March 17 Free Saint Patrick’s Day tour of the magnificent old church in Lorca
The visit includes the climb to the top of the bell tower of the magnificent church of San Patricio
San Patricio, or Saint Patrick, is one of the patrons of the historic city of Lorca and the former Collegiate church is dedicated to him. This devotion fates back to the Battle of Los Alporchones in 1452, in which Moorish forces were defeated, reputedly on the date of the Saint’s feast day, March 17.
To commemorate the date the tourist office is offering a free guided tour of the church and the surrounding buildings.
The visit, which is conducted in Spanish, is free of charge and begins at 10.00 at the tourist office in the Plaza de España. Prior registration is required online here.
Unfortunately, this visit is not suitable for those of limited mobility as it includes the 130-stair climb up the bell tower.
When visiting Lorca one of your first ports of call should be the tourist office in Plaza de España (telephone 968 441914, email lorcaturismo@lorca.es).
For more local events, news and visiting information 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
See what's on in Lorca:
