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On 17th March 1452 a very important and historic battle took place in what is now the municipality of Lorca: the Battle of Alporchones, in which Christian troops fought against Muslims. This historical event was remembered and some years later the inhabitants of Lorca chose the name of the Patron Saint of Ireland for the most important church in the city.
Nowadays, together with the Dublin and New York Cathedrals, the magnificent Ex-Collegiata de San Patricio in Lorca is the third biggest church in the world dedicated to Saint Patrick, and the city of Lorca celebrates the feast day of the Saint more fervently than anywhere else in Spain.
This year a series of special events are being held to commemorate the date, including the following:
Friday March 17
10.00 and 11.00: Free guided visits to the tower of the church of San Patricio. Prior booking is a necessity and can be completed online here.
11.00: Holy Mass in the Ex-Colegiata de San Patricio.
12.00: The hoisting of the Irish flag in the Plaza de España.
12.30: Free guided visit to the tower of the church of San Patricio. Prior booking is a necessity and can be completed online here.
16.00: Live stream tour of the church of San Patricio: see Facebook link here.
17.00: Open-air bars and food truck in the Plaza de España.
17.00: St Patrick’s Day parade accompanied by the Town Band of Lorca in Calle Alporchones, Calle Corredera, Calle Álamo and Plaza de España.
17.00 to 20.00: Children’s play area in the Plaza de España.
19.30: A prize-giving ceremony in the Ex-Colegiata de San Patricio.
19.30: Language exchange meeting in Pub Phelans.
20.00: The Ex-Colegiata de San Patricio is to be illuminated in green to celebrate the occasion.
21.00: Live music from Los Lagartos in the Plaza de España.
Saturday March 18
11.30: Holy Mass in English in the Ex-Colegiata de San Patricio.
12.00 to 20.00: Children’s play area in the Plaza de España.
12.00: Open-air bars and food truck in the Plaza de España.
12.30: Guided visit to the church and tower of San Patricio. Prior booking is a necessity and can be completed online here. Prices 7 to 14 euros.
17.00: Free guided tour of the old city centre of Lorca. Prior booking is a necessity and can be completed online here.
18.00: Holy Mass in Spanish in the Ex-Colegiata de San Patricio.
18.00: Whiskey tasting in Pub Confitería.
19.00 to 21.00: Charanga, musical fun in the Plaza de España.
20.00: The Ex-Colegiata de San Patricio is to be illuminated in green to celebrate the occasion.
21.00: Live music from New Wave 80’s-90’s in the Plaza de España.
Midnight: Whiskey tasting in Pub Plaza Cool Beat.
It should also be remembered that there is a special local shopping promotion in the city of Lorca until March 18, with a prize draw for a trip to Dublin. Vouchers should be deposited in the boxes provided in the Plaza de España on March 17 and 18 between 17.00 and 18.00.
In addition, Lorca castle is adopting special opening hours on March 17, 18 and 19 between 11.00 and 18.00, with a package available to visit three areas of the Fortress of the Sun complete with audio guide in English or Spanish and a special menu at the Restaurante Las Caballerizas del Castillo with free beer!
For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today.
To go to the dedicated Lorca section, Click 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. Amongst 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 an earthquake which measured 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 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 itself has temporarily relocated until the renovations are completed and is inisde the Antiguo 
Convento de la Merced on the outskirts of the city beside the river where there is ample parking (paid parking).
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 through agricultural exploitations.
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 parades 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 complex of its historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca Tourist Office:
Monday to Friday, 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.00. Saturday 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30. Sunday 10.00 to 14.00.
Click for map, Lorca Tourist Office (NOTE: as of October 2015 both the Tourist Office and Lorca Taller del Tiempo are sharing temporary offices in a rehabilitated fragment of the old city wall at the entrance to the car park, due to imporvements being made to the car park and restoration work inthe Convento itself. The temporary office is just a few metres from the normal one, and opening hours are unaffected).
