During September 2022 guided tours are being held from Monday to Friday in the historic city centre of Lorca to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the birth of King Alfonso X El Sabio, the man responsible for expelling the Moors from Lorca in 1244.
Alfonso was born on November 23 1221 in Toledo and is said to have conquered the city of Lorca on his 23rd birthday. This date is also the Feast Day of San Clemente, who has become the patron saint of the city.
The route of the tour illustrates some of the most important locations in Lorca when it was a frontier city between Christian and Islamic territories, between 1244 and 1492, including parts of the old city wall, the Porche de San Antonio, the Torre Rojano and the Casa del Artesano (which was built on top of the city wall).
The tours highlight connections with the House of Castilla ever since the 13th century and begin at 11.00 outside the tourist office in Plaza de España.
Bookings can be made online here at least 48 hours before the events and further information is available from the Lorca tourist office (telephone 968 441914, email lorcaturismo@lorca.es). The tour is priced at 5 euros per person (3 euros for holders of the “Lorca y Tú” tourism bracelet and card).
Image: https://alfonsoxcentenario.com/
For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today.
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
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