Murcia, Spain. Open left menu murcia Where is murcia in spain

How to get to Murcia

Murcia is a cozy southern town in Spain that boasts of its baroque architecture, colorful festivals and picturesque surroundings. Unlike neighboring Alicante and Valencia, Murcia is visited by a relatively small number of tourists, which makes the town even more intimate for those who do not like crowds of tourists and want to enjoy the authenticity of the city. You should definitely come here if you want to see a “piece” of non-tourist Spain in its original appearance and with its everyday lifestyle.

Murcia has its own airport of arrival, but there are no direct flights from Russia yet. You can fly with a transfer in one of the Spanish cities, for example, with a transfer in Barcelona or Madrid. Murcia San Javier Airport is located not in the city itself, but in its environs. You can get from the airport to the city by taxi/transfer. You can find a taxi car when you exit the terminal, you can also order a car in advance through online transfer services, for example, at and others similar. Travel time from the airport to the city will be approximately 40 minutes. There is no direct bus service between the airport and the city.

Also, tourists often come to Murcia from neighboring Alicante. Alicante has its own international airport of arrival, which accepts incl. and flights from Russia. You can check the flight schedule on search services Aviasales , Buruki and others. Then you can get from Alicante to Murcia by train, bus or rented car.

Alicante – Murcia

The distance between Alicante and Murcia is about 80 km. There is a direct train and bus service between the cities. Trains depart from Alicante up to 5 times a day, the journey time is about 1.5 hours. You can check the schedule and buy tickets online at the railway service . Buses run more frequently, in fact 2-3 times per hour throughout the day. Buses leave from the station Alicante, Estación de Autobuses Nueva, arrive at the station Murcia, Estacion de Autobuses. There are also regular buses that run directly from Alicante airport.

For independent tourists, such an option as renting a car at Alicante airport or at city offices is also suitable. This option is very common and popular, especially among those travelers who do not plan to limit themselves to visiting one city. Alicante and Murcia are connected by highway number A7, the journey takes about 1 hour. You can book the desired class of car for a trip in advance, even before the trip. This can be done through special services , , and some others. To rent a car on the spot, you will need to present a passport, an international driver's license and a bank card to pay for services.

Murcia Hotels

TRYP Murcia Rincon de Pepe 4* - This hotel is located in the heart of Murcia, 100 meters from the Cathedral. There are 2 restaurants and a cocktail bar on site. Guests can stay in rooms of various sizes, including family rooms. The type of food offered is breakfast. WiFi is available in the entire hotel and is free of charge. There is paid private parking nearby. The front desk is open 24/7;

Catalonia Conde de Floridablanca 4*– the hotel is located in the city center, within walking distance from the main attractions. The hotel has a bar, a restaurant and a fitness centre. The hotel has rooms of various sizes, some of which have a balcony. The type of food offered is breakfast. Wifi is provided free of charge. Paid public parking is available nearby. The hotel also offers luggage storage. The front desk is open 24/7;

Hotel Cetina 3*– the hotel is located within walking distance from the Roman bridge, which is considered one of the main attractions of Murcia. Guests can stay in rooms of various sizes, including family rooms. Some of them have a balcony or terrace. Depending on the type of room, breakfasts may be included in the price or offered at an additional cost. Wifi works for free. There is paid public parking nearby. The 24-hour front desk also provides luggage storage services;

NH Murcia Centro 3* – the hotel has a good location in the city center. The hotel has its own fitness room. Guests can stay in rooms of varying sizes, each with a coffee or tea maker. Meals - buffet breakfast. Wi-Fi is available free of charge throughout the hotel. Private parking is available nearby. The front desk is open 24/7;

Hotel El Churra 3* – The hotel is located near the city center. The hotel has a restaurant and a fitness center. You can stay in rooms of various sizes, breakfast is available for an additional fee. The hotel also has family rooms. Wifi is provided free of charge. Paid parking can be found on site. There is a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and a tour desk.

Sights of Murcia

The main attractions of Murcia are historical monuments of different eras and times. The central composition in the city is the cathedral square and Cathedral Murcia. The construction of the cathedral began at the end of the 14th century, and then continued until the 18th century, it is not surprising that different architectural styles were mixed in its appearance - Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism, and the internal appearance of the cathedral has Gothic features. Adjacent to the cathedral is a 98-meter Bell tower, which also combines different styles.

