The tour also includes access to the crypt, the sacristy with painted walls and the Renaissance ceiling, and the different bodies of the tower until reaching the bell. Programs and rates are available on the CollegiatedElorca.com website.
Its construction began in the 16th century in a project by Jerónimo Quijano and was completed in the 18th century by Fray Pedro de San Agustín.
Fulgencio Gil, mayor: «This tower is a treasure that, for several years, has remained hidden to most Lorca residents and is now being showcased as a new tourist resource that allows us to continue learning about the heritage value of Lorca.»
May 29, 2025. The mayor of Lorca, Fulgencio Gil Jódar, made an institutional visit to the Bell Tower of the former collegiate school in San Patrico, a tour that is part of the new cultural and tourist strategy developed by the Lorca government to appreciate one of the most emblematic heritage sites.
During the visit, Fulgencio Gil managed to «reach Lorca’s sky» and contemplate from the heights the roofs of noble houses and church domes that make up the landscape of the historic center of the city. The tour also included access to the crypt, painted walls, Renaissance ceiling, and the different sections of the tower up to the bell tower, where visitors can listen to the time from the top of this majestic monument.
«From here, we have opened a new window to our history and our sky. Climbing this tower not only means physical ascent but also traveling centuries of art, faith, and tradition. A treasure that, for many years, has remained hidden to most Lorca residents and is now being showcased as a new tourist resource,»
«We are facing one of the most important jewels of Lorca’s architectural and religious heritage, which is why we wanted to launch this proposal to enrich the experience of those who visit our city,» said the Lorca mayor, adding that «the collegiate school of San Patricio, with its majesty and symbolism, is a symbol, its symbol, its symbol is a height. Approaching. Approaching. Affirming.. Approaching. Approaching. Approaching. Approaching. Affirming.»
Gil Jódar took advantage of his visit to encourage Lorca residents and those visiting the city during the Christmas holiday in the Murcia region to enjoy this experience. «This holiday season bodes well for tourism, and we want to continue making proposals that contribute to dissecting tourism and allow us to maintain a steady flow of visitors throughout the year,» he said. In this regard, he recalled that «Lorca is experiencing a very positive trend change, consolidating itself as a tourist and cultural reference in the Murcia region, with 2024 being a record year for tourism in our city.»
He also emphasized the commitment of the Lorca government to continue providing a continuous program of events, fairs, and cultural and sports activities year-round. «We want to make Lorca an even more attractive and comfortable tourist destination, offering a quality program that allows you to discover the beauty of our municipality at any time of the year.»
Visit the former collegiate of San Patricio and Bell Tower
The cultural visit to the college includes access to the church itself, the promotion to the Bell Tower, the Chapel of the Virgin of Alcázar, the Crypt, Atrium, and has a free audio guide in Spanish, English, and French. It is an immersive experience that allows visitors to delve into the history, art, and Christian symbolism represented by this Renaissance and Baroque temple, considered the most important sacred art monument in Lorca.
Regarding the tower, it should be noted that it was built in masonry stone and structured in four polygonal bodies, rising as a visual stage of the historic center. Its construction began in the 16th century in the project by Jerónimo Quijano and was completed in the 18th century by Fray Pedro de San Agustín, emphasizing the sober decoration and harmony of its classical forms.
The visit is not accessible to people with reduced mobility due to the high difficulty in the visit because of the stairs. For more information, you can visit the CollegiatedElorca.com website, where cultural activities and the historical and cultural heritage of the college are listed, as well as information on programs and fees.
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