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September visiting times at the medieval synagogue of Lorca

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The synagogue is the best-preserved in Spain from the period before 1492

September visiting times at the medieval synagogue of Lorca During the month of September the city of Lorca is taking part, as it does every year, in the Europe-wide celebration of Jewish cultural heritage (which in 2025 goes under the slogan of “The People of The Book”), and among the many activities available during the month it should not be forgotten that the remains of the medieval synagogue and Jewish quarter within the castle walls can be visited every day.

The synagogue of Lorca is the best-preserved in Spain from the period prior to the expulsion of the Jews, along with the Moors, in 1492, and the “hejal” where the holy scriptures were housed, and the “bimá” (pulpit) can still be seen. The site was not discovered until 2023 and the museum was not opened until as recently as 2012, while in the district around it 18 separate homes have been identified and documented so far.

September visiting times at the medieval synagogue of Lorca In one area of the synagogue more than 2,600 fragments of glassware were found, making it possible to partially reconstruct 27 lamps and lanterns which can now be seen in the superb Lorca archaeological museum. Other relics include janukkiot, ceramics, buckles, rings and coins.

Visits to the synagogue and Jewish quarter are available during September every day at 11.00 and 14.00 as well as at 16.30 on Saturdays, and guided tours are held at 11.00 on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission costs just 4 euros for over-16s and 3.75 euros for 13- to 16-year-olds, and online booking is required here.

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

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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.