Murcia
Interesting article on the city of Murcia, located in south-eastern Spain.
Spanish Cities - Murcia
Taking a stroll through some of the green and tranquil squares of Murcia is a delight, now that the intense heat of July and August is abating.
The Plaza del Cardinal Belluga is at the heart of the old city and lies directly in front of the great cathedral. One can sit in the shade of the orange trees or sip coffee at one of the convenient bars and simply admire the beauty and splendour of your surroundings.
Against the cathedral also, are the squares of the Apostles (which takes its name from the imposing Gothic entrance to the cathedral), and square or Plaza de la Crux (The square of the cross). It is pleasant just to wander down the narrow streets of this quarter in peaceful solitude.
One of the most picturesque is the Plaza de las Flores, named in 1630 by local rich landowner Macias Coque, a colourful sight with its many orange and palm trees. Its bay windows and balconies bedecked with multi-coloured geraniums and other flowers, just walking around this oasis of peace and tranquillity is a delight.
Further on one can visit the square of the Casa Palarca, home of the Ramon Gaya Museum, one of Murcia's most important sons, and the museum houses more than 150 examples of his and his contemporaries' works of art.
All of this, with yet more to discover, truly make a trip to Murcia a worthwhile experience.
Murcia Cathedral has many Renaissance and Baroque elements, although its interior is basically Gothic. It was created in 1394, in the place where an Arab mosque once stood. It was Bishop Fernando de Pedrosa who laid the first stone. The interior is Gothic. The façade is Baroque and was constructed according to Jaime Bort's plans. It has a tower 95 metres high which took over two hundred years to be built and in which main architects were involved, Ventura Rodríguez being the most noteworthy. The Chapel of los Vélez is flamboyant Gothic and has a star-shaped vault, while the Chapel of los Junterones is Renaissance.
The region of Murcia lies in the south-east of Spain bordering Andalucia, Castilla-La Mancha and Valencia province. It has a beautiful 176 kilometre coastline, as well as the 50 kilometre long Mar Menor coastline.
Temperatures are typically Mediterranean; winters are mild and summers warm, with average temperatures ranging from 15º to 19ºC. The "huerta" of Murcia, which covers the fertile plains of the River Segura, is very close to the city and is the very essence of the capital where the deep-rooted traditions live in harmony with the driving force behind a modern, prosperous city.
Murcia is, moreover, a welcoming city where privileged location right by the Mediterranean means it is a popular choice for conferences, tourism and cultural activities. Stroll around Murcia. It is the ideal way to discover and enjoy the city.
Article provided by kind permission of The Leader Newspaper
Murcia Links: Murcia Guide - Murcia Map - Murcia Weather - Murcia Cathedral - Murcia History - Murcia Airport Map - Murcia Spain
Interesting Links: Rafting on the River Segura - Sierra de Espuna - 2 - Huerto Pio
Golf Courses: Roda Golf Resort - Mar Menor Golf Resort - Spain Golf Courses
Related: Murcia - Cartagena - Los Alcazares - Mar Menor - San Javier - La Manga - Mazarron - Murcia Airport Transfers - Builders
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