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With pandemic restrictions no longer in force the arrival of the summer in the Region of Murcia this year has once again brought with it a host of leisure, cultural and gastronomic activities, and the enormous municipality of Lorca, with the historic city at the hub, offers an extremely wide range of possibilities!
Lorca by day
Lorca was a very important frontier city for centuries following the Reconquista of the kingdom of Murcia by Christian forces in 1243. For almost 250 years after then the neighbouring kingdom of Granada remained in the hands of the Moors, and this historical importance and the economic wealth which came after the expulsion of the Moors in 1492 are still reflected in the magnificent buildings in the old city centre.
Throughout the year there are numerous guided walks in the centre, including many in English: for upcoming events click here, or go directly to the Murcia Turística booking page here.
Among the most popular sights, apart from the palatial buildings and monumental churches, are the richly decorated items of embroidery which are worn during the annual Semana Santa processions of Lorca. These feature gold thread, satin and intricate designs, and each cloak takes literally thousands of man hours to create!
Just outside the city centre is the Sanctuary of the Virgen de las Huertas, which is open during the day for visitors to see the church, part of the Franciscan monastery and the remains of the Moorish palace which have been uncovered below.
Other fascinating guided tours allow visitors to explore the former Collegiate Church of San Patricio, one of the most important of the many places of worship in the city, and the old fountains of Lorca – a tour which includes the medieval wall at La Merced, the Fuente del Oro, the Plaza de la Estrella, the Plaza del Ibreño, the central Plaza de España and the inside of the Sala del Alporchón.
And let’s not forget the heritage left in Lorca by the medieval Sephardic Jews (including the old synagogue within the castle walls, the fascinating municipal archaeological museum and the two main embroidery museums, which have been awarded International Tourist Interest status!
Standing above them all, of course, is the castle of Lorca, and the summer is a great time to visit with special tours and activities on offer practically every day. Some of the recommended visits are the following:
Lorca by night
Needless to say, Lorca does not go to sleep as soon as the sun goes down, and there is plenty to see and do in the cooler evenings under the stars.
The “Paseando por Lorca” tour offers a different perspective on the historic city centre, with guides highlighting the most beautiful and unusual sights as you stroll around.
Meanwhile, the castle remains open until late at night and there is still time to visit the fortress, the medieval synagogue, the Caballerizas restaurant and the Torre Alfonsina!
One of the highlights takes place on August 11, when a special evening of stargazing is being held to coincide with the shooting stars of the Perseid meteor shower. The rock on which the castle is perched makes a perfect viewing place!
For a full listing of Lorca castle visits, offers and events click here.
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.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
