PROPERTY SEARCH
Historic Lorca prison €1.8m restoration moves ahead with new language school planned
Two Murcia companies have won the contract to restore the protected former prison, creating a new home for Lorca's Official Language School alongside spaces for community and cultural events
Lorca's historic former prison is a step closer to starting a new chapter after two local companies were awarded the €1.8 million contract to restore the protected building and turn it into the town's new Official Language School.
The project has been awarded to Lorca-based Pavimentos Asfálticos Lario and Patrimonio Inteligente, from nearby Puerto Lumbreras, which submitted a joint bid. Their offer came in at €1.8 million, around 11% below the original €2 million budget.
Once the contract has been signed, the companies will have nine months to complete the work, meaning the building could be ready to open by spring 2027.
While the main purpose of the building will be to house Lorca's Official Language School, it will also be available for cultural events and other community activities. As well as classrooms, there will be rooms for workshops, cultural activities and community events organised by different council departments, together with offices, meeting rooms and a café for students, staff and visitors.
The building itself has a history stretching back to the 18th century, when it was originally built as a grain store known as the Pósito Alto. It later became the town prison and was constructed on top of Lorca's medieval walls. Archaeological work carried out in the basement uncovered remains of the old defensive wall and one of its towers, known as the Clock Tower.
The former prison is a protected historic building and has already undergone structural repairs and roof restoration following the devastating earthquakes that struck Lorca in 2011.
Inside, the building is arranged around three arcaded gallery wings spread over two floors, with one section also including a basement accessed from Calle Laberinto. A large courtyard occupies the north-west corner.
As part of the restoration, the building's original architectural features will be preserved, while accessibility will be improved with a new lift and upgraded entrances to make it easier for everyone to use.
The plans also include the addition of vertical gardens, which will help keep the building cooler in summer.
Image: Lorca Town Hall
Address
Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, LorcaTel: 968 441914
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites and historic buildings around which the modern city has built its tourism industry. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, Plaza de España, the former Collegiate church of San Patricio, the municipal archaeological museum, the Casa Huerto Ruano, the Palacio de Guevara and the churches and convents of San Francisco, San Mateo, the Virgen de las Huertas, La Merced, El Carmen and many others.
Unfortunately, Lorca has been prone to natural disaster, suffering a severe flood in 1973 which killed 50 people, and a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as a series of earthquakes, the most recent of which was 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives.
Lorca also has an area of unspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Cala Calnegre and various others. Although only one is accessible by road others can be reached along dirt tracks!
In terms of fiestas, Lorca is synonymous with Easter (Semana Santa), its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status being famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azul) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
In the Autumn Lorca also celebrates the Fiestas of San Clemente and a Feria and there are a series of important events throughout the year in the Recinto Ferial, as well as a busy cultural and sporting programme.
The tourist office relocated for 14 years to Calle San Patricio, near the church, but has now returned to its former premises alongside the Palacio de Guevara in the Plaza Concha Sandoval, or Plaza de la Bordadora (click for map).
Lorca also has an area of inspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only along difficult tracks or by boat!
However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of processions in which the Whites (Paso Blanco) and Blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca tourist office:
Every day of the year apart from 1st and 6th January and 25th December, 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30 (except Sunday afternoons).
These opening times are often extended and other information points created during the Semana Santa celebrations.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
See what's on in Lorca:
