Murcia - the capital of the autonomous region and province, 400 km southeast of and 150 km south of . About 340 thousand people live here. It is a beautiful city with a majestic cathedral built on the site of a Moorish mosque and several palaces.

Weather in Murcia:

Orient yourself in Murcia:

Murcia is located away from the Mediterranean coast, in the so-called Huerta - a fertile plain, crossed by several rivers and irrigation canals. The city stands on the banks of the Segura River; the historical center is on the left, north side.

The railway station is located on the south bank of Segura, 1 km from the city center; bus - 20 min. walk from the historic center.

From the Old Bridge (Puente Viejo) begins Gran Via del Escultor Francisco Salzillo (Gran Via del Escultor-Francisco Salsillo), the main street, named after one of the most famous natives of Murcia, an 18th-century sculptor. Francisco Salcillo (there is his museum in the western part of the city). To the east of Gran Via is the University, and closer to the river are the old city blocks, the streets of which are oriented towards the main city attraction - the cathedral. Murcia retains the look of the 18th century and is worth visiting for those who appreciate Baroque sculpture and architecture. You can see the main sights in half a day.

Tourist offices of Murcia:

• City Tourist Office
  • Plaza del Cardenal Belluga,
    968 35 87 49, Sun 10.00-14.00, May-Oct. Mon-Sat 10.00-14.00, 16.00-20.00, June-Sept. Mon-Sat 10.00-14.00, 17.00-21.30.
• Regional Tourist Office
  • Plaza Romea, 4, 902 10 10 70, Mon-Fri 9.00-14.00, 17.00-19.00, Sat 10.30-13.00, Sun closed

How to get to Murcia:

Railway station

• Alameda de Colon.
• (5 times a day, 4 hours 45 minutes, 33.65 €) via Albacete (1 hour 45 minutes, 19.65 €) ;
• (1 h 45 min, 3.50 €) ;
• Lorca (1 time per hour, 3.65 €).

Murcia bus station:

• Calle de la Sierra de la Pila.
• (up to 10 times a day, 5 hours, 20.65 €) ,
• (2.80 €) ,
• (1 hour, 3.75 €) ,
• Barcelona (5 times a day, 8 hours 45 minutes, 37 €) ,
• Valencia (7 times a day, 4 hours 45 minutes, 11.90€),
• , Lorca (1 hour, 4.10 €) ,
• Almeria (4-6 times a day, 2 hours 45 minutes, 13.75 €) ,
• Malaga (5 times a day, 6 hours 15 minutes, 25.25 €) .

50 km from Murcia is located San Javier airport (San Javier) from which the bus runs twice a day.

Tourist route in Murcia:

Sights of Murcia:

Central square of the city, Glorieta de España(Glorieta de Esparia), turned into a square, is located on the embankment of the Segura River, near the exit from the Old Bridge; administrative buildings of the city are located here municipality(Ayuntamiento, 1848) and archbishop's palace(Palacio Archibichop, baroque).

Cathedral of Murcia:

Behind them, on the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga (Sq. Cardenal Beluga), is the main treasure of Murcia - Cathedral of Santa Maria(Catedral de Santa Maria, summer 10.00-13.00, 18.00-20.00, winter 10.00-13.00, 17.00-19.00). It began to be erected on the site of an ancient mosque in 1358 in the Gothic style, but in the 16th century. the building was rebuilt.

In the second half of the 18th century, after a great flood, the Murcia Cathedral acquired its modern look, combining Gothic interiors, Baroque exteriors and Renaissance stone carvings. The central facade of the cathedral, created in 1739-1754. according to the project of arch. X. Borta, is considered one of the best examples of the Spanish Baroque. Since the cathedral is dedicated to the Mother of God, the plot depicted on the main western facade is associated with her: the Ascension of the Virgin Mary.

The other two portals of the cathedral belong to an earlier time: the south portal of the Apostles(Portada del Apostols, 1463) is decorated with Gothic sculpture (1463), while the north chains portal(Portada de las Cadenas, 1515) - stone Renaissance ornament, symbolically depicting chains. The temple has a small museum where religious objects and religious paintings are kept. Chapel Hunteron(Capilla de Junteron), decorated with plateresque stone carvings and Chapel Veles(Capilla de los Velez, XV), the tomb of the marquises of Veles, where rich carvings and a Gothic rib vault have also been preserved.