In addition to the Cathedral, the historical and architectural monuments of the city also include Bishop's Palace(17th century), city ​​hall(19th century), roman bridge, Royal Casino, romea square, Las Flores square, santo domingo square and some other objects. All of them are concentrated in the central part of Murcia, in the so-called "old town".

While in Murcia, you should not lose sight of its surroundings, where more mysterious castles and fortresses and majestic natural parks are located. So, for example, it is of interest Fortress of Monteagudo located on top of a mountain surrounded by lemon orchards. At the very top of the fortress stands a 14-meter statue of Christ. The fortress is considered an excellent example of medieval architecture. The fortress is located just a few kilometers from Murcia, you can get there by public transport, so it’s worth visiting the historical monument even if you came to Murcia for just 1 day.

If you came to Murcia by car and want to see not only architectural sights, but also natural ones, then in the vicinity of the city there is Sierra Espuña Natural Park. These are vast territories, which are a mixture of rocky mountains and coniferous forests, with rich flora and fauna. There are many trekking and routes in the park, and from the highest point of the park you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. It is better to move around the park in view of its size by car.

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.

Once upon a time there was a Roman colony on the territory of modern Spain, and then "BAM" - in the 9th century, a settlement was founded in its place. They named it Murcia. At that time, the town served as a "state greenhouse". Unique irrigation technologies made the village famous and useful for all of Europe at that time. The village began to grow and grow stronger. It grew to the point that in the 18th century Murcia became an important center for the production of textiles and agriculture. In the 19th century, life in the region stopped for a period. Plague and cholera "kicked out" from their homes many residents in search of a better life and security. But that was not for long. Today it is both a province and its main city, the seventh largest in all of Spain. Tourists come here from all over the world, because the locals have something to be proud of and brag about ... You will not hear about their sights on every corner. Therefore, I take the responsibility to introduce them to the box offices and tell them what to see in Murcia in 1 day. So, we will immediately consider the sights of Murcia and the surrounding area, since we will have to look into both Jumilla and Cartagena.

The whole history, culture and memory of generations are reflected in this chic building. As elsewhere in the world, the Cathedral here is a very important and significant object. And in terms of tourist attraction, and for the citizens themselves. It was built on the site of the former Muslim mosque. The first stones were laid in 1385. Construction stretched for more than 80 years. By world standards, the construction of such facilities is a rather short time. Other cathedrals are being built for the 2-3 centuries until they take on their final form. However, there were some tweaks here too. In subsequent centuries, architects brought their own “chips”, mixing Gothic with the Renaissance, Baroque with Neoclassicism.

Today this cathedral is the main Roman Catholic church of the city. The bell tower of the cathedral is impressive. It rises above the ground by 90 meters. And each of its bells has its own personal name.

As for the interior, Gothic prevails here. There are three naves, an apse and 23 chapels. Each individual chapel is dedicated to a particular guild and is adorned with the tombstones of the bishop or aristocrat who “sponsored” its construction.

In general, the Cathedral is really worth seeing. He deserves it.

Embankment and monument El Zulo (Terraplén y monumento El Zulo)

So, in the autonomous community of Murcia there is Cartagena, and in Cartagena there is an amazing Promenade. Amazing in what way? It is beautiful, spectacular, large, with palm trees and a beautiful view of the sea and ships. Want to not get bored? - Come to the Embankment. It's always crowded and interesting. And the sea breeze, and seascapes, and good photos, and ship trips in the open sea and along the coastline of the bay.

Tourists who find themselves on the Embankment rush to look for a popular monument called El Zulo. What's in it? It is made of bronze and is located in the port of Cartagena. The monument, in fact, with a sad story. It was established so that humanity remembers the people who died during the terrorist attack. The tragedy occurred in 2004 in Madrid. El Zulo is not someone's name, it is literally from the Spanish language "refuge". In the monument, we can see a man who is trying to hide by pressing his head to his knees and covering it. He is afraid, he is alarmed... Today, this monument is considered an important local landmark. As for me, the monument is really important in the universal human sense. But, this is not an option for a tourist who is on vacation and trying to have fun. Strictly my opinion.

