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Black Friday at Lorca castle lasts longer than might be expected – until the end of the year, in fact – and to celebrate it the authorities at the fortress are offering reduced price admission to three of the key indoor areas almost every day (with the exception of public holidays).
Among the experiences included are the chance to learn about medieval battle tactics by understanding how to use a catapult, to act as a sentry looking out over the border between Catholic Spain and the Nazarid Kingdom of Granada, explore the 19th-century gun batteries which were installed at a far later date and admire the sundial which determined the daily routine of our forefathers in the Fortress of the Sun.
In the outer parts of the fortified medieval settlement you can pass through the gate which separated the castle from the townspeople and even go down into the largest water storage tank of the castle, an essential infrastructure for withstanding sieges – which the castle did to great effect, having never been capture by enemy forces throughout the conflict between Christians and Moors.
On top of that, you can see the remains of the unique medieval synagogue, which dates from the 15th century and is the only one of its kind in Spain, as well as climbing the Torre Alfonsina, named after King Alfonso X, who captured the kingdom of Murcia from the moors in the 1240s, and the Torre del Espolón, the main viewing point out over the Guadalentín valley for over 200 years.
45-minute guided tours are held at 10.00 with access (and audio guide) to the synagogue at 11.00, the Torre Alfonsina at 12.00 and the Torre Espolón at 13.00.
Whereas normally this package is priced at 15 euros it is now available at just 10 euros for adults (and free of charge for under-13s) until the end of 2024, with online booking available here.
For more local information including news and what’s on 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. 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.
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!
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
