What to see and do in Murcia
Discover some of the main attractions for visitors to Murcia capital city
Oftentimes, those who come to the Region of Murcia are looking for sun, sea and sand along the region’s beautiful coastline or natural hiking holidays in the mountains and forests of the rural, inland areas. But for people who prefer a city break, Murcia’s regional capital has loads to offer tourists, from shopping and museums to games and history.
Here are some of the top things to do while visiting Murcia city:
1. Visit the Gran Casino Murcia
A firm favourite for visitors to Murcia’s capital city is a visit to the Gran Casino Murcia, an entertainment hub with multiple leisure options set in a gorgeously renovated architectural location. The Gran Casino Murcia offers a table area with poker games and other popular card games, and a slots area, both of which provide first-class entertainment for visitors.
Not only that, but the Gran Casino Murcia, behind its inviting architectural façade, has options for food and drinks like the Sports Bar, El Restaurante, Bar Rojo and La Olímpica; a venue for cocktails and dancing in El Club; as well as being the host of many live music sets, magic shows, comedy nights and much more.
2. Take the family to the Science and Water Museum
An excellent option for families in Murcia is a visit to the Museo de la Ciencia y el Agua, the Museum of Science and Water. This museum is designed to make children think about the environment around them and explain basic scientific principles in relation to the earth and their natural surroundings.
It really is a fascinating museum for children and adults alike as each point is made clearly using moving models, so there are a myriad of wonderful buttons to press which show the natural phenomena actually occurring in front of your very eyes, including things like how waterspouts are formed, steam, heat, magnetism, movement and all manner of interesting phenomena, which are masterfully demonstrated in a simple and graphical way.
3. Lose your breath in Murcia Cathedral
If you’re after a piece of history to take your breath away, step in Murcia’s Cathedral, the Iglesia Catedral de Santa María.
With its impressive Baroque façade which dominates the atmospheric Plaza del Cardenal Belluga, the Cathedral is one of the most emblematic images associated with the city of Murcia. Inside, it is a riot of exquisite detail, with elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, each part with its own unique personality. The magnificent Torre campanario, the bell tower, is 90 metres tall and has no fewer than 24 bells, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, each of which is named individually: La Fuensanta, La Concepción, La Catalana…
You can book a guided tour of the cathedral on the official website.
4. Take in some history at the Archaeological Museum
Murcia’s Museo Arqueológico archaeological museum is a veritable treasure trove of historical wonders, with a remarkable collection of finds from sites across the Region of Murcia, laid out in a logical and carefully considered display.
The museum tells the story of the area from its pre-historic occupation to the modern day, by way of the Paleolithic era and the pre-Moorish occupation of the 7th century. A fantastic day out, especially if it happens to be one of the few rainy days that Murcia gets, and the museum also has a welcoming café area which is a nice place to visit whatever the weather.
5. Go up to Monteagudo castle
One curious landmark that Murcia has in its outskirts is the castle and fortress of Monteagudo, with its distinctive 14-metre-high statue of Christ standing nearby and looking out from the mountaintops, reminiscent of the ‘Christ the Redeemer’ statue in Rio de Janeiro.
A living archaeological treasure in its own right, Monteagudo has been home to numerous civilizations over the last 4,000 years. The San Cayetano Visitors Centre in Monteagudo has exhibits which detail the rich history of the area, which is still throwing up fresh archaeological finds in ongoing digs and investigations to this day. A visit to the Monteagudo complex is a chance to see history in action!
