August 2025 Free guided tours of the main historic monumental buildings of Lorca
Feel the history in the stone walls of some of the most iconic buildings in Lorca
During the summer of 2025 the tourist office of Lorca is holding twice-weekly guided tours of the most important historic buildings in the old city centre, allowing visitors to gain insights into the rich history of the city which for centuries stood on the boundary between the Catholic kingdoms of Spain and the Moorish territories of Al-Andalus.
While the castle above the city stands as witness to those years of conflict from the 13th to 15th centuries, most of the buildings in the centre appeared during the more peaceful wealthier times which followed, but these free tours also delve deeper into history. The sites visited include a section of the Moorish city wall and the Porche de San Antonio, a small entrance arch which was also built by the Moors but later adapted by Christian troops.
In addition, the route includes several of the most impressive monumental buildings and museums which are dotted around the centre of Lorca, with stops in the Plaza de España, where the majestic Ex-Collegiate Church of San Patricio stands, the Town Hall and the Casas Capitulares, and at least one of the museums dedicated to the famously spectacular Semana Santa processions which are held every year during Easter Week.
The final stop is the magnificent Palacio de Guevara in Lorca, a baroque jewel which has recently been restored to its full splendour and has become one of the most popular visits in the Region of Murcia, hiding remarkable decoration and furniture behind its richly symbolic façade.
The tours in July are held in Spanish on every Tuesday and Thursday at 19.30, starting at the La Merced visitors centre, and although the temperature is beginning to cool down by that time plenty of drinking water is recommended along with comfortable walking footwear.
Registration must be completed beforehand through the regional tourist board website here (click “reservar” to select your preferred date), and while in theory the visit is free of charge those joining in are invited to make a donation to the guide in line with how they value the experience.
Further information is available on 968 479003 and 968 959646.
For more local information, including news and what’s on, go to the home page of Lorca Today.
Address
Plaza de Espana, 30800 LorcaTel: 968 441914 (Fax 968 466157)
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. 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.
Opening hours for Lorca Tourist Office:
- Monday to Friday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.00.
- Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30.
- Sunday: 10.00 to 14.00.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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