Until June 30 Complete visiting pack at Lorca castle including lunch at the castle restaurant
See the remains of the Jewish synagogue and the two most important towers at Lorca castle
The magnificent castle of Lorca, standing high above the city in a location which made it impregnable throughout the constant struggle between Moors and Christians in the part of Sapin in the Middle Ages, is offering a complete visiting package throughout this spring, ending with a meal based on the Sephardic Jewish traditions which were prevalent in the city when the medieval synagogue was used, prior to the expulsion of the Jews in 1492.
The package includes admission to the archaeological park and synagogue and the two main towers of the castle, the Torre Alfonsina and the La Torre del Espolón, from where watchmen kept lookout over the Guadalentín valley for centuries.
The visit begins at the synagogue at 11.00, followed by the Torre Alfonsina at 12.00 and the Torre Espolón at 13.00, all with audio guides in the language of your choice. Finally, it’s time for lunch at the Caballerizas del Castillo restaurant, inside the castle walls, with a starter to choose from tomato and feta cheese salad, rice with aubergines and soya or chicken curry samosas and a main course of either salmon in chraimeh sauce of roast lamb.
The entire package is priced at 35 euros per person (free of charge for under 12s, menu not included) and bookings can be made online here.
For more local information, including news and what’s on, 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
See what's on in Lorca:
