Skilled craftsmen of Lorca to open their doors to visitors on a new tourism route in the city
The route will include last torchbearer of traditional intarsia in the Lorca Street of Calle Alta
A new tourist route is being designed in Lorca under the title of “La Ruta de los Artesanos”, along which some of the highly skilled craftsmen still using traditional techniques will be opening up their workshops and inviting visitors inside to see them at work.
On of these artisans is Paco Montero Fenollós, who works with the traditional skill of intarsia – a skill which was brought to southern Spain by the Moors over 1,000 years ago and is a variant of wood inlaying similar to marquetry. Sections of wood are inlaid within within the solid wood of floors, walls, tabletops and even wooden handbags, and Paco Montero is one of the few practitioners left in the Region of Murcia.
Fittingly, his workshop in located in Calle Alta, just a few steps from where Emiliano Rojo had his carpentry workshop, and from the nearby Cabezo de las Palas there are views out over the city centre and the belltowers of the churches of San Patricio, Santa María, San Juan, San Pedro and others.
The wooden handbags of Lorca have been the subject of an exhibition in New York, and now it is possible to see them being created – and, of course, purchase a unique present for a loved one, as no two items are ever exactly the same!
Around 50 other artisans are to be included in the Ruta de los Artesanos and although the final details have not yet been released the local tourism staff are certain that the tour will be a great favourite among visitors.
For more local news, events and visiting information 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