Located in the south-east of Spain, Lorca is a city full of contrasts, with marks of the course of history. From the Iron Age to our days, this region has been the attraction for many civilisations. Despite the influence of the Muslim and Christian past, it is considered a Baroque City.
History: The remains from the Middle Palaeolithic, found in the subsoil of Lorca show the interest that its strategic position has always had in the geographical strip between the Levante and Andalusia. The remains of Roman civilisations dedicated to the farm certify this settlement in the city, which later was under the Muslim control and strongly experienced the Christian re-conquest, as it was a bordering place.
Culture: ‘Lorca, Taller del Tiempo’ offers visitors the adventure of immersing in many ways of understanding the city. The streets, the monumental and urban value of Lorcacan be experienced through 4 routes that synthesise the essence of Lorca: ‘Entre el cielo y el suelo’ (Between heaven and Earth), ‘Tiempo de contratiempos’,(Time of mishaps) ‘La ciudad de los cien escudos’ (The city of the 100 coats) and ‘Tiempo de devoción’ (Time for devotion).
Art: The Archaeological Museum portrays the rich history of the city. For monuments, we find the Columna Miliaria of the Roman Epoch, the Torres del Espolón and Alfonsina, which are a Christian gift of the Re-conquest, the Plaza Mayor from the 18th century, the Iglesia de San Patricio, of Renaissance style, as well as the palaces and stately houses from the Baroque period, like the Palacio de Guevara, Condes de San Julián or the Casa de los Mula.
Craftworks: Nowadays, this tradition continues, elaborating handicraft products like ceramics, rugs and carpets, laborious embroideries and forge.
Gastronomy: The abundance of vegetables, legumes, cereals and meat, especially the hunted meat, sheep meat and pork meat -Migas con tropezones, Olla Gitana, Sangre frita, with tomatos and peppers- with regard to sweets, the most traditional are the alfajores, yemas, cordiales, tortada, picardías, crespillos or the famous chochos; Christmas sweets are the tortas de pascua, cordiales de almendra and mantecados; it is very traditional to have torrijas during the Holy Week.
Climate: Lorca is under the influence of a hot climate. The average temperature is 18ºC, between 6ºC in winter and 36ºC during the hottest months of July & August.
Festivals: The most celebrated festivals are the Holy week processions, and the Feria Chica, which is in September. This is in honour of the Virgen de las Huertas.The Ferias de Día y Noche, which marks the end of the summer is celebrated in the streets with tapas, wine and folklore from the Moors and Christians in San Clemente, with horses, armies, armed retinues and medieval markets.
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