It is worth climbing the 92-meter bell tower with an observation deck.

Casino Murcia:

From the cathedral along the pedestrian Calle Traperia (St. Traperia), which was the main street of medieval Murcia, you can walk to casino Casino (Calle Traperia, 18, 9.00-21.00) - the first men's club, opened in 1847 and functioning today. The building for the club was completed in 1901; this building is an excellent example of eclecticism, a combination of incongruous: the facade is made in modern style, the lobby and courtyard are an imitation of Arab architecture, the famous Granada Alhambra, and the club library was supposed to evoke associations with London clubs of the Victorian era.

Walking further along Calle Traperia, you will find yourself at the Plaza de Santo Domingo (Pl. Santo Domingo), where the Renaissance facade has been preserved Churches of Santo Domingo(Iglesia de Santo Domingo), destroyed during the anti-church riots and the civil war of the 1930s. An arch is thrown from the church to Almodovar Palace(Palacio Almodovar, XVIII), the entrance to which is decorated with figures of the Atlanteans.

Plaza Romea (Pl. Romea) adjoins Plaza de Santo Domingo, the name of which is associated with the famous Spanish actor of the 19th century. Julio Romea and named after him TeatroRomea standing in the square.

New quarters of Murcia:

If, after visiting the historical part of Murcia, you cross La Gran Via (JIa-Gran Via), you can take a walk through the gardens located in the new quarters (Jardin El Salitre, Jardin San Sebastian; Jardin de Malecon, in which Almudi Palace(Palacio Almudi, XVII) and visit several museums, including Museum of the History of the City of Murcia(Museo de la Ciudad, Plaza de Agustinas, 5-7, Sept.-June Tue-Sat 10.00-14.00, 17.00-20.00, Sun 11.00-14.00, Mon closed, July-Aug. Mon-Fri 10.00-14.00, 17.00 -20.00, Sat, Sun closed and Francisco Salcillo Museum, where religious sculptures are exhibited.

If you come by car, we advise you to end the day with a tour Folklore Museum of Huerta(Museo de Tradiciones de Huerta, Cora de Andalucia, Tue-Sun 10.30-18.00, Mon closed, 7 km west of Murcia), dedicated to the peasant life of Murcia and the surrounding areas.

Museums of Murcia

Archaeological Museum (Museo Arqueologico)

• Gran Via de Alfonso X El Sabio, 9.

Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes)

• Calle Obispos Frutes, 2, Mon-Fri 9.00-14.00, 17.00-19.00, Sat 10.00-14.00, Sun closed
• Plaza de San Agust in, 1-3 (Iglesia de Jesus), Tue-Sat 9.30-13.00, 16.00-19.00, Sun 11.00-13.00, Mon closed, July-Aug. Sat and Sun closed

Museum of matador artist Ramon Gaya (Museo Gaya)

• Plaza Santa Catalina,
• Tue-Sat 10.00-14.00, 17.00-20.00, Sun 11.00-14.00, Mon closed

Museum of Old Mills and Hydraulics (Museo Gidraulicolic)

• Plaza de Camachos.

Major events in the history of Murcia

• 852. Caliph Abd ar Rahman II of Cordoba founded the settlement of Medina Murcia on the site of a small Roman colony.
• 1266. Murcia was liberated from Moorish rule by Alfonso X.
• XVIII. Murcia becomes an important center for textile production and agriculture.
• 1706. The troops of Archduke Charles captured Murcia during the War of the Spanish Succession; in the fight against him, the Murcians opened the dam and flooded the Austrian camp.
• 1810s After the invasion of Napoleonic troops, the epidemic of plague and cholera, life in Murcia froze, many residents left the city.
• 1936. During the battles between the Francoists and the Republicans, many church buildings in Murcia were destroyed.

Around Murcia:

• Torrevieja

• A relatively large Spanish city with a population of about 450 thousand people, famous for its religious holidays. Its historic center has preserved the baroque appearance of the 18th century. You need to come here to get acquainted with its rich history and unique architecture.

