Lorca

Lorca is a city in the hinterland of the Region of Murcia, famous for its castle, architecture and the Holy Week processions, which is also known as the “City of 100 shields” (Ciudad de los cien escudos) for its important heraldic heritage. About its ancient origins there are various mythological legends, but, as for the toponym, it dates back to the time of the Arabs.
From the archaeological remains found in the area, it is clear that, during prehistoric times, Lorca was a very populated site due to its geographical position that allowed the defence of the village, and to the presence of water and mineral resources essential for survival.
Under the domination of the Arabs, the city prospered thanks to agricultural and artisanal activity and, in the following centuries, it continued to have an important economic role even during the domination of the Christians. In addition to that, trade became more important and people built new neighbourhoods and a lot of churches and monasteries.
In the twentieth century Lorca reached its maximum expansion thanks to agriculture, industry and the specialization of production sectors.

As for its historical and cultural heritage, the most important monuments of the city are:

  • the castle
  • Plaza de España
  • Collegiate of San Patricio
  • Consistorial House of Lorca
  • Plaza del Caño
  • Column Milestone
  • Medieval Wall
  • Monumental Building Santo Domingo
  • Ancient Convent of la Merced
  • Church del Carmen
  • Church of San Cristóbal
  • Church of San Diego
  • Palace of los Condes de San Julián
  • Casino
  • Theatre Guerra
  • Stone Bridge
  • Convent Virgen de las Huertas
  • Plaza de toros de Sutullena
  • Bridge of la Torta.

In the surroundings of the city, there are also important archaeological sites such as:

  • Rincón de Almendricos
  • the Cipreses Archaeological Park;
  • the archaeological complex of Peñas de Béjar;
  • the castle of Xiquena
  • the remains of the castle of Tirieza

OTHER CITIES OF THE REGION OF MURCIA TO VISIT:

  • Cartagena: is a coastal city of the Region of Murcia that has very ancient origins dating back to the first centuries BC and after that it became an important Roman colony. Furthermore Cartagena has two beaches; churches in the Baroque and Neoclassical style; modernist buildings; museums, monuments and an excellent gastronomy. Read more here about Cartagena
  • Murcia: its origins date back to the first millennia before Christ, and its gastronomy consolidated the local identity through delicious dishes that conquer even the most demanding palates. Read more here about Murcia

To learn about the local history and culture, you can visit the following museums:

  • Municipal Archaeological Museum of Lorca
  • Los Cipreses Archaeological Park
  • Guevara Palace House Museum
  • Paso Blanco Embroidery Museum
  • Nicolás Salzillo Museum of Sacred Art
  • Paso Encarnado Embroidery Museum
  • Huerto Ruano Palace

As for the traditional festivals, some that you should see are:

  • Holy Week
  • Lorca Fair
  • Virgen de las Huertas
  • San Clemente
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