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The massive Thursday market in Lorca prepares for a Three Kings bonanza edition on January 4
Almost 200 stalls are set up every week at the Huerto de la Rueda venue in Lorca
Tourist attractions come in many shapes and sizes, and while Lorca is blessed with a castle and a hugely impressive array of baroque architecture as well as fascinating museums and some of the most spectacular Semana Santa celebrations in Spain the range of reasons to visit also includes the hugely popular Thursday market which is held in the Huerto de la Rueda.
Almost 200 stalls and stands feature in the market and the event on January 4 is likely to be one of the most popular of the year as visitors and locals alike flock to the city to make their purchases. According to Councillor Mayte Martínez, the market is attracting more and more visitors from outside Lorca, including a large number of non-Spaniards both from Murcia and from Almería, all of them keen to enjoy the atmosphere and see the wares on display at almost 100 textile stalls, 30 selling footwear, 60 food outlets and a dozen or so others.
In addition, on January 4 there are plenty of opportunities to find last-minute Three Kings presents, with plenty of toys up for sale alongside glasses, watches, coats, jackets and the like.
For more local information including news and what’s on go to the home page of Lorca Today.
Address
Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, LorcaTel: 968 441914
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites, and historic buildings, around which the modern city has built its tourism industry. Among these are Lorca Castle, the Jewish quarter of the castle and synagogue, Plaza de España, Colegiata de San Patricio, Museo de Arqueologico Municipal, Iglesia de San Francisco, Casa Huerto Ruano, Palacio de Guevara, Iglesia de San Mateo, Pósito de los Panaderos, Convento Virgen de las Huertas, Antiguo Convento de la Merced, Iglesia del Carmen and the Teatro Guerra.
Unfortunately Lorca has also been prone to natural disaster, suffering a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as two earthquakes measuring 5.3 and 5.5 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011, claiming 9 lives. Since this earthquake the city has been rebuilding, winning recognition for its Lorca, Open for Restoration initiative, which used the restoration of the city as a tourist attraction whilst it rebuilt its historical buildings, some of which are currently still not open.
The tourist office relocated for 14 years to Calle San Patricio, near the church, but has now returned to its former premises alongside the Palacio de Guevara in the Plaza Concha Sandoval, or Plaza de la Bordadora (click for map).
Lorca also has an area of coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only along difficult tracks or by boat!
However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of processions in which the Whites (Paso Blanco) and Blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca tourist office:
Every day of the year apart from 1st and 6th January and 25th December, 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30 (except Sunday afternoons).
These opening times are often extended and other information points created during the Semana Santa celebrations.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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