  Location and climate

  The city of Murcia is located in the southeast of Spain. It is 40 km away from the Mediterranean coast deep into the peninsula, stands on the banks of the Rio Segura, in the middle of a fertile valley, surrounded by rocky mountains. The sea affects the climate: in summer it is dry, hot, the temperature reaches + 35 ° C, sometimes even higher (Murcia is often called the "Spanish frying pan"). Winters are humid, mild, with an average temperature of +11°C. Precipitation is scarce, and droughts are not uncommon. When the periods of rains begin, the water of the Segura rises, floods occur.

  Map of attractions in Murcia

  Bishop's Palace

  Town Hall of Murcia

  Fountain "Sardine"

  Malecon Footbridge

  Casino Murcia

  Santo Domingo Square

  Romea Square

  Plaza de las Flores

  Sights of Murcia

  Cathedral of Murcia

  Catedral de Murcia was founded in 1385 on the foundations of a former mosque. It was built until the middle of the 15th century. The 90-meter tower was built over two centuries (1591–1793). By the appearance of the bell tower of the temple, one can trace the evolution of Spanish architecture: the two lower tiers are Renaissance, the middle two are Baroque, the fifth tier with the belfry is made in the spirit of rococo, and at the top is a neoclassical dome. The main facade of the cathedral is an example of the early religious baroque of Spain. The interiors have retained the Gothic look.

  Bishop's Palace

  Palacio Episcopal de Murcia was founded in the 17th century and completed in 1786. The palace complex consists of two buildings: a high observation deck Martillo and a residence designed in the spirit of Mannerism. The walls of the buildings are painted with bright fresco ornaments. In the interior of the palace, the Bishop's Chapel, the imperial staircase and the patio with three arcades are of the greatest interest. The balcony of the palace is decorated with the shield of Bishop Rohe.

  Town Hall of Murcia

  Ayuntamiento or Casa consistorial de Murcia stands in the central square of Glorieta. Until the 16th century, there was a Moorish building here. The modern neoclassical Town Hall with a portico of four columns and a triangular pediment was built in 1848 according to the design of Belmonte.

  Old Bridge and Sardine Fountain

  The Puente Viejo across the Rio Segura is often referred to as the Bridge of Danger. The stone building was built in 1718–42. designed by Toribio Martinez de la Vega. The name Puente de los Peligros was given to it thanks to the wooden statue of Our Lady of Perils, installed in a niche on the south side.

  You can see the fountain from the old bridge. The figure of a huge fish “floats” along the river, a stream of water shoots out of its mouth. The 12-meter bronze sculpture weighing 12 tons is the work of Miguel Llamos. The fountain symbolizes the Murcian folk festival "Burial of the Sardine", declared a cultural event of international importance.

  Malecon Footbridge

  Puente Malecón is a cable-supported steel structure without bottom support, designed for loads up to 80 tons. It connects the city center with the right-bank district of Barrio del Carmen. The length of the bridge is 60 m.

  Royal Casino

  Casino de Murcia (photo: José Antonio Rodriguez Martín)

  The Real Casio de Murcia is located near the Cathedral, on Traperia Street. The architecture of the building combines late-Baroque, neo-Moorish, neo-classical style with elements of modernism. The casino was built by the architect Pedro Cerdan, and the interior decoration of the patio, stylized in the colors of the Alhambra, was made by Manuel Castaños. The most impressive of the interiors is the Ballroom, created in 1875. The Royal Casino contains a Victorian library with a collection of 20,000 volumes.

  Santo Domingo Square

  The historic square of Santo Domingo was called the Market Square until the 19th century. Above it rises the facade of a dilapidated temple of the same name with twin towers. The Trapería pedestrian street leads to the Plaza de Santo Domingo from the Cathedral.

  Romea Square

  On Romea Square (Plaza de Julian Romea), adjacent to Santo Domingo, stands the neoclassical building of the Romea Theater, built in the middle of the 19th century. This is the most important cultural center of Murcia. The theater and the square bear the name of the famous Murcian actor - Julian Romea.

  Square of Flowers

  Plaza de las Flores is a pedestrian area with a fountain in the middle and benches under the shade of trees. This is the main place of rest and communication in Murcia: bars, restaurants are open here; numerous stalls sell coffee, drinks, tapas.

