Basilica-Sanctuary of the Vera Cruz (Caravaca de la Cruz, Region of Murcia)

=> Photos from July 2023

The Basilica-Sanctuary of the Most Holy and Vera Cruz of Caravaca is a basilica-sanctuary located in the city of Caravaca de la Cruz (Northwest Murcia region, Region of Murcia, Spain, Europe). Construction began in 1617 in Baroque style around the old Arab Castle of Caravaca. Since the 13th century, there have been famous pilgrimages to see the Vera Cruz of Caravaca. On February 2, 2008, by order of Pope Benedict XVI, it became a Minor Basilica. Furthermore, since 2003, it has the privilege of celebrating a Jubilee Year every 7 years, granted by Pope John Paul II in January 1998. This perpetual Jubilee is only granted in five other places in the world: Jerusalem, Rome, Santiago de Compostela, Santo Toribio de Liébana, and Huéscar (the latter being a town very close to Caravaca de la Cruz).

Entry is free and open to the public all year round. Photography of the interior of the basilica-sanctuary is allowed; however, it is not permitted to photograph the original statue of the Vera Cruz of Caravaca, with or without flash, due to its significant conservation plan.