Major Seminary of San Fulgencio

(currently the High School of Dramatic Art and Dance)

Founded in 1592 by Bishop Sancho Dávila Toledo, this seminary was one of the most prestigious educational centers in the Kingdom of Murcia, alongside the San Esteban College. Although its origin is Tridentine, its splendor came in the 18th century through the work of Bishops Diego de Rojas and Manuel Rubín de Celis. The latter turned it into a de facto university, granting higher degrees and training enlightened elites like the politician Diego Clemencín. The current building, completed in 1772 and designed by Pedro Pagán, is a key exponent of Murcian Baroque, forming an inseparable ensemble with the cathedral and the episcopal palace in the Plaza Belluga. It ceased to be a seminary in the 1970s and, after a profound rehabilitation, now houses the Higher School of Dramatic Art and Dance of Murcia.

Its architecture reflects the transition from Baroque to Neoclassicism. The main facade, with its colored plaster typical of Murcia, features a monumental stone entrance of three diminishing sections. In the center, a niche with the image of San Fulgencio crowns the ensemble, framed by the city's coats of arms and its founder. Its severity announces the change of century. At the back, the rear facade faces the river with a plainer design of exposed brick, very similar to that of the neighboring San Isidoro College. Although its interior was renovated, the vestibule and the old chapel remain, witnesses of centuries of students, clergy, and now, artists.

Apóstoles Street, where the old seminary is located, and the monumental surroundings of the cathedral is one of the scenarios of our tour "The Best of Murcia", an itinerary of about two hours covering all the essentials of the city. Contact us for more information and reservations.