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The hiking path of the Cejo de los Enamorados, in the mountains to the west of the city of Lorca which stretch all the way to boundary between Murcia and Andalucía, is being spruced up by the Town Hall through an investment of approximately 48,000 euros in two of the walkways, following a previous campaign which required a budget of 70,000 euros.
Among the elements of this new project are the structural reinforcement of two bridges and the installation of handrails and steel cables, adding additional safety features to one of the most popular hiking paths in the Region of Murcia (according to the Mayor, Fulgencio Gil Jódar).
Indeed, this trip into the mountains is particularly attractive to residents of Lorca, being so close to the city, and to guests at the Parador hotel in Lorca castle.
The path also coincides in part with the route of the old Roman Road known as the Vía Augusta, which ran through all of the Mediterranean coastal regions of what is now Spain. This is the part which leads to the reservoir of Puentes, and close to the end of the path are the remains of the Roman villa of La Quintilla, which were discovered quite by accident in 1876 and has been excavated since 1981.
As walkers go further into the mountains, though, they leave the urban landscape behind and make their way to the Sierras of El Gigante, Pericay, Cambrón and Tercia, home to species such as the eagle owl and the peregrine falcon.
For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist office at the Palacio de Guevara (telephone 968 441914) or go to the home page of Lorca Today.
The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites, and historic buildings, around which the modern city has built its tourism industry. Among these are Lorca Castle, the Jewish quarter of the castle and synagogue, Plaza de España, Colegiata de San Patricio, Museo de Arqueologico Municipal, Iglesia de San Francisco, Casa Huerto Ruano, Palacio de Guevara, Iglesia de San Mateo, Pósito de los Panaderos, Convento Virgen de las Huertas, Antiguo Convento de la Merced, Iglesia del Carmen and the Teatro Guerra.
Unfortunately Lorca has also been prone to natural disaster, suffering a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as two earthquakes measuring 5.3 and 5.5 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011, claiming 9 lives. Since this earthquake the city has been rebuilding, winning recognition for its Lorca, Open for Restoration initiative, which used the restoration of the city as a tourist attraction whilst it rebuilt its historical buildings, some of which are currently still not open.
The tourist office relocated for 14 years to Calle San Patricio, near the church, but has now returned to its former premises alongside the Palacio de Guevara in the Plaza Concha Sandoval, or Plaza de la Bordadora (click for map).
Lorca also has an area of coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only along difficult tracks or by boat!
However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of processions in which the Whites (Paso Blanco) and Blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the historic castle.
Every day of the year apart from 1st and 6th January and 25th December, 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30 (except Sunday afternoons).
These opening times are often extended and other information points created during the Semana Santa celebrations.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
