The coat of arms of the García de Alcaraz family in Lorca

The finest of all the sculpted coats of arms in Lorca

The “Escudo de los García de Alcaraz” is one of the many emblems and shields which have led to Lorca sometimes being known as the “Ciudad de los Cien Escudos” (the city of 100 coats of arms), and is located in Calle del Álamo, just off the main central street of Calle Lope Gisbert and almost opposite the Palacio de los Guevara.

Unusually, though, this sculpted coat of arms dating from the 16^th century adorns the façade not of an ancient noble home, but of a far more recent construction which replaced the old palatial family residence of the García de Alcaraz noble line. That is has been preserved and re-displayed is because it is recognised as the most impressive of all the stonework which can be seen in the coats of arms of the city of Lorca.

The central area of the sculpture, surrounded by a garland of fruit, contains the shield itself, while around it are a host of human figures and symbols which represent the social pretensions of the local dignitaries of the age. On either side are two great warriors wearing Roman battle dress.

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If you're in this part of the city, call into the Palacio Guevara and the artisan centre next door to it.