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After an absence of 14 years a branch of the Lorca tourist office is reopening on the ground floor of the Palacio de Guevara, otherwise known as the “Casa de las Columnas”, which has been undergoing important renovation work for a number of years following the earthquakes which hit Lorca in 2011.
Originally, the tourist office opened here in spring 1986, remaining in use until 11th May 2011, and on its re-opening it has been equipped for more up-to-date purposes: a modern and functional interior which is fully accessible, and of course digitally up to speed!
The Palacio de Guevara is one of the most important examples of baroque architecture in the Region of Murcia and was declared an Item of Cultural Interest in 2008. Apart from this location the tourist office has also occupied premises at the visitors centre in the former Convento de la Merced (which remains open), in the former home of Colonel Potous in the Plaza de España and in the “Carrerón de San Patricio”, also in the Plaza de España. The Plaza de España office will now close.
Since the office was last located in the Palacio de Guevara, important advances have been made in tourism in Lorca: for example, the awarding of the SICTED (quality of tourism) certification, the “S” for sustainability, the joining of the network of “Intelligent Tourist Destination”, membership of the Caminos de Sefarad network of destinations with Jewish heritage, and the European network of Easter Week Celebrations.
Alongside the office is a new digital information point in the Plaza de la Bordadora, created using EU Next Generation funds,
For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist office in the Plaza de España (telephone 968 441914) go to the home page of Lorca Today.
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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
