Attractions in Murcia
Cities and Villages
Murcia's cities and towns boast intriguing histories, vibrant architecture, rich Spanish culture and even the odd Roman and Iberian ruins. Dive into a museum, wander through old town's narrow alleys or simply stop in a town square and savour a coffee.
These cities and towns are also the perfect places to base yourself for explorations of Murcia's beaches and parks.
Murcia
The region's capital, now a laid-back university city, straddles the Río Segura and boasts a remarkable past. Founded by Muslims in 825 AD atop a former Roman colony, the town flourished until being captured by Alfonso X of Castilla and Léon in 1243.
Its wealth grew and in 1358 the massive Catedral de Santa María was built. Things reached an apex in the 18th century, when the wealth of its silk and agricultural sectors were booming. It was at this time that the cathedral was bestowed with its sumptuous baroque façade.
Things took a turn for the worse in the 19th century, with Napoleonic troops looting Murcia in 1810 and subsequent outbreaks of the plague and cholera. The first half of the 20th century was equally unkind as the city was the scene of many Spanish Civil War battles in 1936.
Several museums, like the Museo Arqueológico and Museo Salzillo, delve into the city's amazing history and thankfully, the enthralling cathedral still stands for you to marvel at. Don't miss the cathedral's stunning 15th-century Gothic Capilla de los Vélez and be sure to climb the 92m tower for an astounding view.
Cartagena
This seaside city has a rich history dating back to 223 BC when Hasdrubal stormed into the tiny settlement with his army from Carthage and made it his new capital.
Cartagena's name actually has its origins from this time, when Hasdrubal renamed the village Carthago Nova (New Carthage). The Arabs then smoothed it to Cartajana.
Today it's home to Spain's largest naval base (they plan on being ready the next time the Carthaginians attack!). More importantly, it hosts some fascinating vestiges of its Roman and Carthaginian heritage.
Climb (or take the lift) up to the Castillo de la Concepción for a panoramic view, explore the Punic Wall or delve into the Roman ruins of Augusteum and Decumanus. There are even remains of a Roman Amphitheatre that lie beneath the old bullring! Nearby are the vestiges of a 13th-century cathedral, which actually made use of some roman hewn blocks from amphitheatre.
On the fringes of town is the Museo Arqueológico Municipal, which was built on the site of the 4th-century Roman necropolis of San Antón. It contains Carthaginian, Roman, Visogoth and Muslim antiquities.
Also on town's edge, near the lighthouse on Dique de la Navidad, is the Museo Nacional de Arqueológia Marítima. It hosts some surprising historical finds pulled from the surrounding seas.
Águilas
Perched between the bays of Puerto Poniente and Puerto Levante on Murcia's southern coast, this historic city is surrounded by beautiful beaches. In Roman times the city was first known as Aquilae before being settled by the Alans, the Suebi and the Visogoths.
The Carthaginians also ruled here until they were forced out by the Moors northern march. It then bounced between the caliphate of Córdoba, the Kingdom of Valencia and Almoravidan control before finally being included in the Kingdom of Murcia in the 18th century.
The most striking structure in town is Castillo de San Juan de Águilas. There are also some fine structures that are left from the 19th-century British colony, like the Hornillo Pier and the Municipal Annex.
Mazarrón
The town of Mazarrón and its Mediterranean port offer access to 35km of blessed beaches and to the coastal range of the Sierra de la Almenara. The mountains have been mined for galena, iron oxide and other metals since Roman times.
Hanging around the port and market, you'll soon notice Mazarrón now thrives on the sea... it's a suitably lovely place to delve into seafood. Also near the port are the 16th-century Torre de la Cumbre and 17th-century Torre de los Caballos. There are also a few remnants remaining from the 15th century Castillo de los Vélez.
Three kilometres from the coast is the old village of Mazarrón, which hosts the intriguing 16th-century Iglesia de San Andrés and its Mudejar coffered ceiling.
Lorca
Known as the baroque city, thanks to its elegant architectural gems, Lorca sits inland in southwestern Murcia. Originally a simple stopping point for Romans on their journey between Cádiz and the Pyrenees, it became a stronghold for the Visogoths in their vain attempts to halt the northern moving Muslim armies.
The city finally fell in to Islam in 780 AD. In 1243 it was recaptured by future king Alfonso X, though Muslim raids continued until 1492. Today, Plaza de España is littered with beautiful baroque façades, like those donning Pósito y Juzgados and Colegiata de San Patricio.
Even the tourist office, which is held within Casa de los Guevara, hosts a brilliant 7th-century façade. Also not to be missed is Casa de la Mula, a military fortress that sits atop a medieval castle on an impregnable site.
