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During the two warmest months of the year Lorca castle, which remained closed to invaders from outside for so long in the past, opens its doors and actively welcomes visitors after dark, enabling them to enjoy the relative cool of the evening and take a look at the remarkable fortress which remained impregnable throughout the Middle Ages.
From the 13th to the late 15th century Lorca castle stood on the frontier between two civilizations the Christian lands which had been taken from the Moors in the “Reconquista” and the Islamic kingdom of Andalucía, and the guided tours held during these visiting evenings include the chance to see the western side of the castle compound. This includes the remains of the remarkable 15th-century synagogue, the church of San Clemente and the Aljibe Grande, the largest of the water cisterns which were vital to maintaining life within the castle walls, especially in times of danger or siege.
These tours begin at 20.30 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (except on the 13th) and last approximately 90 minutes, with registration available online here and priced at 14.75 euros (12.75 euros for children aged 5 to 15).
And don't forget, there is also the option of making a complete evening of it and taking a special package which includes dinner in the Las Caballerizas restaurant, located in the main courtyard of the castle alongside the magnificent Torre Alfonsina, named after King Alfonso X "The Wise" (1252-84): click here for details.
Further information is available by telephone on 968 479003 and 968 959646 and by email at info@lorcatallerdeltiempo.com and recepcion.fortaleza@lorca.net.
For more local information, including news and what’s on, 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. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, Plaza de España, the former Collegiate church of San Patricio, the municipal archaeological museum, the Casa Huerto Ruano, the Palacio de Guevara and the churches and convents of San Francisco, San Mateo, the Virgen de las Huertas, La Merced, El Carmen and many others.
Unfortunately, Lorca has been prone to natural disaster, suffering a severe flood in 1973 which killed 50 people, and a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as a series of earthquakes, the most recent of which was 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives.
Lorca also has an area of unspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Cala Calnegre and various others. Although only one is accessible by road others can be reached along dirt tracks!
In terms of fiestas, Lorca is synonymous with Easter (Semana Santa), its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status being famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azul) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
In the Autumn Lorca also celebrates the Fiestas of San Clemente and a Feria and there are a series of important events throughout the year in the Recinto Ferial, as well as a busy cultural and sporting programme.
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 inspoilt 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
