Lorca

Lorca: the city of the sun, the city of one hundred shields... or one hundred names

Lorca, whose urban centre was declared -a Town of Historical and Artistic Interest- in 1964, is described as "the baroque city", due to the important baroque heritage of its historical centre, one of the most important in the Region, and the historical events that have shaped modern Lorca from the Iron Age to our time.

Visitors are always made more than welcome in Lorca, and its year-round good weather, restaurants, hotels and first-class tourist infrastructures, all combine to add to the rural tourism on offer in the largest district in the Region of Murcia. The city and its nearness to its many mountain chains and areas of great natural beauty make Lorca a place to really have a good time.
Mention must be made of the numerous archaeological sites, the Columna Miliaria dating from Roman times, the Espolón Tower and the Alfonsina Tower, a Christian construction dating from after the Reconquest; the "Porche de San Antonio", the gate through the old wall that surrounded the city (in the 10th century), the numerous churches and convents dating from different periods and built in different styles (15th century to the 18th century), the baroque palaces and stately homes, such as the Guevara Palace, the Palace of the Counts of San Julián or Casa de la Mula, the military fortress that restructures the medieval castle on an inexpugnable site, or the paved streets around Plaza de España, with popular architectural buildings imbued with strong traditional character, such as La Zapatería y La Cava. Mention must also be made of the spectacular Biblical-Passion Week procession in Lorca, with the fervour of whites and blues, blues and whites; its traditional craftwork, with items still produced using craft techniques, such as ceramics, wall and floor carpets, intricate embroidery and iron forging.
The people of Lorca are the protagonists of, and the driving force behind, the changes that are taking place in the town, and aimed at designing a strategy that will help to interpret, establish themes and communicate its rich heritage, and which will help to bring visitors to the historical, cultural, architectonic and artistic values of Lorca, in an attractive, interesting and unique way.

If you want adventure, then Lorca, "Workshop of Time", will give you as a visitor what you are looking for: the adventure of immersing yourself in everything that Lorca signifies. Its streets, its wealth of monuments and its urban atmosphere can all be appreciated via the following four Cultural Itineraries which when finally completed reveal a multiple, diverse and historical world; "Entre el cielo y el suelo" (Between Heaven and Earth), "Tiempo de contratiempos" (Timed and mistimed), "La ciudad de los cien escudos" (The city of the one hundred coats of arms) and "Tiempo de devoción" (A Time for Devotion). Your visit to the Archaeological Museum will bring to fulfillment your knowledge and enjoyment of the rich history of this city.

Lorca, "Workshop of Time" is also proposing a new Visitor Activity Centre in the recently restored Convent of Lorca building. The abundant historical evidence which remains from Lorca's frontier times, from the time of the Moors and Christians, has made Lorca one of the most important historical centres in the whole of Eastern Spain. Its castle, with its imposing appearance, is being converted into a theme area to be known as Fortress of the Sun, where the visitor will be able to live out "an experience through the periods of History". In Lorca centuries's worth of craft traditions can still be enjoyed; expert hands which can transform nature into hand-produced rugs, embroidery and pottery. In addition to all of this, Lorca, "Workshop of Time" savours and learns things from Easter week and other examples from its full annual calendar of traditional festivities: The Feria Chica (Small Fair), in September, homage to the Virgin of the Huertas (the agricultural country around Lorca); the Day and Night Fairs, which greet the end of the summer and fill the streets with local snacks, wine and folklore; the Moors and Christians festival during San Clemente, with its horses, troops, armies and mediaeval markets.
 
LORCA

Top 10

Lorca: the city of the sun, the city of one hundred shields... or one hundred names. Whatever you may call it, it definitely stands out for being packed with monuments: a Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque city.

01
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THE FORTRESS OF THE SUN

This impressive Medieval castle, considered to be Lorca's greatest symbol, can be seen from far away. This space, where Muslims, Christians and Jews lived together for centuries, is now a big theme area, designed for families to enjoy exhibitions, cultural activities and entertainment.

02
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THE RECOVERED SYNAGOGUE

In the Archaeological Park of the Jewish quarter, you can visit the only Synagogue in Spain which was not turned into a Church afterwards, and admire its remains from the times when the Jews used to worship there by the end of the 15thC. Don't forget that next to the Archaeological Park is Lorca's Parador, where you can find a magnificent accommodation and also regain strength by tasting some of Lorca's typical dishes.

