Experience mouthwatering delicacies, charming riverside promenades and eclectic architecture sheltered by ancient Moorish walls in this captivating city.
Murcia is the elegant capital of the region of the same name in southeastern Spain. Combining its ancient Moorish heritage with a magnificently preserved Baroque streetscape, Murcia provides a pretty setting for its vibrant university community. Stroll along the banks of the Segura River or hop between tapas bars to sample some of the region’s specialties.
Get acquainted with the city’s handsome Old Town. Visit Plaza del Cardenal Belluga to see the Cathedral Church of Saint Mary in Murcia, commonly called theCathedral of Murcia. Built on top of a mosque after James I of Aragon ended Islamic rule in the region, the 14th-century cathedral took over 300 years to complete and features Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque flourishes. Explore the historic textile marketplace and find eclectic shops and boutiques, as well as the 19th-century casino.
Nearby, you’ll find the Plaza de Santo Domingo under the canopy of a ficus tree. Sit in a café and enjoy the atmosphere or stroll along the square’s northerly border to find the Museo de Santa Clara, which shares the same space as a monastery. The building is a mix of Moorish ruins and 12th-century cloisters.
More architectural fusions can be seen at the Iglesia de la Verónicas. Popular museums include the collection of religious woodcarvings at the Salzillo Museum, the wide range of artifacts at the Murcia Archaeological Museum and the interactive displays at the City Museum.
Stop by Plaza de las Flores to enjoy the shade provided by jacaranda and palm trees or check out Glorieta de España Square, a popular evening hangout. Paseo del Malecón is a pretty riverside promenade that you can walk along while you work up an appetite. Pick a tapas bar to enjoy the regional recipes of an area once known as “Europe’s Orchard.”
Murcia is located on the southeastern side of the Iberian Peninsula and is easy to reach via plane to Murcia-San Javier Airport, as well as by bus, train and car. The city is a 2.5-hour drive or 3-hour train trip south from Valencia. If you are visiting in spring, don’t miss the parade celebrating the Bando de la Huerta festival in April. Stay in Murcia’s historic downtown to experience the city’s rich fiestas and preserved architecture.