During our tour of the Mediterranean region of Murcia in south-eastern Spain, we visited several major cities. We also passed some particularly picturesque mountain villages and towns along the way. One of these is Caravaca de la Cruz. This town, with its deep-rooted religious traditions and historical significance, attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year. The pilgrims come mainly to see the “Vera Cruz” (the True Cross) in the basilica. Tourists visit the city to witness the race with the wine horses. But Caravaca de la Cruz has more to offer than a religious relic and a spectacular cultural-historical event. You can read more about it in this blog.

Concise history of Caravaca de la Cruz

The history of Caravaca de la Cruz dates back well before the arrival of the Romans. During the Roman period, the Caravaca area played an important role as a supplier of grain, oil and wine to cities such as Murcia. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Iberian Peninsula was invaded by the Visigoths, and later by the Moors. The city underwent significant changes during the Moorish period. And many of the influences of that time are still visible in the architecture and cultural heritage of Caravaca de la Cruz. Including the hilltop castle, the town’s landmark.

Perhaps the greatest turning point in the city’s history took place in 1232. According to legend, the then Moorish king had himself converted to Christianity. This happened as a result of a miracle he witnessed. The king had ordered a detained Christian missionary to celebrate mass. But because earlier all the crosses in the city had been taken and destroyed, the priest indicated that he could not do so. After all, he needed a cross. At that moment, two angels appeared and sent down a cross from heaven. Mass could still be celebrated. This legend eventually led to the construction of the Basilica of the True Cross, located within the castle walls.

The True Cross (Vera Cruz) of Caravaca became the focal point of the town’s religious life, attracting pilgrims from all over Spain and Europe. The relic is still one of Spain’s most important religious symbols. It is venerated during the annual Fiestas de Mayo. But also during the Holy Year, which is celebrated every seven years. Indeed, Caravaca de la Cruz has been the fifth holy city of Catholic Christianity since 1998.

The sights of Caravaca de la Cruz

Caravaca de la Cruz is particularly famous for its religious heritage, but it also has other interesting sights. Below, we list a few that you should not miss during your visit to Caravaca de la Cruz. In addition, our tip is to go inside the many other sights. Like the beautiful church of El Salvador from the early 16th century. Or at the Carmelite convent where you can stay today.

Castle of Caravaca de la Cruz

Thanks to its hilltop location, the castle of Caravaca de la Cruz is the town’s eye-catcher. It was built by the Moors but rebuilt by the Castilians after the conquest. Thus, the Knights Templar established a bailiwick here to defend the region against the nearby emirate of Granada. In the early 17th century, the castle was gradually transformed from a fortress into a religious sanctuary. During this period, the basilica was also built within the castle walls.

Santuario de la Vera Cruz

The Basilica of the True Cross is Caravaca de la Cruz’s most iconic landmark. This is because the basilica is home to the famous relic of the True Cross. This cross is claimed to contain a fragment of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. Construction began in the early 17th century. A century later, the impressive building was completed. The magnificent interior of the basilica is richly decorated with religious works of art. But what we find most special is the small room with the True Cross. There is permanent surveillance and you are not allowed to take photos of the cross.

Plaza del Arco

This charming square gets its name from the majestic stone arch that adorns the square: the Arco de la Vera Cruz. Dating from the 18th century, the arch is a striking example of Baroque architecture. It forms the gateway to the old town of Caravaca de la Cruz.

Plaza del Arco is a lively, cultural meeting place. The square is surrounded by historical buildings, atmospheric cafés and cosy restaurants. The square comes fully alive during the various (religious) festivals and events.

Museo Caballos del Vino

The Museo Caballos del Vino is dedicated to the famous race with the horses of wine. This race is one of the most iconic events in Caravaca de la Cruz. The museum displays an extensive collection of the beautiful embroidery used to decorate the horses every year. You will also find costumes and other props used during the race. And there is a photo exhibition of the races held in previous years.

We visited the city in late spring. The famous Fiestas de Mayo were over by then. To still get some atmosphere and an impression of the spectacular wine horse race, we visited this museum. The many photos taken of the race inspired us to definitely return to Caravaca de la Cruz again. But then in early May!

