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December 14 Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at Lorca Castle
Show off your unwanted Xmas gifts from last year at the Fortress of the Sun
In celebration of the poor taste of relatives while choosing Christmas presents, the management of Lorca castle is holding its annual Ugly Sweater Party on Sunday December 14, with all those deemed to be wearing sufficiently unattractive jumpers gaining free admission to the keep of the Torre Alfonsina.
Also on the menu for the party are Christmas carols and a hearty plate of “migas con tropezones”, one of the most typical dishes of south-west Murcia when the cooler weather of winter sets in, while those taking part can also take the opportunity to join a dramatised story-telling tour or to visit the medieval synagogue and the Torre del Espolón.
Visitors are also invited to take part in the mistletoe photocall to win a visit for two to the spa centre of the Parador hotel alongside the castle!
The day begins with the opening for free of the castle between 10am and 12.45pm and the Torre Alfonsina between 10am and 3.30pm, followed by live Christmas music from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
The migas con tropezones are available at 5 euros per portion at 1.30pm, while optional extras include a guided tour of the castle at 10am (prices from 6.50 euros), visits to the synagogue between 11am and 2pm (from 3.50 euros) and access to the Torre del Espolón at 1pm (from 3.50 euros).
Prior bookings can be made online here.
Further information is available from Lorca Taller del Tiempo at the castle and the La Merced visitors’ centre, telephone 968 479003 or 968 959646, email info@lorcatallerdeltiempo.com or recepcion.fortaleza@lorca.net.
For more local information, including news and what’s on, 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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