Basking under the brilliant Andalucía sunshine, the city of Murcia lies in one of the driest regions of Spain. Average temperatures are 17°C and there are more than 3000 hours of sun per year. There is very little rainfall here.
The population numbers more than 400,000 people and it’s the 12th largest city in Spain.
It’s perfect for walking, with wide modern avenues and around 2 million square metres of gardens.
The city of Murcia is one of the most beautiful in the country, and there is much evidence of the Moorish past. 20 mosques were turned into churches after the re-conquest by the Catholic monarchs. There’s architectural splendour wherever you look.
The Holy Week processions are incredibly popular and famous throughout Spain. Life size sculptures from the Saltillo museum are taken out and are paraded along the streets.
Murcia is also a university city and there are lively bars and restaurants near the main campus.
MURCIA ATTRACTIONS
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The Catederal
Dedicated to Santa María. The impressive looking bell tower took more than 200 years to build and reaches a height of 90 metres, 95 metres with the weathervane.
Opening Hours: 07.00-13.00 and 17.00-20.00
Salzillo Museum
Dedicated to the work of Murcia-born sculptor Francisco Salzillo. The works were created for Murcia’s Holy Week processions. You can also see Salzillo’s famous nativity scene.
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 09.30-14.00 and 17.00-20.00 Sunday 11.00-14.00
Santa Clara Museum
Houses Andalusian art and architecture
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10.00-13.30 and 16.00-18.30 Sunday 10.00-14.00
Ramón Gaya Museum
Dedicated to the artist Ramón Gaya. The museum is housed in a 19th century mansion.
Opening Hours: July-August, Monday-Friday, 10.00-14.00 and 17.00-20.00
September-June, Tuesday-Saturday, 10.00-14.00 and 17.00-20.00 Sundays 11.00-14.00
The Casino
The casino first opened as a gentleman’s club in the 19th century. It also houses a billiard room and a ballroom.
The Romea Theatre
Built in the 1860’s and named after Julian Romea, a famous actor from Murcia. It has twice suffered fire-damage but has since been restored.
The Bishop’s Palace
Located near the Cathedral. Dated 1748
The Church of Nuestro Padre Jesus
One of the main features is the 556 figures of the world- famous Christmas Crib.
