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March 14 to 17 Saint Patrick’s Day specials at Lorca castle!
Treat yourself to a day at the impregnable castle of Lorca with lunch and admission to all the most interesting attractions included
The affinity between the city of Lorca and Saint Patrick is possibly unique in Spain, with the former Collegiate Church of San Patricio reportedly being the only one in the whole country dedicated to the patron of Ireland!
The reason for this is that over 570 years ago, on 17th March 1452, the Battle of Los Alporchones took place in the countryside of Lorca, a conflict in which the forces of Castilla, led by Alonso Fajardo “El Bravo” overcame the invading troops of Malik ibn al-Abbas from the Moorish kingdom of Al-Andalus, thus preventing a plan to raid the southern part of what is now the Region of Murcia.
Soon after the victory the local population decided to name their large new church after St Patrick to thank him for his help in securing their safety, and this was to become one of the most important (and biggest!) churches in south-eastern Spain for centuries.
(Click here for an overview of the history of Lorca between the Roman era and the expulsion of the Moors from Spain in 1492)
The feast day of San Patricio is still commemorated and celebrated in Lorca, and this year a special package has been prepared at the castle, which proved impregnable throughout the conflicts of the Middle Ages. This package includes tickets to the three main areas of this fortress – the keeps of the Torre Alfonsina and the Torre Espolón and the remains of the 15th-century synagogue - with an audio guide in several different languages so that you can visit at your own pace.
Also available is a menu prepared with locally sourced produce at the Las Caballerizas del Castillo de Lorca restaurant in the parade ground at the foot of the Alfonsina Tower.
On top of that, reserve your tickets and menu package, and they’re giving away a free beer to toast St. Patrick's Day!
This offer is available on 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th March at a price of 29.95 euros, with kids under 12 allowed in completely free (menu not included)!
Lunch is served in the Las Caballerizas del Castillo restaurant at 14.00.
Booking is available through the regional tourist board website here.
For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist office at the Palacio de Guevara (telephone 968 441914) or go to 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. 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.
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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