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After an absence of 14 years a branch of the Lorca tourist office is reopening on the ground floor of the Palacio de Guevara, otherwise known as the “Casa de las Columnas”, which has been undergoing important renovation work for a number of years following the earthquakes which hit Lorca in 2011.
Originally, the tourist office opened here in spring 1986, remaining in use until 11th May 2011, and on its re-opening it has been equipped for more up-to-date purposes: a modern and functional interior which is fully accessible, and of course digitally up to speed!
The Palacio de Guevara is one of the most important examples of baroque architecture in the Region of Murcia and was declared an Item of Cultural Interest in 2008. Apart from this location the tourist office has also occupied premises at the visitors centre in the former Convento de la Merced (which remains open), in the former home of Colonel Potous in the Plaza de España and in the “Carrerón de San Patricio”, also in the Plaza de España. The Plaza de España office will now close.
Since the office was last located in the Palacio de Guevara, important advances have been made in tourism in Lorca: for example, the awarding of the SICTED (quality of tourism) certification, the “S” for sustainability, the joining of the network of “Intelligent Tourist Destination”, membership of the Caminos de Sefarad network of destinations with Jewish heritage, and the European network of Easter Week Celebrations.
Alongside the office is a new digital information point in the Plaza de la Bordadora, created using EU Next Generation funds,
For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist office in the Plaza de España (telephone 968 441914) 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
