Sights in Lorca

Lorca lies on a hill about 340 metres above sea level on the Guadalentín river, between the cities of Murcia and Almería. The municipality includes, besides the city itself, several villages and hamlets and extends to the Mediterranean coast, where the beaches lie roughly 30 to 40 kilometres away. Winters are mild, but summers are warm to hot with little rainfall, most of which falls outside the summer months.

Lorca’s history goes back to prehistoric times, when the area was settled by Iberians of the Bronze Age El Argar culture. Later, in Roman times, the settlement bore the name Eliocroca and came under Visigothic, Moorish and finally Castilian rule. The present old town, with its narrow streets, largely dates from the Moorish period. The city was long contested, a fact reflected in structures such as the fortress named after Alfonso X. In the 18th century, Baroque churches were built that stand out against the medieval backdrop of the old town.

Lorca is known for its medieval fortress and an archaeological park where remains of a synagogue and the old Jewish quarter have been found. Other sights include churches, monasteries and noble palaces, among them the Palacio de Guevara and the Palacio Huerto Ruano. The city is also noted for its cultural events, such as Holy Week with its elaborate costumes and the Lorca Rock Festival. Figures from Lorca include the guitarist Narciso Yepes and the environmental activist Teresa Vicente.