The celebration of a weekly market in Lorca is part of the city’s history, dating back to the year 1465, when Enrique IV granted permission for the event to take place every Thursday, a privilege which was later confirmed by the Catholic Monarchs in 1495 and by Carlos II in 1685.
Originally the market was held close to the church of Santo María in the upper part of the city, but by the 16th century it had moved to the Plaza del Caño opposite the church of San Patricio, from where it extended to include Calle Selgas, Calle de la Cava and Calle del Álamo.
Now, though, it is held every Thursday at the Huerto de la Rueda next to the Santa Quiteria fairground and conference centre, except during the Feria de Lorca in September when it temporarily moves to Calle Tomás Arderius. The fair contains some 240 or so stalls, most of them offering clothes, food and footwear, although it is also possible to buy leather goods, jewelry and various sundry items.
These markets are real treasure troves of bargains and markets this size are full of vendors competing with good deals and special offers, so as well as plenty of variety, expect to find prices very reasonable as well.
As well as fresh fruit and vegetables, there will be plenty of vendors selling fresh flowers, hot roasted chickens, olives, capers and nuts by weight, spices, delicatessan products, salted fish products and cheeses.
Permanent food markets:
In addition there are two permanent food markets in Lorca, one in Alameda de Cervantes (see location below) and the other in the Plaza de las Hortalizas. These are open every day, and are home to various stalls specializing in meat, fish and fresh veg as well as other foodstuffs.
In summer the marketplace at Alameda de Cervantes nº 3 is open on weekdays only from 8.00 to 14.30, while for the rest of the year (October to June) opening times during the week also include an afternoon session from 18.00 to 21.00 and the stands are open for business on Saturdays from 8.00 to 15.00.
This is signposted as the "Plaza de Abastos" or indoor market. See map below:
Plaza de las Hortalizas
The Plaza de las Hortalizas (which literally trasnlates as the plaza of vegetables) in the north of the city is open all year round every morning of the week except on Sundays.
As its name suggests, it is principally a point of sale for fresh produce.
Various other weekly markets are held in outlying areas of the large municipality of Lorca:
Monday morning: Almendricos, La Paca, La Parroquia
Tuesday morning: Zarcilla de Ramos,
Wednesday morning: Coy, Avilés, Marchena
Saturday morning: El Consejero, Barrio de La Viña
Sunday morning: Purias, La Hoya, Zarzadilla de Totana
A recent addition to the markets in Lorca is the pioneering Mercado del Sol, a new gastronomic market which in late summer 2017 became the first establishment of its kind in the Region of Murcia. This area contains 27 food stalls including some offering Japanese and Mexican specialities. Also available are meat, seafood, beers and wines, cheeses, tapas, cocktails and local products, and as well as the gastronomic delights there is also a children’s play area.
The Mercado del Sol opens on Tuesday, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 12.00 to midnight, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 12.00 until 2.00 in the morning.
The Mercado del Sol is right in the heart of Lorca, in the main shopping area, and looks out onto Calle Pio XII and Calle Cubo, both of which are perpendicular to Calle Corredera.
Address: Calle Pío XII, 13, 30800 Lorca, Murcia.
Click for more information about the Lorca municiplity, including what's on agenda, what to visit and tourist information: LORCA TODAY