  Sculpture Park Antonio Campiglio

  Sculpture park of Antonio Campiglio (photo: Rufino Jimnez)

  Parque Escultorico Antonio Campillo is located on Prince of Asturias Avenue. The exposition has been open since 2010. Nine bronze plastic compositions depicting women in everyday life are exhibited here. One of the works - "Venus and the Bicycle" - was awarded the Salsillo National Prize. In the center of the park is a self-portrait bust of Campillo himself.

  Francisco Salcillo Museum (photo: Eulalia Rubio)

  The Museo Salzillo is located in the Church of Jesus in Piazza Agustinas. It contains collections of works by the famous sculptor, a native of Murcia - Francisco Salcillo. The famous master created compositions based on biblical subjects: "The Last Supper", "Jesus in Gethsemane", "Prayer for the Chalice". The works of Salsillo occupy arched niches in the walls of the temple. Five figures of Jesus are also kept here, with which the townspeople march through the streets during Holy Week.

  Museum of Fine Arts (photo: IFRA ASESORES)

  The Museo de Bellas Artes has existed since the 19th century. It is housed in an eclectic architecture building built in 1910. The exhibition contains paintings of the Renaissance and Baroque. One of the halls is completely dedicated to Murcian art. The museum created thematic exhibitions of allegory, decorative painting, art of costumbrism.

  Archaeological Museum (photo: Morini33)

  Museo Arqueologico is located in a building from 1867 on Gran Via de Alfonso X. The exposition of Museo Arqueologico occupies 16 rooms. Fossil finds from the Paleolithic period to the Visigothic kingdom are collected here. In the Murcia Museum you can see the richest Spanish collection of artifacts from the Iberian era. One of the halls is reserved for rock paintings included in the UNESCO list. The museum also has a collection of ceramics and tableware from the 19th century.

  Science and Water Museum (photo: mutanazos)

  Museo de la Ciencia y del Agua is located on the banks of the Rio Segura. The interactive expositions of this institution will be of interest to children: you can interact with the exhibits - turn it on, press it. There is a planetarium, aquariums with a rich collection of underwater fauna are equipped.

  Events, holidays, events

  Murcia (photo: vinylculture)

  City holidays in Murcia are always bright and cheerful events. People prepare for carnivals here long before they start, tourists come to the festive processions from all over Europe.

  Large-scale celebrations begin in April: after Holy Week comes the Festa de Primavera - the Spring Festival (Bando de la Huerta).

  In May, the Festival of the Three Cultures (Festival Internacional Murcia Tres Culturas) takes place, reminiscent of the times when power was shared between Christians, Jews, and Muslims.

  In autumn, the Feria de Murcia fair is held, dedicated to the heavenly patroness - Our Lady of Fuensanta.

  City `s history

  University of Murcia (photo: Haplomitico)

  The first settlement on the lands that Murcia occupies today belonged to the Iberians. The city was founded by the Moors in 825. At first it was part of the Caliphate of Cordoba, then the capital of the independent taifa of Murcia. In the XIII century the city flourished. Pottery made by Murcian masters was exported outside the Kingdom of Spain, and the famous Murcian silks were famous all over Europe.

  Over time, most of the city's population became Christian, religious conflicts and uprisings began. Madina Mursiya was under Muslim rule until 1243. Alfonso X freed her, but the Christians finally occupied the city only in 1266. Twice in history - in the XIV and XVII centuries - the plague mowed down the locals. The railroad has been built since 1862. During the conflicts of 1936 between the Republicans and the Francoists, many churches were destroyed. Since 1982, the city has received the status of the capital of the autonomous community.

  The local population speaks several languages: in addition to the native Spaniards, Latin Americans, immigrants from North Africa, live here. The city has a university, one of the oldest in Spain - today it is attended by 38,000 students.

  How to get to Murcia?

  Murcia Airport is located 40 km in the city of San Javier - Murcia-San Javier (Aeropuerto de Murcia-San Javier). It serves both domestic and international flights.

  Murcia railway station (photo: pintatrenes)

  • From to Murcia can be reached by train in 4 hours 30 minutes. or bus in 5 hours. Tickets cost about: €76 for the train or €33 for the bus.
  • From Murcia by train or bus can be reached in 3 - 3.5 hours. Tickets cost approximately: for the train - €35, for the bus - €24.
  • From

  Murcia is a sun-drenched city in eastern Spain. Here you can enjoy delicious food, get acquainted with the rich history of the region and admire the majestic Baroque architecture. It seems that in this city no one is in a hurry - even the Cathedral was built here for 300 years.

