Former College of San Leandro

Founded in the 18th century by Cardinal Luis Belluga, this college, also known as the "of the little infants", had a unique mission: to train the boys of the choir of the Cathedral of Murcia. Its goal was to raise the quality of liturgical music, teaching plainchant, polyphony, and, for the more advanced, other instruments, all funded by the Cathedral Chapter. Although it was founded in 1747, the building whose facade has been preserved was not completed until 1774. After the dissolution of the community in the 19th century, the house served as an inn (where Hans Christian Andersen stayed in 1862) and later as a barracks and printing house for the newspaper La Verdad. In 1969, almost the entire building was demolished, with only its valuable facade surviving.

This facade is considered a jewel of the late Baroque. Constructed of ashlar, it is organized into three sections. In the center, an access of two steps leads to the door, flanked by pilasters that support a balcony where the arms of the Cathedral Chapter shine. On the main floor, the central balcony is framed by two stone shields: to the left, the royal arms of Castilla and León; to the right, the shield of Cardinal Belluga, the main promoter of the institution. At the top, a niche houses the statue of San Leandro and above it, the date "1774".

Today, this monumental facade is the last vestige of a building that was a reference for sacred music in Murcia. It can be admired in its original location in the Plaza de los Apóstoles, which is one of the spaces we visit on our "The Best of Murcia" tour.