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December 6 to 9 Long holiday weekend packages at Lorca castle
Take the children and enjoy a day out at the impregnable Fortress of the Sun
Over the long bank holiday weekend which falls between December 6 and 9 Lorca castle is offering a special package to visitors which includes entry to three of the most popular parts of the “Fortress of the Sun”.
And children aged under 13 can enjoy all of this free of charge, making it ideal for families with youngsters!
Your tour might begin with a 45-minute guided tour around the castle, outlining some of the most salient points of its 1,000-year history, beginning under the Moorish rule which lasted in the Murcia area until the 13th century. This tour includes the main water tank which was essential for daily life in and around the castle and a vital resource when withstanding sieges.
After that, you can stroll around at your own pace, using the audio-guides to help appreciate the main buildings in the castle complex, and take a look at the archaeological site which contains the remains of the old Jewish quarter and the 15th-century synagogue. Your route should also include the keep of the Torre Alfonsina, the highest point in old Lorca, and the vital watchtower of the Torre del Espolón, which provided unimpeded views out over the Guadalentín valley in the Middle Ages.
The guided tour begins at 10.00, while the other visitable areas open at the following times:
Synagogue: 11.00h to 12.45, 14.00 to 15.45 and 16.30 to 17.15
Torre Alfonsina: 12.00 to 13.45 and 15.30 to 16.15
Torre Espolón: 13.00 to 14.45 and 17.30 to 18.15
This package is free of charge for under 13s and costs 15 euros for adults, and prior reservations can be made online here.
Further information is available from Lorca Taller del Tiempo at the castle and the La Merced visitors’ centre, telephone 968 479003 or 968 959646, email info@lorcatallerdeltiempo.com or recepcion.fortaleza@lorca.net.
For more local information, including news and what’s on, go to the home page of Lorca Today.
Address
Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, LorcaTel: 968 441914
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. Among 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 two earthquakes measuring 5.3 and 5.5 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011, claiming 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 relocated for 14 years to Calle San Patricio, near the church, but has now returned to its former premises alongside the Palacio de Guevara in the Plaza Concha Sandoval, or Plaza de la Bordadora (click for map).
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 along difficult tracks or by boat!
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 processions 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 historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca tourist office:
Every day of the year apart from 1st and 6th January and 25th December, 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30 (except Sunday afternoons).
These opening times are often extended and other information points created during the Semana Santa celebrations.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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