Lorca - City of the Sun - Murcia, Spain

Lorca is a city in south-eastern Spain, located in the Region of Murcia. Lorca’s original name is Eliocroca, or City of the Sun. Upon entering Lorca you will notice the beautiful sights, which offers not only beaches but the fortress, mountains, palaces, fountains and churches, make this city an interesting place to visit.

In 1224, Alfonso X conquered Lorca. During the Reconquest, Lorca was a dangerous border city, dominated by the kingdom of Castile and the Moorish kingdom of Granada. When the war of Granada finished and the Muslim domination ended, Lorca changed its appearance, urban development was carried out, the commerce and the exploitation of the land was continuously developed. In the 17th century, Lorca started to take shape as a modern metropolis, but it did not neglect its defensive positions, particularly in the coast, due to the continuous threat of the Turkish and Berbers.

The 18th century had a vital importance for the city; it was one of the favoured regions by the Bourbon reform. The population increased and expanded in the periphery neighbourhoods of San José and San Cristóbal. Since the 19th century, Holy Week processions have taken place in Lorca. In the early 20th century, intensive exploitation of mineral deposits of the coastal zone meant a revival of economic life in the region.

Lorca has a stretch of coastline of about eight kilometres; it also has many beaches surrounded by hills with coves. Each beach has its own beautiful characteristic. The Calnegre, is a sandy beach, with the calm sea. El Ciscar, is a gravel beach surrounded by low hills. El Muerto beach has volcanic black sand and rock faces.

Lorca Castle overlooks the city of Lorca from a strategic location, and is visible from a distance. Lorca Castle was built by the Moorish inhabitants during the 13th century, and is considered a Cultural Historical Heritage of Spain.

The Collegiate Church of San Patricio, located in the centre of the old town on the Plaza de España, is one of the most important monuments of the city. It was declared a National Historic-Artistic site by decree of 27 January 1941. The Collegiate is the only one in Spain which is under the patronage of St. Patrick. The dedication to the Irish saint has its origins in the Battle of Alporchones, fought on 17 March 1452 (St. Patrick's Day) against people of the city of Granada.

Lorca has many museums to visit; the city hall has many paintings of battles that were fought in and around Lorca. Paintings of local artists are also on display here.

Lorca is a great place to visit with families or those who are interested in history.