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Murcia
Make the most of your time in Murcia, use the information provided on this web site by clicking on the links to plan your visit.
Murcia is located in the south eastern corner of Spain 30 kilometres inland from the Costa Blanca in the wider administrative division of Murcia. The community of Murcia is situated between the perhaps more well-known regions of Andalucia to the south west and Valencia to the north. Although not currently seen as the most popular of Spain’s tourist destinations the city has much potential and is likely to be a useful, if different type of resort in the coming years, and indeed attention is being turned to Murcia all the more. The region is very different to its neighbours which are more green and lush; it is particularly dry and arid and sees soaring summer temperatures to accompany frost during the winter. There is little rainfall on this low-lying plain which is surrounded by mountains. The area has been something of an irrigation dream however – after the city was founded it was used by the Arabs for irrigation due to its strategic positioning on the River Segura. Today, too, the Moorish irrigation system is used by family farms to grow citrus fruit and vegetables.
The city itself has a population of approximately 425,000, while in its wider metropolitan area there are thought to be more than 550,000 people, equating to Spain’s 12th largest city. Ten per cent of those are of non-Spanish nationality.
Murcia started out life in AD 825 but was named Medinat Mursiya by the Arabs who used the river to bring prosperity to the then town. In 1031 the Caliph of Cordoba fell which signalled the beginning of a turbulent time for the town which quickly came under the successive rulerships of Almeria, Toledo and then Sevilla. Throughout the 12th century the city became more populous and strongly-fortified, however the Almohades took control of it for around 50 years from 1172. And so by 1223 Murcia became the capital of an independent kingdom. Nevertheless, this independence only last a short 20 years when the Castillians took control in 1243 and this marked a period of immigration from Catalonia and Provence in particular. The turbulent history continued; Murcia was incorporated into Castile in 1304 but not before it had been transferred into the Kingdom of Aragon eight years previous to that. Towards the end of that decade construction began on the Gothic cathedral and lasted for another four centuries. By the time of the 18th century there was a period of boom in the region with a successful silk industry and a number of construction projects, including churches and other monuments. A levee was also constructed in later years after a series of disastrous floods in 1651, 1879 and 1907, followed by further catastrophes in the 1940s, 1973 and 1989. There was also an earthquake in 1829 which claimed the lives of 6,000 Murcians. It is against this backdrop of ups and downs that Murcia has come to the fore as a potential destination for tourists from around Europe and beyond.
There are a number of must see monuments, museums and other activities when staying in Murcia. The area is an up-and-coming golf resort that could someday rival the golfing haven of Andalucia. The region is still fairly untouched by tourism however and much traditional Spanish culture still exists today. The impressively ornate cathedral is one of the major attractions and sights in the city and it can be seen from a distance due to its 96-metre tower which houses no fewer than 25 bells. Among the other attractions are: the Bishop’s Palace, the Salzillo Museum with its life-size sculptures, Monteagudo Castle, Junilla village, the church of Santa Ana and the Romea Theatre. During the Holy Week processions the figures from Salzillo Museum are taken onto the streets and the events leading up to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection are depicted. Just after Semana Santa is the Huerta Parade for which locals dress up in traditional clothing. In May there is also the three cultures International Festival which was brought about with the aim of overcoming racism and brings all sorts of people together with music, conferences and exhibitions.