01 - THE CATHEDRAL
Not only is it the most important church in all of Murcia, the cathedral is also one of the most recognised symbols of the region. Steeped in more than 600 years of history and constructed on the site of the oldest mosque in the city, the cathedral is composed of a range of architectural styles, varying from Gothic, to Renaissance, to the perhaps grander Baroque. Explore the museum, clime the tower, contemplate its main façade and visit the Velez and Junterón chapels. Insider tip: the heart of King Alfonso X El Sabio is kept in an urn on the Altar Mayor.
02 - THE CASINO
Acting as a key meeting point for Murcia social life since the 19th Century, a visit to this emblematic building set in the heart of Murcia is a delight for lovers of elegance. Found slap bang in the middle of Calle Trapería, nowadays it has been converted into a dynamic centre for culture and coexistence. You cannot miss the dance hall inspired by the style of Luis XV.
03 - THE ROMAN THEATRE
Undoubtedly the most recognised symbol of Cartagena, find the Roman Theatre at the last stop of the fantastic museum tour. The building was designed by the architect Rafael Moneo and combines the Pascual Riquelme palace and the old cathedral of Santa María. The Carthago Nova Theatre, constructed for Emperor Augusto in the 1st Century AC, has a capacity of 6,000 spectators, and was in fact only discovered by chance in 1987.
04 - BARRIO DEL FORO ROMANO
If you love a trip back in time, a chance to relive history and to put yourself in the shoes of previous successors, you will be a child at play in the Foro Romano (Roman Forum) of the ancient Carthago Nova theatre. It is an absolute privilege to be able to visit this site which remained hidden underground for more than 20 centuries; take note of the hot spring complex and the main atrium. If you pay a visit with all the family, you must stay for an in-house performance.
05 - THE FORTRESS OF THE SUN
This impressive medieval castle is considered to be the oldest landmark in Lorca. The venue, which housed Muslims, Christians and Jews for centuries, is now a themed space. In its Jewish quarter take the opportunity to visit the only synagogue in Spain which was not subsequently converted into a Church and see its remains as it stands today, almost untouched since the Jews of the 15th Century used it to pray.
06 - EX COLLEGIATE CHURCH OF SAN PATRICIO
This Renaissance-style building with a cathedral-like appearance is without a doubt the most important ecclesiastic space in all of Lorca. It is the only church under the patronage of San Patricio, in remembrance of the victory against the Muslims in the Battle of Alporchones which took place the day of the festivity of this saint. It is an essential part of Lorca's heritage, known for its architectural beauty and historical significance. If you want to know more about its Ex-collegiate status, delve into its history.
07 - BASILICA OF CARAVACA
Undoubtedly this is the heart of Caravaca and the core of a fortress which once belonged to the Order of the Temple and later to that of Santiago. Protected by a wall flanked with 14 turrets of distinct form and size, the basilica is home to the Santísima y Vera Cruz, a revered 18th Century relic within which fragments from the Cross upon which Christ died are safeguarded.
08 - JUMILLA CASTLE
This castle, strong>declared a National Monument and ordered to be built in 1461 by the Marquis of Villena upon an old Muslim fortification, is today an example of restoration and is now a popular cultural site. To get there simply cross the Camino del Subidor, a natural viewpoint which will reward you with one of the most amazing panoramic views of the region. The visit will bring you to the dungeons, the military room, the governor's room, the supplies room, the parade ground, the cistern, the Maestre's tower and the ruins of an old flour mill.
09 - VIRGEN DE LA ESPERANZA
The sanctuary of the Virgen de la Esperanza of Calasparra is unusual in that it is located in the inside of a cave, in a setting of extraordinary natural beauty along the River Segura. The inside of the 17th Century temple, which is carved out of stone, is home to two images of the Virgen de la Esperanza known as La Pequeñica, found by a shepherd in one of the caves, and La Grande. It is a popular site with visitors due to its peace, calm and tranquillity.
10 - MORATALLA CASTLE
The castle is one of the most important points in Moratalla's urban landscape. The original Islamic structure was erected in the 9th Century on the site of Neolithic and Iberian remains, constituting a crucial site in the defense of Al-Andalus. In the 15th Century the Order of Santiago reconstructed it. Nowadays, and between its 6 towers, the gothic-style Torre del Homenaje stands out as well as its military art, where including in its great room, the cistern and arms room. Guided tours of the inside of the castle are available.
