Episcopal Palace

Episcopal Palace: a unique monumental summit in the heart of the city

Next to the cathedral of Murcia stands one of the most important buildings of the monumental heritage of the city of Murcia, built in the 18th century.

Asset of Cultural Interest since 1992

The Episcopal Palace is a historic building located in the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga. It is the official seat of the Diocese of Cartagena. Built in the 18th century, it was declared a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC) in 1992.

With very unique architectural elements, it is another of the masterpieces of the monumental heritage in Murcia. Several master stonemasons from cathedral works collaborated in its construction. It is a magnificent example of the Rococo style, with a square floor plan, somewhere between Italian and French, with sober volumes and delicate decorative grace, evident in its beautiful doorways.

A return to the Italian palaces of the Renaissance

It was built with clear influences from the late Italian Mannerism. The mural treatments based on fresco ornamentation are a characteristic of Roman and Neapolitan palaces.

Of great interest inside are: the imperial staircase, the courtyard, organized in three arcades in the Doric order and a more compact upper body, and a small circular chapel in the Rococo style, which is open 24 hours a day.

A privileged viewpoint over the Segura River

The so-called Hammer of the Palace (the bishop's viewpoint) is a projecting jetty built before the construction of the main body began in order to have a privileged viewpoint over the Segura River and the Paseo del Arenal or Glorieta.

This space also has an adjoining exhibition hall, called “El Martillo”.

Cardinal Belluga Square, 30001 MURCIA

Phone: +34 968 221 371

Email: secretariageneral@diocesisdecartagena.org