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Take yourself back to the Middle Ages and gain insights into what it meant to defend Lorca and the Guadalentín valley in centuries gone by with a visit to Lorca castle this spring, learning how to operate a bombardment catapult, one of the most important siege weapons of the medieval period.
Add to your experience with a walk along the ramparts which looked out over the Christian kingdoms to the east and the Moorish Nazarid kingdom of Granada to the west, discover the cannons which were installed as recently as the 19th century, learn to tell the time using the gigantic sundial and appreciate why the castle was never conquered by entering through the angled gate, designed to hinder attackers and make it impossible for horses to pass easily.
Finally, as well as visiting the two main keeps of the “Fortress of the Sun”, take a look at the work of archaeologists who have discovered, among other things, the only 15th-century synagogue yet found in the whole of Spain.
Bookings can be made online here, or by contacting Lorca Taller del Tiempo (telephone 968 479003 / 968 959646, email info@lorcatallerdeltiempo.com / recepcion.fortaleza@lorca.net).
Opening hours
November to March: Sunday to Friday 10.00 to 16.00, Saturdays and national holidays 10.00 to 18.00.
April and May: Sunday to Friday 10.00 to 16.00, Saturdays and national holidays 10.00 to 18.30.
June: Sunday to Friday 10.00 to 16.00, Saturdays and national holidays 10.00 to 19.00.
July: Sunday to Wednesday 10.00 to 16.00, Thursday to Saturday and national holidays 10.00 to 22.00.
August: Sunday to Tuesday 10.00 to 16.00, Wednesday to Saturday and national holidays 10.00 to 20.30.
September and October: Sunday to Friday 10.00 to 16.00, Saturdays and national holidays 10.00 to 19.00.
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.
NOTE: Closed on December 25 and January 1 and 6.
Half day (10.00 to 14.30) on December 24 and 31 and January 5.
45-minute guided visits are offered every day at 10.00, including a tour of the walled area of the castle, the catapult, the cannons, the sundial, the angled gate, the archaeologist’s corner” and the interior of the main water deposit. The package includes free entry to the synagogue site, the Torre Alfonsina and the Torre del Espolón.
Audio-guides are available for the synagogue eat 11.00, the Torre Alfonsina at 12.00 and the Torre Espolón at 13.00,
Prices
15 euros – adults and over-13s.
Under-13s are admitted free of charge.
For more local information, including news and what’s on, 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. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, Plaza de España, the former Collegiate church of San Patricio, the municipal archaeological museum, the Casa Huerto Ruano, the Palacio de Guevara and the churches and convents of San Francisco, San Mateo, the Virgen de las Huertas, La Merced, El Carmen and many others.
Unfortunately, Lorca has been prone to natural disaster, suffering a severe flood in 1973 which killed 50 people, and a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as a series of earthquakes, the most recent of which was 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives.
Lorca also has an area of unspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Cala Calnegre and various others. Although only one is accessible by road others can be reached along dirt tracks!
In terms of fiestas, Lorca is synonymous with Easter (Semana Santa), its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status being famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azul) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
In the Autumn Lorca also celebrates the Fiestas of San Clemente and a Feria and there are a series of important events throughout the year in the Recinto Ferial, as well as a busy cultural and sporting programme.
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 inspoilt 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
