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July weekday guided tours of the Colegiata de San Patricio church in Lorca and surrounding buildings

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One of the largest and finest churches in the Region of Murcia stands among numerous late medieval buildings in Lorca

July weekday guided tours of the Colegiata de San Patricio church in Lorca and surrounding buildings Throughout the month of July the tourist office of Lorca is holding guided tours of the magnificent former Collegiate Church of San Patricio and some of the neighbouring historic buildings in and around the Plaza de España.

These include the Town Hall, which was built in the 17^th and 18^th centuries, and the Plaza del Caño, home to the 17^th-century Casa del Corregidor and the 16^th-century Casa del Artesano (formerly the grain house of the local bakers’ guild).

As for the Ex-Colegiata itself, it is a cathedral-sized church built between the 16th and 18th centuries to commemorate a victory in battle over the Moors in the 15th century, and now boasts one of the best examples of the typical Murcia baroque façade in the whole of the Region. This façade dates from between 1694 and 1704 and rivals the structures which adorn the Cathedral of Murcia and the Basílica de la Vera Cruz in Caravaca as prime examples of the style.

Inside, one of the first features to catch the eye is the monumental main altar, which belongs to the Renaissance style although the decoration which surrounds it was renewed in its entirety following the destruction of the Spanish Civil War (1936-39). At the centre of the altar screen is a painting of the crucifixion by Wssel de Guimbarda (1897), while others show San Clemente, San Patricio, the Adoration of the Magi and the Shepherds, the Resurrection, the Assumption, San Jorge and San Millán.

But perhaps the outstanding feature is the religious artwork, much of it painted (although sculptures are also present).

Bookings are available through the Lorca tourist office (Plaza de España, 7, telephone 968 441914, email lorcaturismo@lorca.es) or online here, with the price set at 5 euros per person. The tours begin at 11.00 and last approximately an hour and a quarter.

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

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Plaza de Espana, 30800 Lorca

Tel: 968 441914 (Fax 968 466157)

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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.