August 29 and 30 Guided tours of the Iglesia Vieja in Yecla

The old church of Yecla, known for its iconic tower, is to be converted into a cultural venue

The Iglesia de la Asunción, more usually known in Yecla as the Iglesia Vieja (the old church, since before the construction of the Basilica in 1868 it was the most important religious building in the town) is due to undergo a renovation and interior transformation process beginning in September this year, and to give both locals and visitors a last chance to see the building in its religious format a series of four 90-minute guided tours is being held on 29^th and 30^th August.

These tours begin at 18.30 and 20.15 on Friday 29^th August and at 10.00 and 11.45 the following day, with registration already available online here for the Friday and here for the Saturday.

Work first started on this Gothic/Renaissance-style building, which is located between the Town hall and the Santuario del Castillo in the higher part of Yecla, in 1508 and it was completed in 1540, after which more was added in various stages. The first of these stages included the central part of the building and the base of the main tower – this is unusual, because during the Middle Ages and Early modern period it was customary to build the “business end” of churches first, creating space for the altar so that services could be conducted. After 1540 came the apse and the rest of the tower, while the choir was created later in the 16^th century and the sacristy appears to have been added later still.

Unfortunately the Iglesia Vieja was one of the victims of the Spanish Civil War, and was burnt and ransacked in 1936. The losses included the magnificent Renaissance altar screen, the archives, the sculptures and paintings and the “lignum crucis” (or fragment of the Cross on which Jesus was crucified) and not until 1986 was the first restoration work undertaken.

One of the most interesting features is the decoration of the tower, where on the upper levels there are sculpted representations of the different social strata in the still largely feudal society of Spain in the 16^th century: on the northern side seven knights, on the south are four heads (three men and a lion), on the eastern side are the faces of two women, possibly the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene, while on the west are figures representing the clergy.

At the top of the tower a large iron ball is suspended: during the years of neglect after the Civil War this fell into the nave and through it to the crypt, but it has been returned to its original location as part of the restoration.

Further information is available from the tourist office of Yecla (email turismo@yecla.es) or, for more visiting information in English, go to the home page of Yecla Today.

Address

Plaza Mayor, Casa de los Arcos, s/n 30510 YECLA

Tel: 968 754 104

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Oficina de Turismo de Yecla

In early 2025, due to renovation work at the usual office, the service is located on the other side of the Plaza Mayor at Calle Epifanio Ibáñez nº 2 (click for map).

Yecla is a large municipality in the north of the Region of Murcia, home to just under 35,000 people, and these days is best known for its wines, which enjoy Denomination of Origin status, and its furniture production, which has its origins in the abundance of pine trees on the mountainsides and the high plateaux.

While visitors in the 21st century may be attracted primarily by wine tourism, the town (or city, as it was proclaimed in 1878) also has a wide historical, cultural and natural heritage, and an identity quite different from the coastal areas of the Region of Murcia. For this reason it is often grouped together with its neighbour and fellow wine-producing area Jumilla as part of the Altiplano area.

Yecla borders with Castilla-La Mancha and the Region of Valencia and is closer to Alicante coastal areas than much of Murcia. These visitors come to see the historic old town itself - an atmospheric and interesting place, crammed full of history - the natural beauty of Monte Arabí, with stunning views for those who enjoy the outdoors, the gastonomy and of course the wine route.

Yecla boasts cave paintings from 10,000 years ago in Monte Arabí, a Bronze Age settlement at El Arabilejo, Iberian remains in El Pulpillo and a Roman administrative centre at Los Torrejones as well as the remnants of the 11th century Moorish castle on the hill behind the town. More modern (and complete) testimony to the past are the buildings in the town centre, which include the grandiose Basílica de la Purísima, with its striking blue dome, the archaeological museum and the attractive Plaza Mayor, where the 16th century Town Hall stands alongside the Renaissance Casa de los Alarcos, the clock tower and the old grain store.

The tourist office holds a full selection of leaflets, maps, pre-planned routes, accommodation and restaurant options and information about visiting Yecla for both individuals and groups.

There is parking close to the tourist office, although those driving to Yecla for the first time are advised to park in Calle Perales. 

For further information go to the home page of Yecla Today.  

Opening hours:

Tuesday to Friday 8.00 to 15.00

Saturdays 10.30 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.30.

Public holidays 10.30 to 14.00

Click for map, Yecla tourist office