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Agriculture is one of the main pillars of the economy in the huge municipality of Lorca, and the latest gastronomic event sponsored by the Town Hall consists of two weeks celebrating the locally grown artichokes.
Artichokes may not be everybody’s favourite, but they are a remarkably successful crop in Murcia, where more of them are grown than in any other region of Spain. Murcia accounts for 30 per cent of Spain’s artichoke exports (60 per cent of the artichoke fields are in the Guadalentín valley, around Lorca) and the vegetable is much used in the regional cuisine, as is demonstrated by the fact that 20 restaurants and bars are taking part in the “Jornadas Gastronómicas de la Alcachofa”.
These restaurants are Cuatro Bellotas, Cervecería Las Columnas, La Alacena de Braulio, La Mafia se sienta a la mesa, Restaurante Los Cazorlos (in Campillo), Phelan’s Irish Pub, Vinoteca El Parloteo, Venta Cristóbal, Chiringuito Marinero (in Purias), Tostadelia, Parador de Lorca, Restaurante Tebeo, Tapería Mimo’s, Bar-Restaurante Tahití (in Almendricos), Vinoteca La Vendimia, Leonardo Gastrónomo, Bar Medieval (in Zarcilla de Ramos), Restaurante Paredes and Gastrobar Cañarejo (in Cazalla).
Both locals and visitors are welcome to join in the voting for the best of the dishes featured on the “Rutappa” app (available on both Play Store and App Store), where they stand a chance of winning prizes by choosing their favourite way of making the most of this healthy ingredient. After tasting their first dish, participants can request from the establishment their unique voting code.
At the end of the fortnight there is a prizegiving ceremony and a show cooking event at the San Juan Bosco secondary school, featuring Repsol and Michelin starred chef Pablo González Conejero. This takes place on 24th March at 10.30.
For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist office at the Palacio de Guevara (telephone 968 441914) or go to the home page of Lorca Today.
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.
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
