December 25 and January 6 Lorca castle opens for Christmas and Three Kings Day
Give yourself a Christmas present with these guided tours of the Fortress of the Sun
Whether your main Christmas meal is dinner on Christas Eve or a long, late lunch on Christmas Day, why not either shake of the cobwebs or work up an appetite with these guided tours of Lorca castle, beginning at 11.30 at the entrance to the archaeological site of the medieval synagogue and lasting approximately 2 hours.
The tours include not only the synagogue, the only one of its kind to have been found in Spain, but also the keep of the Torre Alfonsina (the most important vantage point over the Guadalentín valley in the Middle Ages), the main water storage tank and other memorable historic sights.
Prices are as follows:
Over 17s: 15 euros
5- to 16-year-olds, Amigo Lorca cardholders and others entitled to discounts: 10 euros
Under 4s: free of charge.
Online bookings can be made here for Christmas Day and here for January 6, Three Kings Day.
Further information is available from Lorca Taller del Tiempo at the castle and the La Merced visitors’ centre, telephone 968 479003 or 968 959646, email info@lorcatallerdeltiempo.com or recepcion.fortaleza@lorca.net.
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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