Town Hall of Murcia (Ayuntamiento de Murcia)

The town hall is always and in every city an object of special importance. Same in Murcia. You need to look for the Town Hall on Plaza Cardenal Beluga. If you come to the Cathedral, then the Town Hall is very close. You don't have to fumble. The windows of the façade of both overlook the said square. In the 13th century, when Christians finally came to Murcia, and the city itself began to belong to the Kingdom of Castile, the king ordered the building of the Supreme Court to be built on the square. It was it that later became the first City Hall. At first, the Moorish style was completely visible in the architecture of the Town Hall. But in the 16th century it was completely "redrawn" and modified. The town hall we are talking about was built only two centuries later. On the lower level of the building we see balconies with columns and statues of women, symbolizing Happiness and Abundance. Inside the building there is a chic marble staircase, stained-glass windows made of Venetian glass, a luxurious chandelier made of glass and bronze, marble doorways in red tones, wonderful stucco molding and gilding of capitals. And in the huge windows of the facade you can see the reflection of the Cathedral. Everything is pompous, as it should be for such a status building.

Old Bridge (El Puente Viejo)

This bridge connects the two banks of the Segura River. The bridge was built in the form of a beautiful stone structure with a pair of arches. The bridge got this look in the 18th century after the former bridge collapsed during a powerful flood. The stability of the 200-meter structure is beyond doubt. The bridge even looks very powerful and stable. In its lifetime, the bridge survived the expansion due to the use of metal frames. The locals often refer to this bridge as the "Bridge of Danger". It owes this name to the statue of Our Lady of Perils. The wooden statue is installed in the southern niche of the bridge. Standing on El Puente Viejo, you can see a huge fish in the river. This is the famous fountain called "Sardine". About him in the next paragraph.

Fountain "Sardine" (Fuente "Sardine")

This creation appeared in Murcia in 2009. From the water of Segura, only the tail and head of the fish can be seen, which seems to be bent in the river. The fountain is made of bronze. The length of the fish is 12 meters (according to other sources - 23 meters, at least take it, but measure it yourself ...). And its weight, neither more nor less, as much as 12 tons. The jet (when the fountain is running) shoots out of the fish's mouth. They installed the "Sardine" with meaning - with this, the Murcians wanted to perpetuate their national holiday under the strange name "Sardine Funeral". This day is celebrated on the first Saturday after Easter. The roots of the tradition go back to pagan times. The meaning of the holiday is the victory of Spring over Winter, the arrival and birth of a new life to replace the cold and gloomy winter ... But what does the poor sardine have to do with it? ... If you are trying for children to entertain them, then you can stare at the fountain. And so, I don’t see much point in rushing there. Well, each nation has its own traditions, sometimes strange from our point of view ... The Spaniards, by the way, declared this holiday an event of international significance.

Lorca Castle (Castillo de Lorca)

This fortification was built in the period of 14-15 centuries. The dimensions of the fortress along the perimeter are 640m by 120m. Impressive! Looking at such a colossus, would it even occur to besiege it or take it by storm? Apparently, this is why the fortress survived and survived to this day ... For the impregnability of the building and its significance for the history of the region, the people of Murcia insisted that Castillo de Lorca be included in the list of the most important sights. Officially, this happened in the 30s of the 20th century. By the way, archaeologists "dug" and found out that people lived on the site of this fortress in the Neolithic times. I advise you to come and look at Lorca Castle, if only for the sake of its decent dimensions. You will have an idea of ​​how a really impregnable fortress should look like...

Jumilla Castle

This castle with all its being symbolizes the city with the same name - Jumilla. The first defensive buildings were laid here in the Bronze Age. After - the fortress was completed and strengthened. For centuries, the castle passed from hand to hand from one owner to another. But in any case, the function of the structure remained unchanged - defense and protection. In the 13th century, a chapel was built on its territory. When the castle was captured by the Crown of Aragon at the end of the 13th century, the local people tearfully asked the new owners to allow people to come to the chapel. The construction today has a completely “commodity” appearance, accepting tourists from all over the planet. Excursions and events on the territory of the fortress are held with enviable regularity. I can’t say anything about archi-important or super-outstanding in Jumilla’s architecture. Just another historical monument of Murcia. By local standards - very important and significant. As for a visiting tourist, this is an object from the category of a “popular attraction”. Decide for yourself whether you want to watch it or not.

Casino of Murcia (Casino de Murcia)

You can find a casino in the central historical part of Murcia on Lucas Street. It was opened in 1847. At that time, the object was an archi-important segment of the urban social sphere. The traditions of the 19th century are still alive there.

A few words about the facade. This is an eclectic style with classicism and modern decor. The hall is spectacular, made of marble and plaster. Elegance is in everything, even in the appearance of the horseshoe-shaped door. The material of the horseshoe is walnut (wood). A huge dome hangs over the courtyard. Material - glass and iron. The courtyard is also called the Moorish patio. The patio is painted with text in Arabic. The translation says that there is no one more important than God. And in the Pompeian patio you will see 14 monolithic columns, Ionic capitals and other chic in decoration and design.

