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Date Published: 18/02/2022

4 historic monuments and heritage sites in Murcia at risk of disappearing

The state of ruin of the structures has prompted their inclusion on the Red Heritage List

Four architectural buildings in the Region of Murcia are very different from each other in terms of time period and design, but they share one common trait: the fact that they are all in a state of ruin and tragically, in danger of disappearing altogether.

For this very reason, all four have been added to the Red Heritage List prepared by the Hispania Nostra Association, which includes more than one thousand Spanish monuments which are at risk.

Pantheon of Manuel Picó and Juan Crespo (Cartagena)

Built in 1874 and designed by Carlos Mancha Escobar, an architect responsible for several other pantheons in Cartagena’s Nuestra Señora de los Remedios cemetery, this monument is famous for its original motifs and an hourglass within the mausoleum itself.

Although the pantheon was granted protection 1 status on the General Municipal Plan of the Cartagena City Council back in 1987, the monument has fallen into dreadful disrepair, with many parts of the frieze and guttering close to collapse. The mausoleum’s ornaments are chipped and an entire column has completely crumbled.

House of Acacio Mateo (Lorca)

Very little is known about this historic building since it remained closed up for years after its owner died, but it is believed to be the work of Acacio Mateo, who also built a pantheon in the San Cristóbal and who was almost certainly influenced by the work of Gaudí.

A 2011 earthquake seriously damaged the house and the balcony balustrades had to be removed, but the state of the interior of the building is still unknown.

The house stands out against those surrounding it due to its intricate tile work, which depicts floral scenes, as well as the very textural facade, full of curves, recesses and projections. Its interior is also of great interest, since the furniture is mostly made of masonry and decorated with tiles, similar to the outside.

Lighthouse of San Juan de Podaderas (Cartagena)

The Podaderas lighthouse and its twin on the island of Escombreras were built to signal the entrance to the port of Cartagena. It was illuminated for the first time on July 15 1856 but its glory days were short-lived due to its awkward location close to a military base. The military tirelessly called for its removal, insisting that it would make an ideal target for enemy fire, and so the Podaderas lighthouse was eventually moved to a more suitable location of Punta de Navidad, entering into service once again on August 18 1866.

Just 19 years later, it was dismantled once again and transferred to the Navidad lighthouse, where it became part of the complex of the San Juan de la Podadera, which is one of the oldest in Cartagena (late 16th century). It was declared a Site of Cultural Heritage in 1985.

In February 2021, a wall adjoining the public car park on Calle Manifesto collapsed, as happened to another joining wall on Calle Empedrada years before. There is serious structural damage to the entire building that pose a risk, not only to the future of the historical site, but also to visitors. As a consequence, the city council has issued an execution order to the owners so that they carry out the pertinent works for the maintenance and conservation of the property.

Antonete Galvez House (Torreaguera)

The historic Murcian character Antonete Gálvez, promoter of the 19th century cantonal uprising (also known as Cantón de Cartagena or Cantón Murciano),) was born and spent a large part of his life in this house.

It was also a meeting place for the planning of the 1869 and 1872 uprising in Murcia, as well as a location for meetings with Cánovas del Castillo and, possibly, Prim.

Despite the fact that the house is currently protected by the General Urban Ordinance Plan of Murcia, it is in a total state of ruin. The surrounding land has also been neglected.

Images: Lista Rioja del Patrimonio

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