Caravaca de la Cruz

Caravaca de la Cruz is one of the most historic and culturally significant towns in the Murcia region, set amid rolling countryside in the north-west of the region. Unlike Murcia’s coastal towns, Caravaca has a distinctly inland character, with a compact old town climbing towards the Sanctuary of the True Cross, which dominates the skyline from its hilltop position.

The town’s history dates back to prehistoric times, with later Iberian, Roman, and Moorish settlements leaving their mark on the area. Caravaca gained particular importance in the Middle Ages and became a centre of Christian pilgrimage after the discovery of the True Cross relic, which is still housed in the sanctuary today. As one of the world’s recognised Holy Cities, Caravaca continues to attract pilgrims, especially during Holy Years.

One of Caravaca’s most distinctive traditions is the Running of the Wine Horses (Caballos del Vino), held each May as part of the town’s annual fiestas. During this event, richly decorated horses are raced up the steep hill to the castle-santuary, accompanied by teams dressed in traditional costume. The celebration commemorates a local legend in which wine was brought to the besieged castle to purify its water, and today it is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Beyond its religious and festival traditions, Caravaca de la Cruz offers visitors a relaxed atmosphere, historic churches, small museums, and viewpoints over the surrounding countryside. It is a rewarding destination for travellers interested in history, local customs, and a side of Murcia that feels very different from the coast.

That gives Caravaca more depth than a simple pilgrimage stop. It works well for a full day or longer, with churches, museums, viewpoints and the surrounding countryside all adding to the visit.