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June 3, 10 and 17 Guided tours of the Torre Alfonsina keep of Lorca castle

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The tower is the lasting legacy to the city of Lorca of 13^th century king Alfonso X

June 3, 10 and 17 Guided tours of the Torre Alfonsina keep of Lorca castle If there is one single element of the imposing castle of Lorca which more than any other symbolizes the importance of events there in past centuries, and which represents the “City of the Sun”, it is the Torre Alfonsina, the keep built on the orders of King Alfonso X of Castilla after he conquered these lands from the Moors in the 1240s.

Every Saturday during the month of June except the 24th guided tours of this stronghold within a stronghold are being held, offering a great chance not only to see the tower but also to learn about the momentous events which led to its construction almost 800 years ago. The tours on June 3, 10 and 17 begin at 18.30 and last for an hour and a quarter, including stops at other sites of military importance within the compound, after which of course there is plenty of time to stroll around the rest of the castle grounds or enjoy an evening in the historic city centre.

Registration costs 10 euros for adults and over-13s and 8 euros for children aged 5 to 12 and holders of the “Lorca y Tú” discount card. Children under 5 may join the group free of charge, and this is also a pet-friendly activity.

Arrival 15 minutes before the start of the tour is recommended, and prior booking (available online here) is essential.

Further information is available from Lorca Taller del Tiempo at the visitors’ centre in La Merced or at the castle (telephone 968 479003 or 968 959646, email info@lorcatallerdeltiempo.com / recepcion.fortaleza@lorca.net).

For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today.

Address

Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, Lorca

Tel: 968 441914

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Oficina de Turismo de Lorca

Lorca Tourist Office

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.

Lorca Tourist Office 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!

Lorca Tourist Office

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.