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Archaeological excavation in Lorca uncovers 5,000 years of history
The discovery coincides with plans for new public housing in the historic centre
The latest archaeological excavation in Lorca has revealed a fascinating historical sequence spanning over 5,000 years. Located on Calle Leonés, between Corredera and Plaza de Santiago, the site has been under investigation for a month and a half under the direction of archaeologist Ana Pujante Martínez.
The findings range from prehistoric remains dating to the 3rd millennium BC to structures from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
María Hernández Benítez, Lorca’s Councillor for Town Planning, highlighted that the excavation reflects the Lorca City Council’s commitment to preserving and enhancing the city’s historical heritage.
“Our focus is not only on advancing public and youth housing but also on ensuring that new developments respect our historical legacy,” she stated.
The excavation has reached geological layers up to 3.5 metres deep, uncovering an early Chalcolithic settlement, Roman and Late Antique remains, and a Moorish maqbara with at least four complete burials.
The mediaeval and modern periods show evidence of urban continuity, with reconstructed walls and adapted terrain. The site also housed a 19th-century dwelling built over what were once animal enclosures.
While the discoveries provide valuable insight into Lorca’s past, Hernández Benítez noted that the physical structures themselves are not significant enough to hinder planned developments. The site will be incorporated into a public housing project designed to revitalise the historic centre while maintaining its architectural integrity.
The Lorca City Council and the Autonomous Community have allocated €200,000 euros in aid to property owners and developers for archaeological assessments, ensuring a streamlined process for urban renewal. This initiative, part of a commitment by Mayor Fulgencio Gil, aims to subsidise preliminary studies and reduce uncertainties regarding underground heritage findings.
Following the completion of the excavation, technical specifications will be drafted for the public tendering of the housing project. The development will include eleven dwellings with parking spaces, targeted at young people aged 18 to 35 with incomes between €18,000 and €29,000. The project is backed by Next Generation EU funds, the Lorca Housing Plan, and a loan from the Official Credit Institute.
The original building was demolished after the 2011 earthquakes, leaving only the façade, which will be restored as part of the reconstruction. The municipal company Suvilor SA has acquired the site and will oversee the project’s execution.
The new housing will be designated for social rental for at least 50 years, aligning with regional efforts to increase the supply of affordable homes. The Government of Murcia has approved a direct grant of €501,125 to ensure the buildings meet energy efficiency standards. Priority will be given to young residents, large families, and people with disabilities.
“This initiative is part of a broader plan to revitalise the historic centre,” Hernández Benítez explained. “We have already invested over three million euros alongside the Community, and with this development, we are reinforcing our commitment to Lorca’s urban and cultural renewal.”
The project is part of a larger strategy that includes improvements to key streets such as Álamo and Selgas, demonstrating the local government’s continued efforts to merge heritage conservation with modern urban planning.
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Images: Ayuntamiento de Lorca
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