Medieval & Barroque Murcia

 

Murcia's medley of Moorish, Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture combined with the charming scenery of the Sierrade Carrascoy foothills make this half day tour a memorable one.

1 -Scenic ride: Relax on a one hour journey through the foothills of the Sierra de Carrascoy

2 -Fuensanta Monastery: See the baroque style temple and the Virgin of Fuensanta, Patroness of        Murcia

3 -Walking tour: Enjoy a guided tour around the old town of Murcia and view its most characteristics     sites: The Cathedral, Church-Museum San Juan de Dios, The Summer Palace of the Muslim King in

    the Convent of Claras and many other places:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description:
We begin your journey with a scenic one hour ride by bus through the foothills of the Sierra de Carrascoy. Settled by the Moors in the 9th century and conquered by the Christians in the 13th century, this bustling city offers a wonderful array of architectural delights. Visit the Monastery of the Virgin of Fuensanta, halfway up a mountain on the edge of the Parque del Valle, with its superb views over Murcia City. A temple built in the traditional baroque style; it is the residence of the Virgin of Fuensanta, the Patroness of Murcia. Since hermits took water of a "Holy Source" in the Middle Ages, it has been a place of pilgrimage during Lent and the festivals of September. The church has a lovely ‘gold’ background to the altar, and can be beautifully illuminated by depositing a coin in the meter. It is a working church, and closes for the siesta; re-opening at 4:00 pm. Browse at the gift shop run by the Nuns, where you can purchase delicious sugar covered nuts and other items.

 Whe continue our  ride to Murcia city centre and start our walking tour where you may stop at any of these main sights of the city:

 

v     The Cathedral of Murcia was built between 1394 and 1465 in the Castilian Gothic style. Its tower was completed in 1792 and shows a blend of architectural styles. The first two stories were built in the Renaissance style (1521–1546), while the third is Baroque. The main façade (1736–1754) is considered a masterpiece of the Spanish Baroque style.

v     Plaza Cardenal Belluga. Other noteworthy buildings in the square shared by the Cathedral  are the colorful Bishop's Palace (18^th century) and a controversial extension to the town hall by Rafael Moneo (built in 1999).

v     The Glorieta, which lies on the banks of the Segura River, has traditionally been the center of the town. It is a pleasant, landscaped city square that was constructed during the 18th century. The ayuntamiento (city hall) of Murcia is located in this square.

v     Murcia's oldest bridge: Puente de los Peligros. Several bridges of different styles span the river Segura, from the Puente de los Peligros, eighteenth century stone bridge with a Lady chapel on one of its side; to modern bridges designed by Santiago Calatrava or Javier Manterola; through others as the Puente Nuevo an iron bridge of the early twentieth century

 

v     Pedestrian areas cover most of the old town of the city, which is centered around Platería and Trapería Streets. Trapería goes from the Cathedral to the Plaza de Santo Domingo, formerly a bustling market square. The name Plateria refers to plata (silver), as this street was the historical focus for the commerce of rare metals by Murcia's Jewish community. The other street, Traperia, refers to trapos, or cloths, as this was once the focus for the Jewish community's garment trade.

v     Located in Trapería is the Casino, a social club erected in 1847, with a sumptuous interior that includes a Moorish-style patio inspired by the royal chambers of the Alhambra near Granada.

v     Casa Cerdá in Santo Domingo square 

 

v     Santa Clara monastery, Gothic and Baroque monument where is located a Museum with the Moorish palace's remains from the 13th century, called Alcázar Seguir.

v     The Malecón boulevard, a former retaining wall for the Río Segura's floods

v     Los Jerónimos monastery (18th century)

v     Romea theatre (19th century)

v     Almudí Palace (17th century), a historic building with coats of arms on its façade. On its interior there are Tuscan columns, and since 1985 it hosts the city archives and usually houses exhibitions.

v     Monteagudo Castle (11th century)

v     Salzillo Museum

v     San Juan de Dios church-museum, Baroque and Rococo circular church with the remains of the Moorish palace mosque from the 12th century in the basament, called Alcázar Nasir.