hotels in Murcia

Museums in Murcia

• Museum of Fine Arts - has a major pictorial collection, which includes canvasses dating from the Middle Ages through to Costumbrist and decorative painting; Tue to Sat 10am to 8 30pm, Sun and public holidays 10am to 2pm. Santa Clara la Real Convent Museum - comprises the Santa Clara enclosed convent and the archaeological and architectural remains of old royal palaces, both Moorish and Christian; Only on guided tours, every 30 minutes. Salzillo Museum - has various different rooms where you can see large sculptures created by the artist for the Easter week processions and comprises more than 500 pieces, which evokes rural Murcia of the period; Tue to Sat 9 30am to 2pm and 5 to 8pm, Sun and public holidays 11am till 2pm. Cathedral Museum - permanent exhibition contains a broad array of religious objects and many archaeological remains that have come to light during successive reformation works on the building, it has Moorish remains, mural paintings, part of a residence from the 11th and 12th centuries and one part of the prayer room from the 13th-century mosque; Tue to Sat 10am to 12 30pm and 5 till 7 30pm, Sun and public holidays 10am to 1pm. Archaeological Museum - one of Spain's most complete collections of Iberian archaeological items, besides numerous examples of Iberian art, special mention should be made of items from El Algar (1900-1400 BC), discovered at various sites in the region; Tue to Sat 10am to 8 30pm, Sun 10am to 2pm. 

Exhibitions / Art galeries Murcia

• San Esteban Room. Nine Art. Verónicas Room. Babel. Las Claras Cultural Centre. 

Cultural activities in Murcia

• Semana Santa - celebrations and processions in the entire nation however unlike the slow and solemn Easter processions seen in other parts of Spain, Lorca's is truly alive thanks to the friendly but intense rivalry between its two brotherhoods, the Blanco and the Azul. Caballos del Vino - Unbelievably clad horses are paraded and raced up to the castle in this truly a colourful spectacle; 2nd May. Fiesta de San Santiago Apóstol - The fiestas are marked by cultural events, including the celebrated Certamen Internacional de Habaneras, which is a fabulous choir competition but religious celebrations also play a large part, especially the procession of Santiago Apóstol; between the 23rd and 25th of July. Fiestas de Septiembre - there is a grand fair for all ages and expect concerts as well as the heralded bull fights; on the second Tuesday of the month, Murcia also celebrates Romería de la Fuensanta, this silent parade honours the Virgin Fuensanta and proceeds from the Catedral de Santa María to a church in the surrounding mountains; all of September. 

Historic monuments in Murcia

• Cathedral - Built between 1394 and 1465 in the Castilian Gothic style, its tower was completed in 1792 and shows a blend of architectural styles.  
• Almudí Palace - historic building built in the early 17th centaury and was originally the town’s wheat granary. Since 1886 the building acts as an exhibition hall and is dedicated to storing the town’s archives.  
• Santa Clara Monastery - The museum comprises the Santa Clara enclosed convent and the archaeological and architectural remains of old royal palaces, both Moorish and Christian. Special mention should be made of the patio and the decoration of the arches. Inside there is a section of al-Andalus art and archaeology, and another of religious art. Free admission. 

Shopping in Murcia

• Traditional shops. Department Stores. Craftwork. 

Other in Murcia

• Casino - Located in the heart of Murcia, Murcia Real Casino today is a club rooted in the tradition of the nineteenth century. Since opening in 1847 the Royal Casino de Murcia has been one of the leading protagonists of social life Murcia where those seeking to share their interests and hobbies, find an exclusive and elite. Although a private club the casino is open to the public for visits.  
• Iglesia de San Esteban - The church of San Esteban was founded by Bishop Almeida in 1590 and is today is a regional exhibition hall where, in addition to temporary exhibitions, one can admire its structure and Renaissance altarpieces. 

Day trip

• 1_Azud de la Contraparada: Waterwheel of the medieval Contraparada reservoir. With pharaonic proportions it was built to dominate the channel of the Segura river and to derive their waters through drains greater than those normally used to irrigate an orchard.
• 2_Noria de la Ñora: The present wheel dates back to 1936 and is 20 metres in diameter.
• 3_Castle of Monteagudo: Fortification located in the village of Monteagudo. It was the main defensive bastion of the city as it dominated all the valley. It is built upon three walled terraces located on different heights.
• 4_Castillejo de la Luz: Castle of the Light (Saint Catherine, Verdolay) Fortification located in the mountainous region south of the city.

Group activities

• 1_Classic Murcia: Free guided tours of the historical city centre, its buildings, monuments, streets and squares.
• 2_Silk: a splendorous past: In the past Murcia held a very dominant position in the production and sale of silk. Take a guided tour at the “Silk Palace”, a very emblematic building where you will be able to learn about silk production.
• 3_Centre of the Light: Visit “Centro de la Luz”, located in “El Valle” regional park. Discover the history of this location and its environmental value.
• 4_Águilas: The historical part of the town still has the atmosphere of the seafaring days when fishing was the major activity. This part of the town is crowned by the castle-fortress of San Juan de Águilas. This tower-fortress was built around 1579 for defence reasons and was later rebuilt in the 18th century. On Paseo de Parra, there is a monument in honour of the railway, showing how important this mean of transport was for the population of this town.
• 5_Mazarrón: Mazarrón is the ideal place to enjoy a complete range of leisure options, nautical activities and active tourism. The Mazarrón marina has 200 mooring points. In its regatta club, competition is combined with courses at beginners and advanced levels. You can also practise rowing, sea paragliding, water-skiing and speedboat racing.