PROPERTY SEARCH

ARCHIVED - Free English language guided tour of the historic monuments of Lorca: September 15

ARCHIVED ARTICLE

A free route uncovering some of the most important treasures of the historic city centre of Lorca

<span style='color:#780948'>ARCHIVED</span> - Free English language guided tour of the historic monuments of Lorca: September 15

Lorca is a city rich in history, its strategic position above the Guadalentín Valley having attracted human settlers for thousands of years. The Argarics, Iberians, Moors, Jews and Christians all left their footprints in the city, which contains many important monuments and interesting buildings.

The imposing medieval castle (the Fortaleza del Sol) dominates the skyline, as it has since Lorca was a frontier city between Christian Spain and the Moorish kingdom of Granada, the Jewish synagogue of the Jewish quarter just below it still survives intact, and the city at its foot is filled with ornate Baroque buildings.

On this very popular tour an official regional tour guide shows visitors around the most important historical buildings in the old quarter of central Lorca, including the former Collegiate Church of San Patricio and the Town Hall, on a free guided tour with commentary in English.

The 45-minute visit leaves from outside the Tourist Information Office in the Plaza de España at 10.00am.

Booking is essential as places are limited, so contact the Tourist Office if you'd like to go or book directly using the online booking system.

For more information about what to see, what to do and where to eat and drink in Lorca visit the home page of Lorca Today.

Linea Directa Bottom Article M-Z CAR INSURANCE

Address

Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, Lorca

Tel: 968 441914

View Google Map

Facebook

Oficina de Turismo de Lorca

Lorca Tourist Office

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.

Lorca Tourist Office 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!

Lorca Tourist Office

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.