The conversation shifts from the Orihuela advocates who pushed the declaration of Cultural Interest for the San Juan Convent to a broader vision for the city. The concern that a precious legacy could be lost underlines the worry among supporters about Orihuela’s heritage and its power to shape the future. Leticia Pertegal, the city’s heritage expert and the nominee’s second on the list, has outlined the campaign program titled Add to move forward: 300 proposals for a better Orihuela. This plan places a heavy emphasis on heritage within the district, signaling its central role in both identity and development.
The local administration views heritage as Orihuela’s greatest strength and even describes it as an economic opportunity, a veritable oil field that could fuel sustainable growth and social well-being. In addition, the program supports continuing education, including a master’s degree in Heritage Management, as part of building expertise to safeguard cultural resources for future generations.
On movable and documentary heritage, Pertegal proposes restoring the original Glorious Ensign of Orihuela for display at or donation to the Rubalcava Palace in the Orihuela Municipal Archive. She notes that the current facilities are undersized and that these assets deserve a dedicated building to support conservation work and research missions.
neighborhoods
There is a commitment to revitalizing all historic neighborhoods and the historic core, including the restoration of houses in poor condition. The plan calls for pedestrianizing key streets within the setting of Cultural Interest Assets, aiming to improve the environment while preserving the district’s character.
The program also highlights a clear push for accelerated rehabilitation. It envisions a comprehensive restoration of the Regional Archaeological Museum and the creation of a new museographic framework for Orihuela that aligns with contemporary museology, drawing on innovative approaches developed by contemporary museum leaders.
Within the archaeology agenda, Pertegal proposes notable projects such as theTop Vergonyes Tower and the surrounding Plaza de la Fusta, with a commitment to reigniting this space’s civic and cultural significance.
On the topic of musical heritage, Pertegal reveals a plan called Musical November, tied to the Santa Cecilia celebrations. The objective is to honor Orihuela’s music scene and to recognize important local figures and composers, including Matías Navarro, Ginés Pérez de la Parra, Ignacio Genovés, and others, culminating in a final month concert that showcases the city’s artistic vitality.
Finally, the campaign invites readers to explore the Cambiemos website to learn about these proposals and additional ideas that support Orihuela’s cultural and urban growth.
(attribution: municipal planning documents and candidate materials related to Orihuela’s heritage strategy)