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ARCHIVED - October 15 Explore the medieval castles of Lorca in frontier territory between Christian and Moorish Spain
This spectacular visit takes in the 15th century castles of Xiquena and Tirieza in the north-west of Lorca
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.
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
