Sanctuary of Nuestra Senora de la Esperanza, Calasparra

Calasparra - A hidden Gem of Murcia, Southern Spain

If you love real Spain, Calasparra is a pretty little town in Northwest Murcia that is a gem to explore that has retained its Spanish identity. There are breathtaking mountain views and the location is perfect for many places to visit. There are various exciting recreational activities for the adventurous!
During the summer, after siesta the town comes to life. The streets are closed to traffic, and the tables outside of cafes and bars soon fill up with Spanish old and young. The loud voices and laughter fill the air and you can sit and enjoy the ambience.
Apart from the buzzy Friday market, you can visit the nearby Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza. This is the third most visited site in Spain and people come from all over the country at all times of the year.

The Sanctuary - Sanctuary of Nuestra Senora de la Esperanza - A Place of Pilgrimage

2008 is the year Calasparra is celebrating the Jubilee of Our Lady of Hope, Señora de la Esperanza at the Sanctuary.
It is celebrating its 285th anniversary. The Sanctuary can be found just outside Calasparra and it is easy to find by following the signposts and the special Jubilee flags. Esperanza is the patron saint of Calasparra. The Sanctuary is a beautiful church set into the side of the mountain. The first records of the Sanctuary date back to the 17th century. The Sanctuary is a place of pilgrimage and many people travel here from all over Spain and beyond. There are various religious services held every day from 11.00-12.00 in which you can participate or just observe. There is a restaurant, souvenir shop and children's play area as well as BBQ facilities should you wish to enjoy a few leisurely hours by the side of the Segura River. You can walk along the river under the shade of the trees and if you prefer to picnic rather than BBQ, there is plenty of space.
The Sanctuary is open every day from 08.00-20.00. There is a conference and meditation room that holds 200 people and there is parking for more than 2,000 cars. The restaurant serves good quality food at reasonable prices (Tel 968 720 412 for more information and reservations.)

On the way to the Sanctuary there is a viewing point where you can enjoy panoramic breathtaking views of the mountains, the town of Calasparra and the rice paddies. The rice from Calasparra is world famous and can be bought from the local supermarkets.
This year, 2008, there is a road train that takes you from outside Bar San Antonio in Calasparra to the Sanctuary. The train takes you on a picturesque journey from the town to the Sanctuary. It travels down by the river then winds up the mountain to the Sanctuary. The cost of the train trip is 2? single and 3? return. The trip lasts 25 minutes and is a wonderful way to see some of the local scenery.


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