  There are really a lot of sights in Murcia, but do not rush to see them all at once. Every day, choose no more than two objects from the list below, so that you have time to sit in cozy cafes or take a leisurely stroll through the squares and parks. Here is an overview of what to see in Murcia.

  
  Casino. | Photo: wikimedia.

  Casino de Murcia is a luxurious casino that first opened in Murcia in 1847 as a gentlemen's club. The painstakingly restored building is a marvelous combination of historical architecture and luxury - it recalls the former greatness of the aristocracy.

  Behind the facade with numerous decorative elements you will see: a wonderful patio - a Moorish patio; an interesting English-style library with about 20,000 books; a fabulous dance hall with sparkling chandeliers; and an irresistible boudoir (tocador) with ceiling frescoes depicting cherubs, angels and a winged woman engulfed in flames.

  Address: Real Casino de Murcia, Calle Trapería, 18, 30001 Murcia, Spain.

  
  Cathedral in Murcia. | Photo: Colin Haycock / Flickr.

  Several architectural styles intertwined in the architecture of this city cathedral, but Baroque elements added in the 17th and 18th centuries attract special attention. The main Baroque façade overlooking Piazza Cardenal Beluga impresses with its majesty, thanks to the relief columns and the beautiful sculpture of the Virgin Mary with the archangel above the main portal.

  Inside there are numerous chapels with tombstones of famous people of their time, but the tomb of King Alfonso X of Castile is especially noteworthy. It is impossible not to notice the 93-meter bell tower of the cathedral - it is considered the second highest in Spain (after the Herald Tower in Seville).

  It is noteworthy that its construction lasted for more than 250 years. By the time construction was completed in 1793, the architecture of the building combined elements of several styles - Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassicism.

  Address: Cathedral in Murcia, Plaza del Cardenal Belluga, 1, 30001 Murcia, Spain.

  
  Flores Square.

  Plaza de las Flores is located just to the west of the Cathedral. This is one of the most beautiful city squares. It got its name because of the numerous flower stalls that still operate here today.

  The city mansions surrounding the square date back to the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries. For example, Edificio de Tejidos Abad is a beautiful three-story Art Nouveau building with rectangular white bay windows. In the morning it is nice to sit at a table in a cafe, and in the evening go to one of the bars to drink beer with a delicious tapas snack.

  Address: Plaza de las Flores, 30820 Alcantarilla, Murcia, Spain.

  
  Museum of the Monastery of Santa Clara. | Photo: wikimedia.

  This ancient monastery is located right in the center of the city, on Gran Vía Alfonso X el Sabio, and it is still active. When visiting the museum, you can see only a quarter of the entire monastery complex, but this is quite enough to understand how beautiful and interesting it is.

  The monastery was built in 1300 on the site of a palace-fortress of the Almohad dynasty, the Muslim rulers of Murcia. This explains the large number of decorative architectural elements in the Arabic style, such as horseshoe arches.

  They are not only included in the design of the monastery, but also exhibited in the museum as exhibits. In addition, the exhibition presents decorative elements skillfully made of wood and plaster.

  Address: Museo de Santa Clara, Avenida Alfonso X el Sabio, 1, 30008 Murcia, Spain.

  
  Museum of Fine Arts. | Photo: wikimedia.

  The attractive, bright galleries of this museum are devoted to the works of Spanish artists. Many of the works are little known, but the Siglo de Oro gallery on the second floor has two beautiful paintings by Murillo - "The Crucifixion" and "Ecce Homo", as well as the famous painting by Ribera "Saint Jerome". Seasonal exhibitions are regularly held on the third floor of the museum.

  Address: Museo de Bellas Artes, Calle Obispo Frutos, 12, 30071 Murcia, Spain.

  
  Square Cardenal Beluga. | Photo: santiago lopez-pastor / Flickr.

  At the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga, you will be able to see some of the best monuments of Murcia. From this square, you can see the beautiful facade of the Cathedral, as well as the city hall of Murcia, a neoclassical building built in the middle of the 19th century.

