A new sculpture for the entrance foyer of the historic Teatro Guerra in Lorca
The muse Terpsichore joins a twin sculpture of Thalia by Rafael Pi Belda in the oldest theatre open in Murcia
The Teatro Guerra in Lorca holds the distinction of being the oldest theatre still open in the Region of Murcia, having first welcomed members of the public inside in 1861, and although it has been lavishly decorated with paintings by the Lorca artist Manuel Muñoz Barberán for over 160 years there is still room to add still further to the attractions of the building, as has been confirmed over the last few days.
The latest addition to the decoration of the theatre is a sculpture by the Valencia artist Rafael Pi Belda of the muse Terpsichore, donated generously by his family. The figure was created 36 years ago, long before his death in 2012, and will now be placed in the entrance foyer of the theatre in Plaza Calderón de la Barca, alongside a twin sculpture of Thalia, the muse of Comedy, which was commissioned by the Asociación de Amigos de la Cultura to mark the reopening of the theatre after refurbishment work,
The figure of Thalia is depicted with a comic mask in one hand and a shepherd’s crook in the other, and now her twin will join her at the Teatro Guerra, as the artist intended: Terpsichore carries a lyre and on her head is a crown of flowers.
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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