September 6 Free guided tour of the relics from the medieval synagogue in Lorca in the local archaeological museum

One of a series of September events in Lorca to celebrate European Jewish Culture

September 6 Free guided tour of the relics from the medieval synagogue in Lorca in the local archaeological museum The numerous events in Lorca which are taking place in September in celebrating European Jewish Culture include this guided tour of the superb local archaeological museum on Saturday 6^th, with the focus logically enough on the artifacts which have been unearthed from the remains of the medieval synagogue and Jewish quarter alongside the castle.

Among the relics are items of ceramics, metal tools, documents, hanukkiyot and a remarkable collection of glassware including small lamps and lanterns.

Some of the jugs, bowls and glasses would not look out of place in a collection of Modernist pieces from the early 20^th century, and they show an extraordinary level of skill and craftsmanship. In all over 2,600 fragments of glass were found at the site next to the castle, and it has been possible to reconstruct 27 lamps.

September 6 Free guided tour of the relics from the medieval synagogue in Lorca in the local archaeological museum Other items are related to the celebration of Hannukah, and one of the most unusual pieces is a cog wheel which belonged to a musical ratchet, an item which was necessary to drown out the name of the evil Haman during readings of the Book of Esther.

The tour is complemented by a visit to two of the museums containing the elaborate works of embroidery which are featured in Lorca’s famed annual Easter Week parades, and the emphasis will be placed on the close ties between the “Biblical processions”, which are based on the Old Testament, and Jewish history.

The tour begins at 11.00 outside the visitors centre in the old Convento de la Merced (Puerta de San Ginés, s/n) and although it is free of charge prior registration is required online here.

For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today.

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Oficina de Turismo de Lorca

Lorca Tourist Office

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, Lorca Tourist Office 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.

Lorca Tourist Office 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 Lorca Tourist Office 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 Lorca Tourist Office 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.