ARCHIVED - Lorca Town Hall to restore historic aqueduct of Zarzadilla de Totana
The 18th century aqueduct provided essential drinking and irrigation water to northern Lorca
Two of the projects currently being worked on by the Historical and Cultural Heritage department of the Town Hall of Lorca are the restoration of the old aqueduct in Zarzadilla de Totana and the creation of a mining museum in Almendricos, according to a press release this week.
In Zarzadilla, on the MU-503 road between Lorca and Caravaca de la Cruz, the aim is for the aqueduct to be declared an Item of Cultural Interest, enabling funds to be allocated to its restoration and upkeep. The three-arch aqueduct was built in the 18th century but has now been overrun by scrub and undergrowth.
Originally, it was essential for the agriculture of the area, which has depended since Roman times on the distribution of water for irrigation purposes in the dry landscape of the north of Lorca, and the structure also provided drinking water for the towns and villages in the area. After official approval for the aqueduct was given on September 5, 1768 it was built under the supervision of engineer Juan de Escofet between 1773 and 1780 with a budget of 869,533 reales, although actual costs were considerably in excess of that amount.
For more local news go to the home page of Lorca Today.
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, 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 an earthquake which measured 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 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 itself has temporarily relocated until the renovations are completed and is on Calle San Patricio near the church.
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 through agricultural exploitations.
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 parades 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 complex of its historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca Tourist Office:
- Monday to Friday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.00.
- Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30.
- Sunday: 10.00 to 14.00.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today