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La Noche de los Museos is being held all over Spain and the Region of Murcia this year on Saturday 16th May, and in Lorca more than 80 cultural and tourist activities are being held as the city proudly shows off its fascinating historical, artistic, cultural and architectural heritage.
32 venues are involved in the celebrations, which begin at 17.30 and last right up until midnight (with children’s activities generally being set aside for the slot between 17.30 and 19.30).
Among the highlights of the evening are the following:
- “Viaje Espacial”, a space-themed drone spectacle taking place at midnight in the sky above Lorca, featuring images of various historical figures and scenes representing the stars, constellations and other images.
- “Lullaby”, a family circus-style show presented by the Proyecto Kavauri company in the Plaza de Calderón
- The “El Prado en las calles” exhibition, featuring high-quality prints of works of art found in the world-famous Prado art gallery in Madrid on display in the streets and squares of Lorca
- The Lorca Symphony Orchestra in concert with Eva Marín in the cloisters of the La Merced visitors centre, presenting “Un viaje de cine”, a selection of popular cinema theme music. (La Merced offers audiovisual displays from 17.30 to 22.00 with the last admissions at 21.30).
Throughout the evening the local tourist authorities are offering a Night of the Museums “passport” (“pasaporte de la Noche de los Museos”) which allows holders access to some of the attractions outside the heart of the city, such as the Santuario Patronal Santa María la Real de las Huertas, the nativity scene museum (Museo del Belén), the Semana Santa museum of Paso Encarnado and the institutions in the old quarters in the highest part of Lorca.
This passport can be stamped and then presented at the tourist office in the Palacio de Guevara until midnight, with those doing so entering a prize draw in which 10 double tickets for theatre performances in Lorca during the coming autumn will be awarded to the winners.
Elsewhere there are a host of concerts, workshops, theatre and circus performances, craftsmanship displays and demonstrations, live music events, historical reenactments, family activities and others, in and around museums, churches, exhibition spaces and other sites of historical heritage.
One new venue added this year is the former church of San Pedro, one of the oldest in Lorca, dating back to the 15th century. Having undergone recent restoration, the building houses an exhibition showing its history as well as boasting one of the best viewing points out over the city of Lorca.
Among the better-established museum spaces of Lorca, the Palacio de Guevara, which has proved immensely popular since its restoration and re-opening after the earthquakes of 2011, is holding guided tours every 15 minutes, while outside in the patio a Video Wall 360º display is being set up for the evening.
In the former Collegiate Church of San Patricio guided tours are being held of an exhibition of the religious artwork associated with the devotion to the sculpted figure of Jesús Resucitado created by Roque López (1747-1811), with visits beginning at 20.00, 20.30, 21.00, 21.30, 22.30 and 23.00.
Other places of interest open free of charge throughout the evening include the fascinating Municipal Archaeological Museum, the Semana Santa embroidery museums of the Paso Blanco and the Paso Azul, the Palacete del Huerto Ruano, the Casa del Artesano, the Centro Regional para la Artesanía (next door to the Palacio de Guevara), the church of Santa María la Mayor (ciuFRONT medieval museum), the Coso de Sutullena bullring, the Jewish quarter and synagogue at Lorca castle and the keep of the Torre Alfonsina, also at the castle.
Throughout the evening tourist trains are running to make the short trips between destinations even easier: the two main routes are open from 19.30 to 00.30, while a children’s train connects the venues hosting family events between 17.30 and 19.30.
For more visiting information, local events and news contact the tourist office at the Palacio de Guevara (telephone 968 441914) or go to the home page of Lorca Today.
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, Plaza de España, the former Collegiate church of San Patricio, the municipal archaeological museum, the Casa Huerto Ruano, the Palacio de Guevara and the churches and convents of San Francisco, San Mateo, the Virgen de las Huertas, La Merced, El Carmen and many others.
Unfortunately, Lorca has been prone to natural disaster, suffering a severe flood in 1973 which killed 50 people, and a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as a series of earthquakes, the most recent of which was 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives.
Lorca also has an area of unspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Cala Calnegre and various others. Although only one is accessible by road others can be reached along dirt tracks!
In terms of fiestas, Lorca is synonymous with Easter (Semana Santa), its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status being famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azul) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
In the Autumn Lorca also celebrates the Fiestas of San Clemente and a Feria and there are a series of important events throughout the year in the Recinto Ferial, as well as a busy cultural and sporting programme.
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 inspoilt 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.
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
