Sanctuary of La Fuensanta

Murcia, Spain

Sanctuary of La Fuensanta provides a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the orchard. The church houses the image of the patron saint of the city. Its name comes from the fountain at his feet and to whose waters, the faithful people, attributed healing properties.

The church building began in 1694. The facade was completed in 1705 designed by Toribio Martínez de la Vega. The facade had reliefs and sculptures designed by Jaime Bort, and completed by José Balaguer.

The first retablo in the church was completed by the 17th-century and carved by Antonio Dupar, however, this was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War of 1936. The present retablo is a 10th-century work by Antonio Carrión Valverde and Nicolás Prados López.

During the civil War the church suffered the destruction of its interior which in the half of the 20th century its restoration was completed.

Inside there are splendid reliefs and sculptures by González Moreno. The paintings and murals of the dome and choir are the work of the painter Pedro Flores. In the first, the town and history of Murcia are represented in a pilgrimage of the Virgin, with Alfonso X, the Count of Floridablanca, Cardinal Belluga, Francisco Salzillo and other illustrious characters of the history of Murcia. The choir depicts the coronation of Our Lady of Fuensanta on the Old Bridge (Puente Viejo).

The temple is located in the El Valle y Carrascoy Regional Park, a protected natural space that dominates the whole of the Murcian plain. In addition, around the Sanctuary there are other points of interest such as the so-called Fuente Santa (Holy Fountain) in Renaissance style, the Casa del Cabildo or Casa del Sacristán, in neo-Arabic style, or the monastery of the Benedictine nuns - connected to the Sanctuary by an arch.

Close to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Fountain are the Hermitage and the Monastery of Light (Monasterio de la Luz), whose first settlers were Anacoretas, the Hermitage and San Antonio el Pobre Visitor Center and the Convent of the Franciscans of Santa Catalina del Monte, places which are well worth visiting.

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Founded: 1694
Category: Religious sites in Spain

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Swansea Cymru (4 months ago)
A beautiful monastery set in a beautiful national park located in a elevated position and offering far-reaching views over the countryside. The monastery was closed to the public on the day we visited so check opening times before you visit. There is ample free parking but wheelchair access is very limited. The cafeteria is accessed by steps and not disabled friendly at all, which is a great pity. Overall, my rating is for the beauty of the exterior of the building and the magnificent views. However, our experience would have been greatly enhanced if ramps were installed to improve wheelchair access. It's 2023, there should be equal access for everyone!
Mario Loulié (4 months ago)
Interesting place with loads of Catholic Images making up stations of the Cross and the Rosary's mysteries
Edward Callus (11 months ago)
Took a local guide in Murcia who recommended to come here - I am happy I followed his advice. Stunning views and nice atmosphere. I think would be lovely to visit also at sunset and at night. Taxi ride from the center costed 14 euros
Catherina Macari (2 years ago)
Excellent! Great view! Just moved on the way up to this place, small village, only 5 km from Murcia city center. Will keep you fit, it is a nice walk up to the hill, otherwise even there is a bus line that take you the Sanctuary.
Vera Modvala (2 years ago)
Very nice place to have a city view. You can get there hiking or by taking the bus from the city center
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