Area Focus: Lorca

Lorca, was declared a Town of Historical and Artistic Interest in 1964 and is described as “the baroque city” due to the important baroque heritage of its historical centre. One of the most important in the Region, and the historical events that have shaped modern Lorca from the Iron Age to our time.

Mention must be made of the numerous archaeological sites, the ColumnaMiliaria dating from Roman times, the Espolón Tower and the Alfonsina Tower, a Christian construction dating from after the Reconquest; the “Porche de San Antonio”, the gate through the old wall that surrounded the city (in the 10th century), the numerous churches and convents dating from different periods and built in different styles (15th century to the 18th century), the baroque palaces and stately homes, such as the Guevara Palace, the Palace of the Counts of San Julián or Casa de la Mula, the military fortress that restructures the medieval castle on an inexpugnable site, or the paved streets around Plaza de España, with popular architectural buildings imbued with strong traditional character, such as La Zapatería y La Cava.

The people of Lorca are the protagonists of, and the driving force behind, the changes that are taking place in the town, and aimed at designing a strategy that will help to interpret, establish themes and communicate its rich heritage, and with which will help to bring visitors to the historical, cultural, architectonic and artistic values of Lorca, in an attractive, interesting and unique way.

If you want adventure then Lorca “Workshop of Time” will give you as a visitor what you are looking for: the adventure of immersing yourself in everything that Lorca signifies. Its streets, its wealth of monuments and its urban atmosphere can all be appreciated via the following four Cultural Itineraries which when finally completed reveal a multiple, diverse and historical world;

“Entre el cielo y el suelo” (Between Heaven and Earth)
“Tiempo de contratiempos” (Timed and mistimed)
“La ciudad de loscien escudos” (The city of the one hundred coats of arms)
“Tiempo de devoción” (A Time for Devotion).
Your visit to the Archaeological Museum will bring to fulfillment your knowledge and enjoyment of the rich history of this city.

Lorca, “Workshop of Time” is also proposing a new Visitor Activity Centre in the recently restored Convent of Lorca building. The abundant historical evidence which remains from Lorca’s frontier times and from the time of the Moors and Christians has made Lorca one of the most important historical centres in the whole of South Eastern Spain. Its castle with its imposing appearance is being converted into a theme area to be known as Fortress of the Sun. Here the visitor will be able to live out “an experience through the periods of History”.

You will also find centuries worth of craft traditions still being enjoyed; expert hands which can transform nature into hand-produced rugs, embroidery and pottery. In addition to all of this, Lorca, “Workshop of Time” savours and learns things from Easter week and other examples from its full annual calendar of traditional festivities:
The Feria Chica (Small Fair), in September, which pays homage to the Virgin of the Huertas (the agricultural country around Lorca)

The Day and Night Fairs, which greet the end of the summer and fill the streets with local snacks, wine and folklore
The Moors and Christians festival during San Clemente, with its horses, troops, armies and mediaeval markets.

Visitors are always made more than welcome in Lorca, and its year-round good weather, restaurants, hotels and first-class tourist infrastructures, all combine to add to the rural tourism on offer in the largest district in the Region of Murcia. The city and its nearness to its many mountain chains and areas of great natural beauty make Lorca a place to really have a good time.