Belluga Cardinal Square

This plaza is in the old headquarters, near the Segura River and the City Hall Back in the old days, the old mansion of the Vélez Marquis and the Bishops residence were in this square together with the Cathedral of Santa María.

 

After the construction of the new cathedral by Jaime Bort between 1737 and 1754, it was decided to move the Vélez Marquis mansion away and build a new Episcopal Palace more in line with the glamor and style of the new main facade.

 

This was the most important square change until 1998 when Rafael Moneo built the new Murcia City Hall Annex Building. The new modernist construction contrasted with the old Baroque style of the square. During this change, the fountain and the garden were removed and the square became pedestrian friendly, with no vehicles allowed. The idea was to make this plaza an open space where people could enjoy the gorgeous buildings around.