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Of all the meteor showers that occur throughout the year in Spain the Perseids is arguably the most spectacular, largely because no matter where you are in Spain, there is a great chance of seeing "shooting stars" blaze across the sky.
Popularly known as the 'Tears of Saint Lawrence' in Spain due to the appearance of this incredible phenomenon so close to August 10, the feast day of Saint Lawrence, the Perseid meteor showers are one of the most awaited displays offered by the sky during the summer. The shower is active from mid-July to the end of August but will peak this year between 10th and 12th August, when the sky is at its darkest, and at the unmatchable setting of the Fortress of the Sun, the medieval castle which stands above the city of Lorca in south-west Murcia, a special star-gazing evening is being held on Satuday August 10.
Two visits are running concurrently, one for children (or families with children) and the other aimed more at adults.
The children’s visit begins at 20.30, when a picnic can be collected, and includes story-telling at 21.00 and stargazing at 21.30 before activities in the main courtyard until 23.00. This is priced at 12.50 for adults and over-16s. 10.50 euros for those aged 12-16, large families and others qualifying for discounts including holders of the Lorca y Tú card, and 8.50 for those aged 5-12. Under-5s are admitted free of charge. Bookings can be made online here.
The adults’ package begins at 21.00 with dinner at the Las Caballerizas del Castillo restaurant in the castle (OPCIONAL) and continues from 21.00 to 22.30 in the chill-out zone before goided stargazing run by the Asociación de Astronomía de Murcia outside the Torre del Espolón. The evening ends at midnight before the castle closes at 1.00 in the morning.
Pricing is the same as for the children’s visit but with the optional extra of dinner (total 40 euros for adults and 20 euros for children. Bookings for this option should be made online here.
When visiting Lorca one of your first ports of call should be the tourist office in Plaza de España (telephone 968 441914, email lorcaturismo@lorca.es).
For more local events, news and visiting information 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