Museo de la Fiesta de Caravaca

The Museo de la Fiesta de Caravaca focuses on all the city’s festivals and celebrations. Housed in a 16th-century building, this museum explores not only the “Caballos del Vino” but also other traditional events. Such as the “Moros y Cristianos” festivals and processions. It is a great place to learn more about the colourful festivities in Caravaca de la Cruz. The museum displays an extensive collection of costumes, props, images and documents that are part of these rich traditions.

On the ground floor, you will get to know the tradition and festival of wine horses in detail. On the first floor, the exhibition guides you through the five-day Vera Cruz festival in chronological order. Finally, in the basement there is the opportunity to participate in the festivities interactively.

Important, religious festivities in Caravaca de la Cruz

Caravaca de la Cruz is a town alive with folk festivals and traditions. One of the most notable festivals is the annual Fiesta de Caravaca in May, also known as the Fiestas de Mayo. For five days, the city is the scene of colourful processions and festive events. Another religious festival is the Holy Year celebrated once every seven years in the city.

La Fiesta de Caravaca de la Cruz

La Fiesta de Caravaca de la Cruz is the city’s premier five-day festival celebrated annually in early May. The fiesta commemorates the miracle of the appearance of the True Cross to the Moorish king in the 13th century. Because of this miracle, the king and his family converted to Christianity. The festivities are a tribute to history. But the May celebrations are also just fantastic festivities full of colour, culture, religion and entertainment.

During this period, the Shrine of the True Cross will be additionally beautified and opened to the public. This offers a unique opportunity to admire the relic up close.

The race with wine’s horses

Every year, the Wine Horse Race takes place on 2 May. It is a particularly colourful and grand spectacle for which locals prepare for a year. That day, many teams, consisting of four riders and a horse, run up the hill as fast as possible for 80 metres. The team that arrives first is the winner. This goes at a tremendous speed. The riders therefore have to go into training months in advance to be able to keep up with the horse on a leash. In the process, the teams are dressed up particularly nicely. For example, the horse is given embroidered decorations on which many people have worked for a year.

The origins of the feast of the wine horses go back to the 13th century. Caravaca de la Cruz was then in the hands of the Knights Templar. At one point, the city was besieged by the Muslim army. As the Moors could not easily invade the city, they poisoned the drinking water. Some scouts then managed to leave the city on horses in search of a solution.

They found this solution in wine barrels. To avoid being overpowered by the besiegers, they galloped back to the city at top speed with their horses and the wine barrels. At the castle, they dipped the True Cross into the wine. This in fact gave the wine a healing effect for the inhabitants who had drunk from the poisoned water. These people recovered immediately. The blessed wine was then mixed with the poisoned water in the storage tanks. As a result, the water became pure. From then on, the Christians were able to resist their besiegers.

The Holy Year

A Holy Year is a special period in Roman Catholic tradition during which a city or place of religious importance is honoured. It is usually celebrated to commemorate an important event or saint. In the case of Caravaca de la Cruz, the Holy Year relates to the True Cross: the town’s religious hub around which everything revolves. This relic is considered a symbol of reconciliation and peace between cultures and religions.

The Holy Year in Caravaca de la Cruz is a rare occasion that occurs only every seven years. It attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors who come to take part in the religious celebrations. And to experience the town’s rich culture. For the residents, it is a moment of pride and devotion to their religious and cultural heritage.

Caravaca de la Cruz is the fifth holy city of Catholic Christianity. Its other holy places are the Monastery of Camaleño, Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago de Compostela. Caravaca celebrated its first Holy Year in 2003. The city then passed the magic barrier of one million visitors. The next Holy Year in Caravaca de la Cruz is 2024.

We visited Caravaca de la Cruz at the invitation of Instituto de Turismo de la Région de Murcia (ITRIM). We compiled the content of the blog independently and objectively based on our own impressions.

Other topics you may also be interested in

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• Historic city tour of the old port city of Cartagena
• City trip to Malaga
• City trip to Valencia