  In 1998, according to the project of Rafael Moneo, a modern building was added to the town hall, which contrasts markedly with the surrounding lush architecture. Here on the square is the Bishop's Palace - a building of the XVIII century in the Rococo style. It complements the Baroque extensions of the Cathedral.

  Address: Plaza del Cardenal Belluga, 5-6, 30001 Murcia, Spain.

  
  Archaeological Museum of Murcia. | Photo: wikimedia.

  This museum is not visited by many tourists, but it will certainly interest those who are passionate about history. There are more than 2,000 archaeological sites throughout the region of Murcia. In addition to the Roman and Moorish heritage, the exposition of the museum presents the best exhibits of the Iberian culture of the Bronze and Iron Ages.

  From the drawings on the ceramics it is clear how much trade with the Phoenicians and Etruscans meant to the Iberians. In the museum you can see an amazing historical exhibit León de Coy - an almost abstract sculpture of a lion found in a necropolis of the 4th century BC. e.

  Address: Murcia Archaeological Museum, Av. Alfonso X el Sabio, 7, 30008 Murcia, Spain.

  
  Bishop's Palace. | Photo: amaianos/Flickr.

  Palacio Episcopal next to the Cathedral is one of the most striking sights in the center of Murcia. Here you can admire the magnificent facade of the palace, wander around the courtyard, and also consider the majestic front staircase. One of the doors leads to the baroque chapel, where prosvirkas, consecrated during the service, are exhibited around the clock.

  Address: Palacio Episcopal, Plaza del Cardenal Belluga, 1, 30001 Murcia, Spain.

  Last minute tours to Spain:

  
  Castle of Monteagudo. | Photo: wikimedia.

  On the territory of the north-eastern suburban area rises a rocky limestone hill with a height of 149 m. On its slopes stands the ancient fortress Monteagudo Castle. The first thing that catches your eye is a huge statue of Christ on top of the castle. This is a copy of the original monument that has stood on the hill since 1926.

  A replica was erected in the early 1950s after the original statue was destroyed during the Civil War. The fortress, dating back 800 years, served as a reliable defense and observation post for Moorish settlers for 250 years.

  In addition, large supplies of water and grain were stored here in order to withstand long-term enemy sieges. After the defeat of the Moors, King Alphonse X of Castile began to use the castle as his residence in Murcia.

  Address: Explanada del Castillo de Monteagudo, Calle Abderrahaman II, 30160 Monteagudo, Murcia, Spain.

  
  Salsillo Museum. | Photo: wikimedia.

  Museo Salzillo is located in the baroque building of the Church of Jesus. It is dedicated to the work of a native of Murcia - the famous sculptor Francisco Salsillo (1707-1783). Particular attention is drawn to his exquisite work - figures intended for religious processions, and Christmas figurines.

  Address: Museo Salzillo, Calle Dr. Jesús Quesada Sanz, 1, 30005 Murcia, Spain.

  
  Floridablanca garden. | Photo: wikimedia.

  Jardín Floridablanca is a small but very picturesque urban garden. Here you can see several luxurious banyan trees with long and thick aerial roots, as well as numerous cypresses, palms, violet trees and lush rose bushes. In the shade of the trees there are benches where it is pleasant to relax, admiring the surrounding beauty.

  Address: Jardín De Floridablanca, Calle Proclamación, 6, 30002 Murcia, Spain.

  
  

  Museo de la Ciencia y del Agua is a city museum located on the banks of the river. It should definitely be visited with children - they will surely enjoy the interactive exhibits where you can press the buttons and turn the knobs. The museum also has aquariums and a small planetarium.

  Address: Museo de la Ciencia y el Agua, Plaza de la Ciencia, 1, 30002 Murcia, Spain.

  
  Almudi Palace. | Photo: wikimedia.

  This magnificent building once served as a grain warehouse, which was destroyed during a severe thunderstorm. Work on its reconstruction was completed in 1629. El Palacio Almudí epitomizes the rapid growth of the local economy of that era as a result of the development of the silk industry.

  Three bas-reliefs catch the eye in front of the entrance to the building - the large coat of arms of the Habsburgs, framed by two coats of arms of the city of Murcia. Inside the palace, you will see a beautiful Tuscan-style hall with rows of columns supporting wide arches. Currently, this beautiful building is used for seasonal art exhibitions.

