PROPERTY SEARCH
July 2025 Free guided tours of the main historic monumental buildings of Lorca
Feel the history in the stone walls of some of the most iconic buildings in Lorca
During the summer of 2025 the tourist office of Lorca is holding twice-weekly guided tours of the most important historic buildings in the old city centre, allowing visitors to gain insights into the rich history of the city which for centuries stood on the boundary between the Catholic kingdoms of Spain and the Moorish territories of Al-Andalus.
While the castle above the city stands as witness to those years of conflict from the 13th to 15th centuries, most of the buildings in the centre appeared during the more peaceful wealthier times which followed, but these free tours also delve deeper into history. The sites visited include a section of the Moorish city wall and the Porche de San Antonio, a small entrance arch which was also built by the Moors but later adapted by Christian troops.
In addition, the route includes several of the most impressive monumental buildings and museums which are dotted around the centre of Lorca, with stops in the Plaza de España, where the majestic Ex-Collegiate Church of San Patricio stands, the Town Hall and the Casas Capitulares, and at least one of the museums dedicated to the famously spectacular Semana Santa processions which are held every year during Easter Week.
The final stop is the magnificent Palacio de Guevara in Lorca, a baroque jewel which has recently been restored to its full splendour and has become one of the most popular visits in the Region of Murcia, hiding remarkable decoration and furniture behind its richly symbolic façade.
The tours in July are held in Spanish on every Tuesday and Thursday at 19.30, starting at the La Merced visitors centre, and although the temperature is beginning to cool down by that time plenty of drinking water is recommended along with comfortable walking footwear.
Registration must be completed beforehand through the regional tourist board website here (click “reservar” to select your preferred date), and while in theory the visit is free of charge those joining in are invited to make a donation to the guide in line with how they value the experience.
Further information is available on 968 479003 and 968 959646.
For more local information, including news and what’s on, go to the home page of Lorca Today.
Address
Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, LorcaTel: 968 441914
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
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.
Opening hours for Lorca tourist office:
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
See what's on in Lorca:
Contact Spanish News Today: Editorial 966 260 896 /
Office 968 018 268
