The founders of Murcia, the Arab-speaking Egyptians, lay the foundations of the modern city, taking advantage of the great agricultural potential of the area. They gave Europe the irrigation system that is now the predecessor of the modern one. Afterwards, the city flourished under the various dominations of the Caliphate of Cordoba and the Christian rule of Almeria, Toledo and Seville, and being later re-conquered by the Almohades.
Modern-day Murcia is the joy of many tourists visiting this southern part of Spain. The centre of the old city is full of pedestrian areas, and you can absolutely cherish the beauty of the old sights on a walking tour. One of the first spots to visit is the Cathedral of Diocese of Cartagena-Murcia. Built over more than half a century, between 1394 and 1465, the Cathedral is characterized by a mixture of styles: Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical and Rococo.
Then, there is The Santa Maria Cathedral, dating back to the 14th century as well, but built on the site of a mosque. The initial style was Gothic, but at the middle of the 18th century a new baroque façade was added, as the cathedral underwent massive changes. Many tourists, who have had the courage to climb the 92 m tower of the Cathedral, enjoy one of the most panoramic views of Murcia.
Now, let’s move to Glorieta, a nice square that houses the City Hall, and that during the Holy Week is the centre of religious processions that made Murcia famous throughout Spain. During these processions, life-sized sculptures are taken out of museums and carried around the city in great flowery processions. Thus, beautifully dressed in their traditional huertanos, Murcians recreate the events leading up to crucifixion.
One other place you can visit is El Museo de Tradiciones y Artes Populares that display agriculture and folk items, some of them with a history of centuries. The symbol of the Museum is the big wooden wheel, a copy of that from the 15th century, standing for Murcians folk skills. If you take an interest in traditional art, you will definitely find your curiosity rewarded.
After a long day, visiting sites and getting to know part of the Murcian charm, you may relax in the sheltered lagoon, called Mar Menor. It is a lot warmer than the Mediterranean and the high content of minerals make it a true natural remedy for those tourists that are looking for a rest-cure vacation. The main resorts in the Murcia lagoon are Santiago de la Ribera and Los Alcazares.
As for restaurants, you have to try local cuisine such as tapas, or salmon dishes. Some of the nicest restaurants in the city and with good, affordable prices are Aires de Murcia, Hispano or El Soto. You may choose one of the open air restaurants; just eat outside and enjoy your meal in one of the warmest and most pleasant of atmospheres.
One other crowded place in Murcia – if you’re a gambler – is the Gran Casino. You may be taken aback by the splendid facade and interior, as the building lavishly combines European and Arab design styles. It’s an image of luxury and opulence rarely seen by the common tourist. A large number of cool bars and clubs offer interesting laser shows and make the night life in Murcia anything but boring. Have fun!