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February 1 Guided tour of the sanctuary of the Virgen de las Huertas and the old caliphal palace in Lorca

The stories behind the two buildings date back to the conquest of Lorca by Christian forces in the 13^th century

February 1 Guided tour of the sanctuary of the Virgen de las Huertas and the old caliphal palace in Lorca The Santuario de la Virgen de las Huertas in Lorca is an extraordinary site where visitors can in effect see two historical buildings in one, with the church and Franciscan monastery of the patron of the city having built above the remains of the Caliphs’ Palace which dates from the time of Moorish rule in the Region of Murcia, prior to 1243.

The church is home to the figure of the Virgen de las Huertas, who is said to have inspired King Alfonso X in his conquest of Lorca from Moors, and contains an impressive collection of religious art, housed in buildings which have needed extensive restoration since the earthquakes which hit Lorca in May 2011.

February 1 Guided tour of the sanctuary of the Virgen de las Huertas and the old caliphal palace in Lorca But for many the most impressive part of the visit is the descent to the remains of the Moorish palace, most of which have come to light as a result of the restoration project.

The tour, which takes place in Spanish on the first Saturday of the month, begins at 12.00 at the side door of the Convento de la Virgen de las Huertas and lasts approximately an hour and 15 minutes. Bookings can be made online here at 10 euros for adults and 9 euros for children aged 13 to 16 and other discounted groups. Admission is free for children aged under 13.

Please note the visit will not be held unless a minimum group size of 10 people is reached.

For further information contact the Lorca visitors centre (telephone 968 479003 / 968 959646, email info@lorcatallerdeltiempo.com; recepcion.fortaleza@lorca.net).

For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today.

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Oficina de Turismo de Lorca

Lorca Tourist Office

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, Lorca Tourist Office 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.

Lorca Tourist Office 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 Lorca Tourist Office 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 Lorca Tourist Office 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.