The casino has an interesting library with 20 thousand books. You will get there by passing through the hall for all kinds of events - the Congressillo.

There is also a dance hall, and an armory, and a lot of other rooms worthy of the attention of tourists.

The transverse gallery is also interesting. It is located in the center of the casino and has the format of a closed street. Meetings take place here, it is from here that you can get to any hall of the Casino de Murcia.

Archaeological Museum (Museo Arqueológico)

I will not describe what is next to the building of this museum. Map of Murcia with attractions to help you. So it will be more accurate ... Well, what will the address Alfonso X el Sabio, 7 tell you about? About nothing. And on the map you will immediately understand what goes where.

So, the museum has been operating since 1864. Today, his collection of exhibits is considered the most important of all existing collections of Iberian archeology in the country. There is a permanent exhibition in 16 halls. By visiting the museum, you will get acquainted with the most complete history of the Paleolithic-Bronze Age, the birth of Christianity and the emergence of the Visigoth kingdom. Admission to the Archaeological Museum is free for everyone. What can not but rejoice.

What will the tourist see here? Found remains from the time of the Myocente, the first stone tools, the first ceramics, rock paintings, jewelry from the ancient period, household items and utensils from different time periods, artifacts from found caves, and so on. In addition, the museum has an interactive map, which makes visiting it more exciting.

Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes)

In the middle of the 19th century, this museum appeared in Murcia. Here all this time they try to carefully preserve the cultural heritage of the province. A collection of paintings by painters, a collection of sculptures and archaeological expositions - all this is in the Museo de Bellas Artes.

The first floor is the works of the 15th-17th centuries and the Renaissance. Second floor - paintings of the 17th century and the Golden Age, the Enlightenment and the 18th century, academic art, eclecticism, costumbreeze, regionalism, decorative and landscape painting.

Simply put, here are collected paintings and other works of art created by prominent Spaniards, from the 15th century to our time. There are permanent and temporary exhibitions. Description of all exhibits can be found at any time on the Internet.

For orientation:

and the Town Hall, and the Cathedral, and the Casino are located very close to this museum. So it will be easy to find it.

• The Spaniards of Murcia are excellent cooks and chefs. Numerous fresh vegetable salads, meat pies, all kinds of seafood dishes, baked fish - lick your fingers. The province produces grape and blackberry wine, juices and compotes, jams and “sabo alcohol”. By the way, because of the abundance of vegetables and vegetable dishes, neighbors from the city of Cartagena called Murcia “the green stomach”. The latter, of course, are not happy, but even very angry with such a nickname.
• The city of Murcia and its surroundings are very comfortable for life. Representatives of different nationalities live peacefully and calmly here. Numerous pedestrian streets, gardens and parks, a lot of attractions, a good soul

Murcia is one of the most pleasant and attractive cities in Spain. It is here that you can fully enjoy a comfortable and pleasant life. Each tourist gets the opportunity to note the elegance and sophistication, special sophistication. The unique atmosphere of Murcia is able to leave an indelible impression of yourself.

Nowadays, Murcia is actively developing and is a worthy platform for the implementation of avant-garde architectural projects, thanks to which the face of the city continues to change actively. At the same time, medieval architecture really attracts.

The Cathedral is one of the most impressive buildings in the Spanish city of Murcia. Construction activities began in the distant 1388, but it took about four centuries to complete the project.

Such a lengthy construction has led to the fact that the execution includes the features of baroque, gothic, neoclassical and renaissance. Despite the mixture of styles, there is a special harmony.

Location: Plaza del Cardenal Belluga - 1.

Mar Menor is a lagoon and harbor that surprises with its impeccable beauty. The lagoon is separated from the sea by a sandy strip, the width of which is from 100 to 1200 meters. It is in this corner that you can enjoy truly warm and crystal clear water.

The waters of the lagoon attract a large number of vacationers and lovers of water sports. The northern part of the lagoon is not used by tourist centers and is under state protection, but the rest of the lagoon plays an important role for tourism purposes.

The monastery church of La Merced belongs to the monastery of the Order of Mercy. The religious landmark was first built in 1562. However, in 1705-1713, on the ruins of the church, which was completely destroyed, it was possible to build a new church building.

