The parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Los Alcazares
The main church of Los Alcázares was built when the population began to expand in the late 19th century
When the population and number of summer visitors in Los Alcázares began to rise significantly in the late 19th century the area which is now the town was administered by the Town Halls of San Javier and Torre Pacheco, and in ecclesiastical terms came under the jurisdiction fo the parish priest of Roda, who at the time was Silvestre Santacreu Ivars.
Although a small chapel for local worshippers had been built here in 1890, it was this priest who ordered the construction of a proper church in 1898, and work was completed in 1905. The building features a simple central nave, a pentagonal apse and a simple enough façade compared with the Gothic masterpieces which preceded it in the Region of Murcia in previous ages, and on the left of the façade is a water tank which was used for residents and those in need.
Over the last 120 years the church has undergone various alterations and reforms, including the construction of the present tower (which replaced a simple pointed structure) in 1953. The tower has five levels and is 21 metres high.
The interior of the church is decorated with wall paintings in traditional Murcia baroque style and presiding over the altar is the figure of the patron of Los Alcázares, La Virgen de la Asunción, created in 1951 by the sculptor José M.ª Sánchez Lozano from nearby Pilar de la Horadada.
The church was made a parish church in 1970 by Monsignor Roca Cabanellas, Bishop of the Diocese of Cartagena.
Located close to the Mar Menor seafront, the church is at the centre of many local festivities, particularly those celebrating the feast day of the Virgen de La Asunción. These include maritime and land-based processions and the day ends with a grand firework display.
Mass times vary according to the time of year: consult at the doors of the church.
Address: Calle de la Iglesia s/n (click for map).
For more local information contact the tourist offices in Los Alcázares or go to the home page of Los Alcázares Today.
