Museums to visit in Cravaca de la Cruz

Caravaca de la Cruz is a historical and cultural hub that captivates those who explore its corners. At this crossroads of history and tradition, the museums of Caravaca de la Cruz stand as guardians of its rich heritage. Each of these spaces offers a unique window into the past and present of this city, encapsulating centuries of cultural and religious legacy in their collections. Here they all are:

Museo de la Santísima y Vera Cruz

Located in the former house of the chaplain responsible for the Sanctuary, this museum has four rooms dedicated to the Brotherhood of the Vera Cruz and the history surrounding the Sacred Relic. Additionally, visitors can view various paintings, theological and historical goldsmith works, and images of illustrious figures like Saint Teresa of Jesus and Saint Francis of Assisi.

Museo de la Fiesta

The Museum of the Party is housed in the Palace of the Marqués de San Mamés, dating approximately from the 16th century. This museum focuses on showcasing the costumes of the “Moors and Christians” festival, with documents dating back to 1850, as well as the ornaments and decorations used in the “Los Caballos del Vino” festival. Its rich history and relics allow us to dream about the reconquest of the territory during the late Middle Ages when the Northwest of Murcia was one of the main frontiers with the Kingdom of Granada.

Museo de la Soledad (archaeological museum)

What stands out about this archaeological museum is its location: it was built in the ancient medieval chapel of El Salvador, a 21st-century Renaissance-style building. The museum focuses on explaining the city's history through significant archaeological excavations of sites from the Iberian-Roman period of Caravaca de la Cruz.

Museo de Los Caballos del Vino

The Museum of The Wine Horses is located in an 18th-century house that underwent complete rehabilitation. This house belonged to the Muso Muñoz Melgarejo family, who arrived in Caravaca in the 15th century and became the wealthiest family in the area. The museum has various rooms and audiovisual materials to help visitors understand the “Los Caballos del Vino” festival, a celebration designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Centro de Interpretación de la Naturaleza (Fuentes del Marqués)

In this center, visitors can explore the Region's flora and fauna, learn about the natural environment and its conservation, and enjoy interactive exhibits highlighting the area's biodiversity. Additionally, it features interpretive trails and recreational areas, allowing visitors to connect with nature while discovering the ecological importance of the Fuentes del Marqués.

Museo de Música Étnica

The Museum of Ethnic Music in Caravaca de la Cruz is dedicated to the musical diversity of various cultures. Visitors can explore a wide collection of musical instruments from around the world, learn about each instrument's history and cultural context, and enjoy interactive exhibits that offer a special musical experience. The museum also provides educational activities and workshops to promote understanding and appreciation of ethnic music and its global importance.

Museo Carrilero

The Carrilero Museum in Caravaca de la Cruz is a monographic museum dedicated to the work of the prominent sculptor from Caravaca José Carrilero. It is located in the back and basement of an old palatial house built in the second quarter of the 17th century by Don Luis de Gadea Sahajosa, a local official. The museum houses 90 works by Carrilero, including sculptures, paintings, and medals. In the plaza and the entrance of the museum, an impressive life-sized sculptural group of a trio of musicians is on display.

Make the most of your visit and explore as many of these museums as you can! You will love them.