The best way to see Lorca castle this spring!

The site of the castle in Lorca has been occupied by fortifications for over 1,000 years

Take yourself back to the Middle Ages and gain insights into what it meant to defend Lorca and the Guadalent´çin valley in centuries gone by with a visit to Lorca castle this spring, learning how to operate a bombardment catapult, one of the most important siege weapons of the medieval period.

Add to your experience with a walk along the ramparts which looked out over the Christian kingdoms to the east and the Moorish Nazarid kingdom of Granada to the west, discover the cannons which were installed as recently as the 19^th century, learn to tell the time using the gigantic sundial and appreciate why the castle was never conquered by entering through the angled gate, designed to hinder attackers and make it impossible for horses to pass easily.

Finally, as well as visiting the two main keeps of the “Fortress of the Sun”, take a look at the work of archaeologists who have discovered, among other things, the only 15^th-century synagogue yet found in the whole of Spain.

Bookings can be made online here, or by contacting Lorca Taller del Tiempo (telephone 968 479003 / 968 959646, email info@lorcatallerdeltiempo.com / recepcion.fortaleza@lorca.net).

Opening hours

November to March: Sunday to Friday 10.00 to 16.00, Saturdays and national holidays 10.00 to 18.00.

April and May: Sunday to Friday 10.00 to 16.00, Saturdays and national holidays 10.00 to 18.30.

June: Sunday to Friday 10.00 to 16.00, Saturdays and national holidays 10.00 to 19.00.

July: Sunday to Wednesday 10.00 to 16.00, Thursday to Saturday and national holidays 10.00 to 22.00.

August: Sunday to Tuesday 10.00 to 16.00, Wednesday to Saturday and national holidays 10.00 to 20.30.

September and October: Sunday to Friday 10.00 to 16.00, Saturdays and national holidays 10.00 to 19.00.

Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.

NOTE: Closed on December 25 and January 1 and 6.

Half day (10.00 to 14.30) on December 24 and 31 and January 5.

45-minute guided visits are offered every day at 10.00, including a tour of the walled area of the castle, the catapult, the cannons, the sundial, the angled gate, the archaeologist’s corner” and the interior of the main water deposit. The package includes free entry to the synagogue site, the Torre Alfonsina and the Torre del Espolón.

Audio-guides are available for the synagogue eat 11.00, the Torre Alfonsina at 12.00 and the Torre Espolón at 13.00,

Prices

15 euros – adults and over-13s.

Under-13s are admitted free of charge.

For more local information, including news and what’s on, go to the home page of Lorca Today.

Address

Plaza de Espana, 30800 Lorca

Tel: 968 441914 (Fax 968 466157)

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Oficina de Turismo de Lorca

 

 

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, 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 an earthquake which measured 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 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 itself has temporarily relocated until the renovations are completed and is on Calle San Patricio near the church.

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 through agricultural exploitations.

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 parades 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 complex of its historic castle.

Opening hours for Lorca Tourist Office:

• Monday to Friday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.00.
• Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30.
• Sunday: 10.00 to 14.00.

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

 

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