In Santa Cruz, the Huerta’s paths, religious traditions and buildings tell different stories about the town. September is also a useful guide when planning your trip: this is when the local festivals in honour of Cristo de la Expiración are celebrated. Whether you are mainly interested in architecture, the Huerta, festival days or local cuisine, these themes can help you tailor your stay to your interests and find a suitable holiday rental.
Huerta, riverbed and religious routes
The Ermita Vieja de Santa Cruz stands beside the riverbed of the Río Segura. It is also the destination of the Vía Crucis, which continues to be held along the Huerta’s paths. A specific riverside location and an enduring religious tradition are therefore both part of Santa Cruz’s character: the Vía Crucis passes through the Huerta to the old ermita. Dates and access arrangements may vary; check in advance if you would like to experience the route.
The history of cultivation is also connected with the Huerta. According to the most widely accepted theory, there was a settlement in Santa Cruz belonging to the Morisco group or family “Benizá”. They are credited with preparing the land for cultivation and building irrigation channels. This makes it possible to consider the Huerta not only as a landscape, but also in the context of cultivation and irrigation.
A project to improve the route along the left bank of the Río Segura was documented in December 2022. Between Avenida Miguel Induráin and El Raal, it proposed a new footpath and improvements to the cycle path; Santa Cruz was among the places to benefit directly. If you would like to include this stretch in your tour, check the current route in advance.
Buildings and local history
Construction of the parish church of Santa Cruz began in 1943 and was completed in 1952. The period between the start and completion of construction gives the church a clearly defined building history. Another architectural point of interest is the building known as “la fábrica del Catalán”. It is considered an example of neo-Baroque industrial architecture; the description combines an industrial-use category with a neo-Baroque classification.
The history of the town also includes the Hermandad de Nuestra Sra. del Rosario, known as the “auroros de Santa Cruz”. It was founded in 1821—the year Santa Cruz became an independent municipality. The church’s construction history and the religious tradition thus offer different ways to explore the town: the parish church can be understood through its construction period, while the history of the Hermandad reveals the connection between the town’s history and local religious customs.
September festivals and local cuisine
The local festivals are celebrated in September in honour of Cristo de la Expiración. On the last day of the festivities, there is a procession and a firework display; specific dates and programme details may vary. If the festivals are a deciding factor in your trip, check this year’s event dates before booking your accommodation. This lets you plan your stay around the actual festival dates rather than relying on the month alone.
Another culinary point of interest is the La Seda restaurant. It is housed in a 17th-century palace in the Huerta and serves seasonal cuisine made with local produce. Seasonal cuisine may change with what is available; check the current opening arrangements and details before visiting. When looking for a holiday rental in Santa Cruz, you can shape your travel plans around whether you would like to include the September festivals, the town’s buildings and traditions, or its cuisine in your time there.
Discover more destinations: El Esparragal, San Javier, La Parra, Puerto Lumbreras, La Cueva, Majada del Moro, Henares, Sangonera la Verde.
For the broader travel overview: Murcia.
