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September 16 and 23 Guided tours of the Torre Alfonsina keep at Lorca castle

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The tower is the lasting legacy to the city of Lorca of 13^th century king Alfonso X

September 16 and 23 Guided tours of the Torre Alfonsina keep at Lorca castle If there is one single element of the imposing castle of Lorca which more than any other symbolizes the importance of events there in past centuries, and which represents the “City of the Sun”, it is the Torre Alfonsina, the keep built on the orders of King Alfonso X of Castilla after he conquered these lands from the Moors in the 1240s.

During the second half of September two guided tours of this stronghold within a stronghold are being held, offering a great chance not only to see the tower but also to learn about the momentous events which led to its construction almost 800 years ago. The tours on September 16 and 23 begin at 18.30 and last for an hour and a quarter, including stops at other sites of military importance within the compound, after which of course there is plenty of time to stroll around the rest of the castle grounds or enjoy an evening in the historic city centre.

Registration costs 10 euros for adults and over-13s and 8 euros for children aged 5 to 12 and holders of the “Lorca y Tú” discount card. Children under 5 may join the group free of charge, and this is also a pet-friendly activity.

Arrival 15 minutes before the start of the tour is recommended, and prior booking (available online here) is essential.

Further information is available from Lorca Taller del Tiempo at the visitors’ centre in La Merced or at the castle (telephone 968 479003 or 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.