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August 13 View the Perseid meteor shower at Lorca castle
Lorca castle hosts a second successive evening of food, drink and astronomy
This summer Lorca is one of many locations which seem to be competing for the unofficial title of Astronomy Capital of the Region of Murcia, and after the highlight of the solar eclipse on 12th August the next evening continues in a star-gazing vein as the annual Perseid meteor showers light up the night sky in southern Spain.
At Lorca castle a special evening is planned consisting of two concurrent experiences, one designed for families with children and the other, ending significantly later, for adults only.
The family tour, which is priced at 19.75 euros with a picnic for those aged over 13 and 14.75 euros for under 13s, begins at 20.30 with the following timetable:
20.30: Welcome and collect your picnic!
21.00: Story-telling about astronomy for children outside the keep of the Torre del Espolón.
21.30 to 22.30: Star-gazing with experts from the Asociación de Astronomía de Murcia.
23.00: End.
For adults, meanwhile, the prices are 39.95 euros for over-16s and 37.95 euros for younger visitors and the evening begins with cocktails and a snack at the Las Caballerizas del Castillo restaurant.
From 21.00 to 00.30 there is a chill-out zone alongside the restaurant, while star-gazing lasts from 23.00 until midnight in the main courtyard before the castle closes for the night at 1.00.
Bookings can be made here for the adult experience and here for the family experience. de Lorca.
For more local information about Lorca, including news and what’s on, enquire at the tourist office (Palacio de Guevara, telephone 968 441914, email lorcaturismo@lorca.es, or visit the home page of Lorca Today.
Address
Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, LorcaTel: 968 441914
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, 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.
Opening hours for Lorca tourist office:
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
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