  Address: Almudí Palace, Calle Plano de San Francisco, 8, 30004 Murcia, Spain.

  
  Murcia Zoo. | Photo: Mike Young / Flickr.

  Terra Natura Murcia is a zoo with several branches in Spain. He enjoys well-deserved fame for his humane approach to keeping animals in captivity. Here you will not see cramped pens or cages. Instead, the zoo staff is trying to create conditions for animals close to their natural habitat.

  For this purpose, about 500 trees and shrubs were planted throughout the territory. The zoo contains 300 animals of 50 species. Among them there are representatives of endangered species, for example, the European lynx, brown bear, Iberian wolf. Of the exotic inhabitants, you will see hippos, lions, giraffes, white rhinos, birds and reptiles of various species.

  Address: Terra Natura Murcia, Calle Regidor Cayetano Gago, s/n, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.

  
  Veronicas Market.

  Mercado de Verónicas is the central market of Murcia, located a few steps from the Almudi Palace. To enjoy the authentic taste of Spanish products, buy those labeled Denominación de Origen.

  Paprika, one of the main ingredients of many Spanish dishes, is grown in the Murcia countryside, and the local cheese is made from goat's milk. Many types of Spanish fruits and vegetables are also grown in the Murcia region, so you can be sure that you are buying really fresh farm produce from one of the 116 market stalls.

  Address: Mercado de Verónicas, Calle Plano de San Francisco, 10, 30004 Murcia, Spain.

  
  Suburban park. | Photo: wikimedia.

  To relax in nature and breathe fresh air, the inhabitants of Murcia do not need to travel far. Just 6 km from the southern outskirts of the city is a large natural park - Carrascoy and El Valle Regional Park. After an easy climb in the foothills of the ridge, you will reach the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fuensanta, one of the main religious attractions of Murcia.

  The temple is easily recognizable by its whitewashed Baroque towers. Behind the temple are amazing mountain landscapes. The paths of the park, framed by thickets of wild herbs - thyme and rosemary, pass through forest thickets of Aleppo pines and Kermes oaks.

  Address: Centro de Visitantes El Valle, Ctra El Valle, 61, 30120 Murcia, Spain.

  
  Resort areas of Costa Calida and Costa Blanca. | Photo: Rachel H_ / Flickr.

  The Mediterranean Sea is only 50 km from Murcia, so you can get from the city to the beach within an hour. If you head straight east, you will find yourself in a quiet beach area on the southern part of the Costa Blanca. The coastal resort of Torre de la Horadada has two Blue Flag sandy beaches for their high water quality.

  Beach bars are visible everywhere - they look especially tempting when the appetite is played out in the sea air. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Mar Menor lagoon separated from the sea. It is considered one of the largest centers of water sports. In addition, the Las Charcas area in the northern zone of the lagoon is famous for its healing mud.

  Address: Costa Calida, Murcia, Spain.

  The Salcio Museum is dedicated to the Baroque polychrome (multicolor) sculpture master Francisco Salcio. The bridges "Pasarela-Jorge-Manrique" and "Puente del Hospital" are two urban structures, whose design belongs to the hand of the master - Santiago Calatrava.

  Every Saturday at 11 am, the municipality of Murcia organizes a free guided tour with a tour of all the main attractions of the city.

  Registration for the event is required and takes place at the Tourist Office in Cardinal Bellugi Square. Gathering of guests and start of the tour there.

  Events

  Murcia hosts several festivals that deserve the attention of tourists. Burial of the Sardine is the most bizarre festive night of the Spring Festival, with processions of eccentric figures like giants, demons, and Brazilian samba bands escorting 20 boats (each with a specific holiday symbol).

  Carnival in Aguilas is a three-day spring celebration with a display of festive outfits of all kinds and colors and culminating in a battle with eggs and confetti after a speech between Don Carnival and Dona Quaresma.

  International Folklore Festival - teams from all over the world organize their national performances.

  Undeservedly deprived of the attention of Russian tourists, this cozy city, surrounded by sandy beaches and rocky mountains, is famous for conveying the true image of Spain. The vibrant center of culture and education is the capital of the region of the same name.

