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This unusual tour of the north-west of the huge municipality of Lorca encompasses an area which for centuries was a kind of no man’s land between the Christian kingdom of Castilla and the Moorish Nazarí kingdom of Granada. It was not until the 15th century that the area finally came under the control of Christian forces, shortly before the expulsion of the Moors from Granada in 1492.
In this part of the countryside are the remains of two frontier fortresses, the castles of Xiquena and Tirieza, both of which stand above the valley of the River Corneros, which was an important communications route in the Middle Ages. Moorish writers at the time described Tirieza as “a pleasant place with many water sources”, while the spectacular structure at Xiquena calls to mind the knights of many a medieval tale.
Both of them lie in a long valley leading to Vélez Rubio and Vélez Blanco which boasts some of the most spectacular scenery along the boundary between Murcia and Andalucía, and which makes the visit worthwhile on its own!
The guided tour is being held on April 30, May 28, June 18, September 24 and October 15, setting out at 10.00 by bus from the Visitors Centre in Lorca. On arrival at Xiquena participants will climb up to the two fortifications on foot. The whole tour lasts approximately 4 hours including 1 hour of walking and climbing.
Of course, those joining the visits are advised to wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and to bring along water and a snack as well as sun cream.
The price is set at 19 euros for over-13s and 17 euros for under-13s, retired people, students, large families and those who hold a “Lorca y Tú” card.
Minimum group size 29, maximum 54.
Reservations should be made online here, or for further information contact the Lorca tourist office.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today.
To go to the dedicated Lorca section, Click 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 inisde the Antiguo 
Convento de la Merced on the outskirts of the city beside the river where there is ample parking (paid parking).
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.
Click for map, Lorca Tourist Office (NOTE: as of October 2015 both the Tourist Office and Lorca Taller del Tiempo are sharing temporary offices in a rehabilitated fragment of the old city wall at the entrance to the car park, due to imporvements being made to the car park and restoration work inthe Convento itself. The temporary office is just a few metres from the normal one, and opening hours are unaffected).