There are also numerous archaeological sites that date back to Roman times. Check out the Roman Columna Miliaria, the Espolón Tower and the Alfonsina Tower, which dates back to the Christian Reconquest, or wander to the Porche de San Antonio (an old gate through the old 10th-century city wall).
Lorca is famous across Spain for its fantasticSemana Santa celebrations. The Museo de Bordados del Paso Azul and the Museo de Bordados del Paso Blanco both delve into the frenetic celebration. Lorca's proximity to the mountains also make Lorca a great base to explore the Spanish wilderness.
Totana
Set on the southern fringes of the remarkable Parque Natural de Sierra Espuña is Totana, a fine Spanish village boasting numerous examples of historical architecture.
The Iglesia de Santiago, which was built between 1535 and 1567, is the finest example. It's early 17th-century three-tiered plinth tower is another great example.
Other structures of note include the 14th-century Capilla de la Milagrosa (Chapel of the Miraculous), the 17th-century Hermitages of San José and San Roque and the 17th century convent of PP Capuchins.
There's even a lovely 18th-century baroque fountain sitting in Totana's charming Plaza Mayor (town square).
Caravaca de la Cruz
If legends are to be believed, it was here in 1232 that Moorish King Abu Zeid converted to Christianity when he witnessed two angels bringing a cross down from heaven to an imprisoned priest.
In the 15th-century, a castle was commissioned in Caravaca de la Cruz by the Knights Templar. Over the subsequent centuries the town developed around the castle. One of the most memorable monuments to rise in Caravaca de la Cruz is the Chapel of La Vera Cruz – its red marble façade should not be missed.
Thanks to an award by Pope John Paul II in 1988, the chapel is one of five places on earth allowed to celebrate the Perpetual Jubilee. The next time the Holy Year rolls around at Caravaca de la Cruz is 2010.
If religious architecture floats your boat, El Salvador, La Purísima and the Convent of the Carmelites are all great stops. The 16th-century church of La Soledad, which hosts the Museo Arqueológico, is another great stop.
Fortuna
Fortuna is a traditional town in the mountains of northwest Murcia, well away from the tourist hustle and bustle of the coast. Its streets and squares are atmospheric places to while away the day with a coffee and book, while its heralded spa is a glorious time machine – you'll wonder where the time disappeared and you'll also feel a whole lot younger when you leave!
On the fringes of town are a group of important and intriguing archaeological sites, some that date back to the Bronze Age. You'll be able to delve into the diggings at El Balneario Romano, explore sacred caves like La Cueva Negra and observe the ancient Roman inscriptions – talk about an open-air museum!
There are also vestiges of the Iberian 5th-century BC fortress Castillico de las Peñas. For those who really want to stretch their legs, two large nearby parks offer wildlife, walking and hiking in scenic surroundings. The Sierra de la Pila Regional Park has 50km of hiking trails alone.
Abanilla
This small, charming town sits undiscovered (it's population hasn't changed since 1900) in the rocky hills on the eastern edge of Murcia. Lurking within the cosy confines of the Old Town is the monument to the Corazón de Jesús, the Santuruario de Mahoya, the 18th-century Iglesia Parroquial de San José and the Fuente de Algarrobo (fountain of the Carob Tree).
Also hidden within towns are the architectural marvels of La Casa Pintada, La Casa Cobrera and La Casa de la Ecomienda. Outside of town it's possible to explore the Abanilla and Quibas mountains. The latter hosts a unique paleontological site. A hike to the source of the Chícamo River is also worthwhile.
Yecla
Located in northeastern Murcia and surrounded by the Sierra de Salinas and Sierra de la Magdalena is Yecla, a diminutive town dotted with colourful roofs and church towers.
The old town, with its narrow and twisted streets, is draped over the north slope of the omnipresent Monte Arabí . Highlights include the vestiges of a Medieval Muslim fortress, the Corinthian façade of the parish church, the slender Renaissance tower of the 15th-century Iglesia de la Asunción, the Inglesia de San Francisco (built during the reign of Felipe II) and the lovely arcaded Plaza Mayor (main square).
Yecla is also known as the furniture making capital of southeastern Spain, so you know where to look when furnishing your new home!
Jumilla
Southwest of Yecla is Jumilla, Murcia's wine growing capital. Wineries dot the landscape and produce numerous varieties, though the region is particularly known for its use of Monastrell as a varietal.
A hint from those in the know... enjoy Jumilla wines with smoked gouda cheese. It's simply divine!
Murcia caters for so many interests, and is so easy to get to from the UK, that it’s an ideal location for retirement or a buy-to-let investment. Curious? Take a look at a selection of Murcia property.
