Lorca adds new cemetery tour to its array of tourism attractions
Delve into the history of Lorca at the cemetery of San Clemente!
The city of Lorca continues to broaden the range of its tourism activities and the latest addition to the offer consists of guided tours of the cemetery of San Clemente, located south of the city centre in the La Torrecilla area.
This cemetery is one of the most interesting place in Lorca in terms of its architecture, which features the eclecticism and modernism characteristic of the early 20th century. Along the proposed tour route visitors will see some of the most historic pantheons, many featuring beautiful neo-classical and neo-Nazrid details, and learn about the illustrious families of those laid to rest inside.
These individuals include Doña Concha Sandoval, the Baroness of Petrés y Mayals and last proivate owner of the Palacio de Guevara, Manuel Muñoz Barberán, the best-known Lorca painter of the 20th century, and Eliodoro Puche, a member of the group of writers known as the Generation of 27.
Similarly, information will be given about the history of this cemetery and that of San Cristóbal and those which preceded them in the city.
Unfortunately, for the time being at least, this tour is available only in Spanish, and it is being held for the first time on 31st January, when it is free of charge (registration online here). After that the registration fee will be 14.75 euros, payable at any of the three tourist information points (the La Merced visitors centre, the main tourist office in the Palacio de Guevara and at Lorca castle) as well as online and by telephone on 968 479003.
For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist office at the Palacio de Guevara (telephone 968 441914) or 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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