Murcia, Spain

Each city has its own atmosphere, and Murcia does not lag behind in this regard. Located in the Autonomous Region of Murcia, which includes only it as a city, the district and provincial administrations are united here, with the exception of the parliament, which sits in Cartagena. The city is divided into two parts by a series of mountain ranges - the plain of Murcia and Murcia - an orchard, as a supplement to its natural picture includes the valley of the Segura River passing through it. The mood in the city is always calm and festive, the surrounding landscape is a bit harsh, but the streets just do not feel stress.
Murcia was founded by the Moors in 825 under the name Madinat Mursiya and is now primarily a city of services as well as a university city. Highlights for visitors include the Cathedral of Murcia and a number of Baroque buildings, works of art by renowned Murcia sculptor Francisco Salzilo, delights with famous local cuisine, and Holy Week and Spring Festival processions are among the entertainment that positively recharges everyone in the city.
Murcia is called the Garden of Europe because of its long agricultural traditions and established position as a producer and exporter of flowers, fruits and vegetables.
Once in Murcia, the first monument of architectural and historical heritage to be visited is the Cathedral de Santa Maria. Its imposing building is built in the heart of the pedestrianized old quarter. It is an eclectic style combination, a remake of a Churigeresque façade to a Gothic chapel. Architecturally, the Cathedral de Santa Maria is remarkable for its lavish Chapel of the Capilla de los Veles in a plateresque style, garnished with Gothic paintings, wood carvings and church silver. The cathedral has several front doors, which in themselves are treasures. Murcia also has a chapel and a shrine - the Virgin of Fuensanta. As a sign of worship, the hill is climbed in September, where according to the legend the Mother of God appeared to local shepherds. There are many statues in the chapel, including the original statue of the virgin, and overall walking around it is an exciting experience.
The casino building is also exceptional, a remake of the Moorish architecture of the 19th century, which is an important place for social contacts. To the west of it is the main shopping street Gran Via Escultor Salsillo, named after the Murcian artist Francisco Salsillo, whose wooden sculptures for the platforms during Holy Week are on display at the Museo Salsillo. Particularly impressive is the statue of St. Veronica - she handed a towel to Jesus while walking on Golgotha ​​to wipe his forehead, and his image is printed on the fabric.
Squeezed between Andalusia and coastal Valencia, Murcia is interesting not only for its interesting sights, but also for its charming surroundings - the fertile wine region of Humilla in the north and the old market town of Lorca in the south, as well as the Sierra de Espunya.
Lorca is a city of different contrasts, mixing historical heritage with modern life. Lorca is an important shopping center and for this purpose has a well-designed network of roads, railways and communications. But it is also perhaps the most important tourist center in the region. Lorca is rich in historic buildings, including churches, Roman villas, palaces, monuments and works of art. The Church of San Patricio rises on the Plaza de España and was built between 1534 and 1780 on the old church of San Jorge and was declared as a protected area in 1941. The name of the church is in honor of the victory of the people of Lorca over the Moors from Granada in 1452.
Despite the long period of construction, the church is entirely in the Revival style. The most impressive example of residential Baroque architecture in Lorca is the Casa de los Guevara. Among the restored rooms are the 19th-century pharmacy with wood paneling and the 18th-century Venetian ballroom. For those who cannot visit Lorca during Holy Week, it has also been considered.
From the Museo de Bordados del Paso Asul you can learn a lot about processions, clothing and traditions, and from the restored 19th century house you can learn everything about the Blue Brotherhood, which is one of the two organizations competing for splendor during the fiesta. The seat of the White Brotherhood is in the church of Santo Domingo. In general, Lorca is a friendly and hospitable city that offers relaxation, a walk through history, shopping and unique cuisine.
The steep slopes of the Sierra de España rise from the plain of Murcia to the church of San Lorenzo. The mountain range takes its name from the highest peak Espunya. Today, the Sierra de Espunya is on the map as a unique example of a saved area through repopulation and afforestation, which turns its slopes into the lungs of Murcia. From the foot of Espunya there are paths that lead to the testimony of rural ingenuity - Posos de Nieve. These snow wells speak of the ingenuity and instinct to preserve the population - with these brick buildings they have stored snow in the winter.
A modern capital of the region with a distinctive appearance, proud and independent as the spirit of its population, Murcia is sinking into a lasting boom and delights its fans.