The Casa de Guevara in Lorca is fast becoming one of the most popular tourist attractions in Murcia
The 13-year restoration project in Lorca is nominated for a prestigious National Geographic award
Following its reopening to the public earlier this year the Casa de Guevara in Lorca is fast becoming one of the must-see tourist destinations in the Region of Murcia, a status which is underlined by its appearing among the nominees for the best restoration of a historic building.
Readers of National Geographic España are invited to vote in this category online here until September 10, the other nominees being the Real Fábrica de Artillería in Sevilla, the Galería de las Colecciones Reales in Madrid, the Palacio de los Valeriola in Valencia and the Palacio Zulueta de Vitoria Gasteiz in the Basque city of Álava, although the results will not be made public until December.
The Casa Guevara, also referred to locally as the “Casa de las Columnas” due to the ornate Solomonic columns which frame the main entrance, now welcomes hundreds of visitors every day following a 13-year restoration project which followed a strict conservation plan to recreate the furnishings as they were in the heyday of this palatial residence.
Those wishing to vote must do so in all 6 categories, the others being Best Cultural Heritage, Best Museum of Popular Culture, Most Important Historical Discovery, Best Preservation of an Old Town Centre and Best Exhibition.
For more local news, events 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
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