The construction of the monastery took place between 1604 and 1628, and it successfully retained its appearance without the slightest change. The church was built in the Baroque style. Architectural performance surprises today.

Currently, the Church of La Merced belongs to the Franciscan order. It is here that the headquarters of the order in the Diocese of Cartagena is located. The former monastery is occupied by the Faculty of Law of the University of Murcia.

The Bishop's Palace includes two buildings that are connected to each other. The prominent part is the "hammer", made in the form of an observation deck. At the same time, the palace was built under the serious influence of Italian mannerism, as a result of which the attraction resembles Roman palaces.

The following valuable objects can be distinguished in the interior:

• A small chapel of the Bishop.
• Patio based on three arcades of the Doric order.
• Baroque imperial staircase.
• The main balcony of the palace is decorated with a shield.

The construction of the palace was successfully completed in 1786.

Location: Plaza del Cardenal Belluga.

The museum center was founded back in 1864. In 1970 and 2000, the building was reconstructed, where a rich exposition is presented. The current museum is located on the site of the former monastery of the Holy Trinity, but formerly it was located in the living room of the Levante Children's Theater, now known as the Romea Theater.

In the museum you can see various paintings by famous artists. Each exhibit deserves special attention.

Location: Calle Obispo Frutos - 12.

The monastery of Santa Clara la Real was created in the 14th century on the site of the former Alcazar. This attraction belongs to one of the most important historical buildings in Murcia, representing a worthy example of Islamic creativity.

The monastery complex also includes a baroque church.

Santa Clara la Real deserves the increased interest of historians, art historians and other professionals involved in the active study of culture and archeology. Tourist interest also remains at a consistently high level.

Location: Plaza Monjas - 1.

The Segura River is a natural landmark in southeastern Spain and Murcia. The Segura is closely connected to the Alluvial Plain, which made it one of the most polluted rivers in Europe by the 1990s. The canning industry, numerous runoffs have led to the pollution of the river. However, public demonstrations still contributed to the emergence of water treatment plants, due to which the environmental situation improved.

By 2013, otters and eels, which are particularly sensitive to water pollutants, managed to repopulate Segura, although they had been absent for decades. Now the Segura River adorns Murcia and attracts nature lovers.

The regional park was created in 1931, but it received its current status only in 1992. There are about 20 mountain peaks on the territory of the natural landmark, the height of which exceeds a thousand meters. The mountainous areas of the park are ready to boast of a variety of flora, but at the same time, pine forests cover most of the slope. Pyrenean and North African plants grow here.

The fauna is also rich and varied. Foxes, wild rabbits, badgers, martens, forest cats, wild boars live on the territory of the regional park.

Sierra Espuña is a regional park where many nature lovers can relax. For the convenience of tourists, walking and cycling routes have been created. The good condition of the mountain road allows you to fully enjoy your pastime.

The Casino of Murcia is a club that has existed since the 19th century and retains the most important traditions. Since 1847, when the casino was opened, this organization has played an important role in the social life of Murcia.

The Casino of Murcia is housed in a truly beautiful building, with a unique eclectic façade featuring classic and modernist details. The interior surprises with its refined, elegant performance.

Of interest is the casino library, which was created in 1916. The total number of books exceeds 20 thousand. In front of the library there is a small hall where cultural events of various formats are regularly held.

The Casino of Murcia is an attraction and an institution that allows you to further understand the cultural life of the Spanish city.

Location: Calle Traperia - 22.

The castle is located on top of a hill and at a distance of 5 km from Murcia. The castle complex was built for military purposes, as the strategic location allows you to successfully control a large area.

The current castle is the result of numerous restorations and modifications that were actively carried out during the Muslim domination of Murcia. At the same time, the castle - a fortress and a defensive observation post for a long time protected Murcia from potential enemies.

After Murcia was conquered by the Christians, Monteagudo retained its strategic importance and remained under the control of the Castilian monarchs. After the kingdom of Murcia ceased to exist, the castle turned out to be a border fortress between the Castilian and Aragonese kingdoms. This situation persisted until the 15th century, after which it was united into Granada, which is now included in Spain.

Location: Diseminado Constitucion - 26.

The Archaeological Museum of Murcia is one of the richest. The permanent exhibition occupies 16 halls, in each of which you can immerse yourself in a certain era. Visitors can even see the remains of the Pliocene and Miocene era, a map showing the archaeological zones of the city and Murcia in ancient times. Subsequently, different eras open up, as a result of which it is possible to understand how Murcia reached its present position.

