College of Theologians of San Isidoro

(current Licenciado Cascales Institute)

Symbol of knowledge in Murcia, this building was founded in the 18th century by Cardinal Luis Belluga as part of his educational project for the diocese. The building that has reached our days was constructed between 1742 and 1767 by architects Martín Solera and Pedro Pagán, joining the monumental set of the environment of the cathedral. Throughout its history, it has hosted different uses: from its origin as a theological college, it became in 1837 the Provincial Institute of Secondary Education (the third oldest in Spain) and even was the first headquarters of the University of Murcia after its definitive foundation in 1914. It currently houses IES Licenciado Francisco Cascales and has been declared a Cultural Asset of Interest since 2018.

Architecturally, the building presents two fronts. Its southern facade, facing the Segura River, is a splendid example of Murcian civil Baroque, with its exposed brick facade and a stone portal displaying the coats of arms of Cardinal Belluga and Philip V. The main facade faces north, towards the Plaza del Cristo de la Salud, and features a portal with a structure very similar to the previous one, but somewhat more austere and closer to neoclassicism.

Inside, the central courtyard is the heart of the building, a space of sober elegance framed by pilasters and semi-circular arches. The gem of the complex is the Assembly Hall, an ancient oratory that houses an exceptional pictorial cycle from the 18th century by Master Vicente Inglés, recently restored in its original location.