01 - THE CATHEDRAL
Not only is it the most important church in all of Murcia, the cathedral is also one of the most recognised symbols of the region. Steeped in more than 600 years of history and constructed on the site of the oldest mosque in the city, the cathedral is composed of a range of architectural styles, varying from Gothic, to Renaissance, to the perhaps grander Baroque. Explore the museum, clime the tower, contemplate its main façade and visit the Velez and Junterón chapels. Insider tip: the heart of King Alfonso X El Sabio is kept in an urn on the Altar Mayor.
02 - THE CASINO
Acting as a key meeting point for Murcia social life since the 19th Century, a visit to this emblematic building set in the heart of Murcia is a delight for lovers of elegance. Found slap bang in the middle of Calle Trapería, nowadays it has been converted into a dynamic centre for culture and coexistence. You cannot miss the dance hall inspired by the style of Luis XV.
03 - THE ROMAN THEATRE
Undoubtedly the most recognised symbol of Cartagena, find the Roman Theatre at the last stop of the fantastic museum tour. The building was designed by the architect Rafael Moneo and combines the Pascual Riquelme palace and the old cathedral of Santa María. The Carthago Nova Theatre, constructed for Emperor Augusto in the 1st Century AC, has a capacity of 6,000 spectators, and was in fact only discovered by chance in 1987.
04 - BARRIO DEL FORO ROMANO
If you love a trip back in time, a chance to relive history and to put yourself in the shoes of previous successors, you will be a child at play in the Foro Romano (Roman Forum) of the ancient Carthago Nova theatre. It is an absolute privilege to be able to visit this site which remained hidden underground for more than 20 centuries; take note of the hot spring complex and the main atrium. If you pay a visit with all the family, you must stay for an in-house performance.
05 - THE FORTRESS OF THE SUN
This impressive medieval castle is considered to be the oldest landmark in Lorca. The venue, which housed Muslims, Christians and Jews for centuries, is now a themed space. In its Jewish quarter take the opportunity to visit the only synagogue in Spain which was not subsequently converted into a Church and see its remains as it stands today, almost untouched since the Jews of the 15th Century used it to pray.
06 - EX COLLEGIATE CHURCH OF SAN PATRICIO
This Renaissance-style building with a cathedral-like appearance is without a doubt the most important ecclesiastic space in all of Lorca. It is the only church under the patronage of San Patricio, in remembrance of the victory against the Muslims in the Battle of Alporchones which took place the day of the festivity of this saint. It is an essential part of Lorca's heritage, known for its architectural beauty and historical significance. If you want to know more about its Ex-collegiate status, delve into its history.
07 - BASILICA OF CARAVACA
Undoubtedly this is the heart of Caravaca and the core of a fortress which once belonged to the Order of the Temple and later to that of Santiago. Protected by a wall flanked with 14 turrets of distinct form and size, the basilica is home to the Santísima y Vera Cruz, a revered 18th Century relic within which fragments from the Cross upon which Christ died are safeguarded.
08 - JUMILLA CASTLE
This castle, strong>declared a National Monument and ordered to be built in 1461 by the Marquis of Villena upon an old Muslim fortification, is today an example of restoration and is now a popular cultural site. To get there simply cross the Camino del Subidor, a natural viewpoint which will reward you with one of the most amazing panoramic views of the region. The visit will bring you to the dungeons, the military room, the governor's room, the supplies room, the parade ground, the cistern, the Maestre's tower and the ruins of an old flour mill.
09 - VIRGEN DE LA ESPERANZA
The sanctuary of the Virgen de la Esperanza of Calasparra is unusual in that it is located in the inside of a cave, in a setting of extraordinary natural beauty along the River Segura. The inside of the 17th Century temple, which is carved out of stone, is home to two images of the Virgen de la Esperanza known as La Pequeñica, found by a shepherd in one of the caves, and La Grande. It is a popular site with visitors due to its peace, calm and tranquillity.
10 - MORATALLA CASTLE
The castle is one of the most important points in Moratalla's urban landscape. The original Islamic structure was erected in the 9th Century on the site of Neolithic and Iberian remains, constituting a crucial site in the defense of Al-Andalus. In the 15th Century the Order of Santiago reconstructed it. Nowadays, and between its 6 towers, the gothic-style Torre del Homenaje stands out as well as its military art, where including in its great room, the cistern and arms room. Guided tours of the inside of the castle are available.