Location: Avda. Alfonso X el Sabio - 7.

Murcia is one of the most interesting cities in Spain, allowing you to see a completely different facet of Europe.

Your little neighbor. And in vain, because in Murcia at every step there is something that travelers appreciate so much - history and beauty.

Murcia is the land of orchards, where lemons are especially loved: they are used everywhere, even pies are baked from lemon leaves. And Murcia itself is somewhat similar to a lemon candy - it will either seem sweet, taste good, or it will burn your mouth with acid. Such is the history of the city itself - a change of sweet and sour, ups and downs.

• The Murcia region is called the "garden of Europe" - most of fruits and vegetables , such as citrus fruits, cherries, almonds, quince and much more, are brought to the northern countries from here.
• Murcia is called the "hot pan of Spain" not because it has 330 days of sunshine a year or because it was here that Spain's temperature maximum was recorded, but because the city is sandwiched among mountain peaks, which interferes with air circulation.
• The Segura River is unfortunately considered one of the most polluted in Europe.

City `s history

Archaeological excavations at the site of the modern city of Murcia show that life existed here as far back as the Neolithic era. Then this land on the coast of the Segura River was captured by the Romans. But the real history of the city begins during the Caliphate, in 825, when it was officially founded by the Emir of Cordoba Abd ar-Rahman II.

The name "Murcia" is translated by most historians as "Country of myrtles" or "Mulberry Country" (lat. Murtae). The second version is that it is simply a village belonging to Murtius (Murtius is a common Roman name). Over time, the Latin pronunciation was replaced by Arabic, and this is how Murcia turned out.

The Arabs planned the city around the Segura River and provided it with a good irrigation system. In the XII century, according to an Arab geographer, it was "a densely populated and well-fortified city." The city was advanced in terms of technology: ceramic, silkworm and paper production flourished here, almost the first in Europe.

For several centuries, Murcia was a bone of contention between Muslims and Christians, until in 1304 it finally became part of the Castilian crown. The 18th century saw the peak of the economic prosperity of Murcia due to the production of silk, but in the 19th century the city suffered a series of tragedies - plunder by Napoleon's troops, terrible earthquakes, floods, plague and cholera. But at the same time, the city was enriched with many artistic attractions.

Attractions

Every Saturday, the municipality of Murcia organizes a free tour of the sights of the Old Town. Registration is required, collection is in one of the buildings on Cardinal Beluga Square.

All tourist routes in Murcia begin with a tour of the Cathedral, which attracts not only for its antiquity - the main building was built in 1394-1465, but also because it is an example of centuries-old eclecticism. For example, construction began in the Italian Gothic style, and the bell towers in the Renaissance style, then the project passed into the hands of craftsmen working in the Baroque style, then Rococo and later Neoclassicism. The main façade of the cathedral, completed in the 18th century, is one of the masterpieces of the Spanish Baroque.

The height of the cathedral reaches 93 meters, there are 25 bells on the bell tower, there is an observation deck at the top, which offers a beautiful view of the city. The cathedral is located on Cardinal Beluga Square, where, besides it, there are several other objects of tourist interest - the Bishop's Palace (XVIII century) and an architectural novelty, as usual, at the beginning of its existence causing controversy - an extension to the city hall, completed in 1998 according to the project architect Rafael Moneo.

Shopping and entertainment

Almost all the streets of the old city are of artistic interest. The main ones are Platería and Trapería. Traperia leads from the cathedral to the former market square, which houses another bright representative of the architectural heritage of the city and one of the most beautiful buildings in Murcia - the Casino, built in the 19th century.

Interestingly, the name Plateria Street comes from the word plata, that is, silver, and it was here that jewelry shops and workshops were located in the past. And Traperia is, in fact, Ragged Street. And today this area remains the center of shopping - tourist, wedding, jewelry.

In 1862, Queen Isabel II visited the city to open the new Theater of the Infantes. Today it is the Teatro Romea, named after the famous local actor Julián Romea. The theater is famous not only for its magnificent building, but also for its beautiful interior, and most importantly, for its magical acoustics, which turn each performance into a masterpiece.

Back in the 13th century, Alfonso X founded the Universitas Studiorum Murciana in the city. In its place, in the middle of the 19th century, the Free University opened its doors, which in turn became the basis of the University of Murcia, which opened in 1915, the third oldest in the country. The university has an Aquarium filled with the most interesting inhabitants of the seas and oceans from all over the world.