Summer 2024 Guided evening tours of Lorca castle
Enjoy the impregnable medieval Fortress of the Sun in the cool evening air of Lorca
During the heat of summer arguably the best time of day to visit the monuments and sights of Lorca is after sundown, when the fresh air brings out the atmosphere of history, and at Lorca castle, which stood firm throughout its turbulent times as a frontier castle between Christian Spain and the Moors in Andalucía, special evening opening hours are in place during July and August.
The evening visits begin at 21.15 and last until 22.30 and include entry to the walled area and guided tours of the Torre del Espolón tower and the Aljibe Grande, the main water deposit which was used to guarantee supplies during times of siege. The route then follows the covered corridor and the northern wall to the Muralla del Espaldón before returning to the main courtyard.
These visits are being held on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in July and on Thursdays and Saturdays in August, with pricing as follows:
Adults and over-16s: 12.50 euros.
Students, 12-to 16-year-olds, pensioners, large families, holders of the Lorca y Tú card: 10.50 euros.
Children aged 5 to 12: 8.50 euros.
Under-5s: no charge.
Online bookings can be made here.
When visiting Lorca one of your first ports of call should be the tourist office in Plaza de España (telephone 968 441914, email lorcaturismo@lorca.es).
For more local events, news 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