03
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PASSION EMBROIDERIES

We introduce you to a different way of experiencing Lorca Holy Week. The embroidery museums of the Paso Azul, Paso Blanco, Paso Encarnado and Paso Morado suggest you learn first hand, and throughout the year, about the artwork created by the locality's needlewomen, as well as experience the most stunning episodes of this unbelievable celebration thank to the audiovisual presentations of brotherhoods.

04
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A WALK THROUGH HISTORY

If you enjoy walking through history, you shouldn't miss this itinerary, which will help you find out why Lorca is considered to have more monuments than any other locality in the region. If you're keen on culture, you'll be delighted by its museums, squares, palaces, singular buildings and churches. If you want to make the most of this route, we recommend you purchase the tourist bracelet, with which you can visit all the city's museums for free and benefit from discounts and special offers in shops and restaurants.

05
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A SPECTACULAR HOLY WEEK

Lorca's Biblical Passion Parades are one of Spain's most spectacular Holy Week expressions, and that is why it has been declared to be of International Tourist Interest. Its chariots, horsemen, horses, floats, superb gold and silk capes, as well as the famous rivalry between Paso Blanco and Paso Azul, will turn your perception about the Holy Week upside down.

06
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SUMMER NIGHTS

During the summer, even if it may sound odd, you will specially enjoy the nightlife in the City of the Sun. Every year, dramatised night visits, concerts and shows take place for you to enjoy your holidays. We suggest you turn your concept of sightseeing around: why not going out for tapas with a sunset background, enjoying a pleasant starlit dinner at the terrace of the castle, or exploring constellations with powerful telescopes? Suitable for the whole family.

07
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VIA AUGUSTA

Even if all roads lead to Rome, this one goes straight there. Going along this old road, which used to link Hispania to the Empire's capital city, is the perfect excuse to visit Lorca, walk on history and enjoy a great variety of landscapes by the river Guadalentín. Either on foot or by bike. At the Municipal Archaeological Museum, several milestone columns found at the end of this section are exhibited. Their aim was to signalise distance every mill passus or Roman mile.

08
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WILD BEACHES

Both interesting and unknown, Lorca beaches are a great option if you're looking for something different, remote and quiet. Here you can enjoy an underpopulated, wild seaside, virgin coves, chiringuitos and idyllic nature. Nine kilometres of fresh air, a light-blue sea and unexplored beaches at your disposal. Playa Larga, Los Hierros and Baño de las Mujeres are a few examples of tranquillity and a good option for bathers in search of something different.

09
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PITCHERS AND RAG RUGS

If you come to Lorca, don't forget to buy a jarapa -a coloured rug made in the traditional manner- and a Jarra de Novia -a piece of pottery which used to be frequent at weddings in the countryside and the huerta, so that from its five lips the priest, bride and groom, best man and matron of honour could drink-. These useful and beautiful craftwork pieces are a luxury to decorate your house impossible to obtain anywhere else. If you're interested, you should go, among other places, to Lorca Craftwork Centre: there you will find temporary exhibitions, live demonstrations, and sale of handicrafts.

10
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SUCCUMB TO TEMPTATION

If you go to any of Lorca's patisseries, you need to know about its most popular temptations. First of all, crespillos: a dough made of salted wheat flour, oil and paprika, with a thickness of less than a half centimetre; this is nanotechnology of a crunchy nature, which substitutes daily bread for many locals. Picardías also stand out: a very traditional small bite consisting of a hazelnut coated with caramel. Last but not least, the tortada: a cake of sponge cake, almonds, meringue and either custard or cabello de ángel, made with different floors. These desserts accompany Lorca's cuisine, in which meat, cold cuts, stews and vegetables have the leading roles. You definitely have to try it all!

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What to do

Eventos en Lorca

24 ENE

31 DIC

Walking in the Lorca countryside, ...

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01 ABR

31 DIC

Five typical sweet treats ...

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05 JUL

30 JUN

June 28 to 30 fortaleza sound ...

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09 AGO

24 MAY

May 24 farruquito performs ...

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02 SEP

30 ABR

April 30 free chamber music ...

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07 SEP

25 ABR

April 25 free chamber music ...

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03 OCT

31 MAR

March 30 and 31 free Semana ...

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05 OCT

31 MAR

March 28 to 31 easter weekend ...

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11 OCT

31 MAR

March 22 to 31 Semana Santa ...

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19 DIC

30 JUN

Until june 30 ancient egyptian ...

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06 FEB

31 DIC

Lorca restaurant wins prize ...

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Actividades en Lorca

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