal font is now housed in the Colegiata de San Patricio.

In the early years of this millennium the building was on the verge of being declared a ruin, but was restored respecting the original features in 2005. It was further damaged in the 2011 earthquake and has since been the subject of further consolidation.

In 2014 it opened as a museum holding some of the most important elements of the beléns made in the city, the aim being to create a permanent collection showing the art of the belenista.

For the first time in 2014 a living nativity play took place in the city, culminating at the entrance to the hermitage, and the building also featured in the 2014 municipal belén located in the Palacio Guevara, with a model of the living nativity at its doors ( see images.)

 

Access:
There is parking in the area behind the hermitage around Calle Albericos, but this can be confusing for those who are unfamiliar with the streets of the city and driving through the narrow back streets of these cities and their maze of one way streets can be un-nerving. The most sensible option is to park in the area next to the Tourist Office and visitor centre where a map can be obtained and walk up, which take around 15 minutes. Be warned this is a steep uphill route, although the views at the top are worth the effort.

Opening times:

The museum is closed for casual visitors, but the association of belenistas will open the museum by prior appointment during the year.

During the festive period the museum is generally opened to co-incide with the period during which the municipal belén is on display in the Palacio Guevara. This information will be posted in the agenda.

Click for map, Calle Atrio de San Roque

Click for further information about the Lorca municipality, including what's on, what to visit and tourist information: LORCA TODAY