  City founded by the Moors

  The mysterious sights of which are little known to travelers, located on the banks of the Segura River, in the southeast of the country.

  A modern city with a developed infrastructure was founded in the 9th century by the Moors, who turned the settlement into a "greenhouse" of the state, and later of the whole of Europe, by creating unique irrigation systems. Over time, the independent kingdom was captured by King Alfonso X, who annexed the fertile lands to Castile.

  Since the 18th century, the economic rise of the city began due to the development of the silk industry. It was then that the sights that became the hallmark of the city of Murcia (Spain) appeared.

  In the 19th century, many misfortunes fell upon the capital of the region: plunder by Napoleonic troops, numerous earthquakes and plague epidemics. This period of instability lasted for a very long time, and only in recent decades did the development of the tourism sector, which generates income for the treasury, begin.

  Monteagudo castle and statue of Christ

  The seventh largest city in the country is positioned as a wonderful place for relaxation and sightseeing, closely related to the ancient history of Murcia.

  Tourists approaching the resort immediately pay attention to the towering sculpture standing on Mount Monteagudo is an exact copy of the one that was cast in 1926. During the revolution, the statue was destroyed, and after 25 years a 14-meter figure of the Savior appeared.

  On the hill is the ancient castle of Monteagudo, built to protect the city in the 11th century. The fortification built on a high mountain served as an excellent observation post. Guards on duty around the clock signaled the valiant warriors of the city with the help of smoke and fire. At one time, the fortress served as a prison for criminals, a granary and a warehouse.

  Ancient Murcia (Spain) is rightfully proud of a well-preserved historical monument. The sights are of great interest to tourists, but climbing to the top of the cliff on your own is not possible due to the fact that this is a very dangerous place with voids in the ground.

  Cathedral

  The unique urban architecture has absorbed several eras, but has not lost its national flavor. The most famous historical monument is in Murcia, erected on the site of a mosque. It is noteworthy that the almost hundred-meter tower of the building that adorns the city is made in the best traditions of the Renaissance, and the beautiful facade is a fine example of the Baroque.

  Restored after destruction in the 16th century, the cathedral is decorated around the perimeter with statues of saints, which gives majesty and the righteous in every service.

  

  Now most of the temple is occupied by the Museum of Religion, which carefully stores artifacts, ancient documents and canvases painted on biblical motives.

  old bridge

  The banks of the Segura River are connected by a beautiful stone structure with two arches, erected in the 18th century on the site of a bridge destroyed by a flood. The 200-meter structure is particularly stable, and after the use of metal frames, the Old Bridge was significantly expanded.

  

  Spain's main theater

  In the 19th century, Queen Isabel II opened a theater here, which was later named after the local actor J. Romea. The Roman-style building is famous not only for its beautiful facade, but also for its elegant decoration, the beauty of which is breathtaking.

  

  The Romea Theater is also famous for its excellent acoustics, which makes every performance a unique spectacle. There is also an interesting exhibition where you can get acquainted with the history of the building and other interesting facts.

  Cuisine of Murcia

  Sunny Murcia (Spain), whose sights are very diverse, is famous for its delicious gastronomy. The menu of local cuisine contains a huge number of salads made from fresh vegetables, and the wizards of the local restaurants prepare amazing meat pies and work real miracles with seafood. Fish baked in the oven is a real work of art of the local culinary specialists.

  

  Vacationers note the wonderful taste of rich soups with an unusual combination of ingredients. The dish, consisting of potatoes, peas and peaches, surprises European tourists who are unaccustomed to combining vegetables and fruits in a soup.

  Wines of Murcia

  The resort's factories produce natural juices, jams and compotes, as well as a low-alcohol drink made from grape or grape. In the evenings, vacationers enjoy the refined taste of chilled Tinto de Verano, similar to sangria.

  The city of Murcia is also known for its fragrant wines that win first place in international competitions, and tourists often take home a bottle of sparkling drink as a keepsake.

  Quiet city waiting for tourists

  Rest in a sunny city, where warm weather reigns 320 days a year, will give you a sea of ​​unforgettable emotions and impressions. The cozy and calm capital of the region will appeal to those who are tired of the crowds of scurrying tourists. Believe that you will want to return to this glorious city again.