The cozy city, undeservedly deprived of the attention of Russian tourists, surrounded by sandy beaches and rocky mountains, is famous for conveying the true face of Spain. The center of culture and education living a busy life is the capital of the region of the same name.
Moors-based city
The mysterious Murcia (Spain), whose sights are little known to travelers, is located on the banks of the Segura River, in the south-east of the country.
A modern city with developed infrastructure was founded in the 9th century by the Moors, who turned the village into a “greenhouse” of the state, and later throughout Europe, creating unique irrigation systems. Over time, an independent kingdom was captured by King Alfonso X, annexing the fertile lands to Castile.
Since the 18th century, the economic growth of the city began thanks to the development of the silk industry. It was then that the sights that became the hallmark of the city of Murcia (Spain) appeared.
In the 19th century, many misfortunes fell on the capital of the region: looting by Napoleonic troops, numerous earthquakes and plague epidemics. This period of instability lasted a very long time, and only in recent decades did the development of the tourism sector, bringing income to the treasury, begin.
Monteagudo Castle and the statue of Christ
The seventh largest city in the country is positioned as a wonderful place for relaxation and sightseeing, closely related to the ancient history of Murcia.
Tourists approaching the resort immediately pay attention to the towering statue of Jesus Christ. The sculpture standing on Mount Monteagudo is an exact copy of the one that was cast in 1926. During the revolution, the statue was destroyed, and after 25 years a 14-meter figure of the Savior appeared.
On the hill is the ancient Monteagudo Castle, built to protect the city in the 11th century. The defensive structure built on a high mountain served as an excellent observation post. The guards on duty around the clock gave signals to the valiant warriors of the city with the help of smoke and fire. At one time, the fortress served as a prison for criminals, a granary and a warehouse.
Ancient Murcia (Spain) is rightly proud of a well-preserved historical monument. Sightseeing is of great interest among tourists, however, to climb to the top of the cliff on their own is not possible due to the fact that this is a very dangerous place with voids in the ground.
Cathedral
The unique urban architecture has absorbed several eras, but has not lost its national flavor. The most famous historical monument is the Gothic cathedral in Murcia, erected on the site of a mosque. It is noteworthy that the almost one-hundred-meter-high tower decorating the city’s buildings is made in the best traditions of the Renaissance, and the beautiful facade is a wonderful example of Baroque.
Renovated after the destruction in the 16th century, the cathedral is decorated around the perimeter with statues of saints, which gives the grandeur and effect of the presence of the righteous in each service.
Now most of the temple is occupied by the Museum of Religion, which carefully stores artifacts, ancient documents and canvases, written on biblical motifs.
Old bridge
The banks of the Segura River are connected by a beautiful stone structure with two arches, erected in the XVIII century on the site of a bridge destroyed by flooding. The 200-meter construction is particularly stable, and after the use of metal frames, the Old Bridge was significantly expanded.
The main theater of Spain
In the 19th century, Queen Isabel II opened a theater here, which was later named after the local actor H. Romea. The building, made in the Roman style, is famous not only for its beautiful facade, but also for its elegant decoration, the beauty of which is breathtaking.
The Romea Theater is also famous for its excellent acoustics, which turns each performance into a unique sight. An interesting exhibition immediately works where you can get acquainted with the history of the building and other interesting facts.
Murcia cuisine
Sunny Murcia (Spain), whose attractions are very diverse, is famous for its delicious gastronomy. The menu of local cuisine contains a huge number of salads of fresh vegetables, and the wizards of the local restaurants prepare amazing meat pies and create real miracles from seafood. Fish baked in the oven is a real work of art of local chefs.
Vacationers note the wonderful taste of rich soups with an unusual combination of ingredients. The dish, consisting of potatoes, peas and peaches, surprises European tourists who are unaccustomed to combining vegetables and fruits in a soup.
Murcia Wines
The resort's factories produce natural juices, jams and stewed fruit, as well as a low-alcohol drink made from grape or blackberry wine. In the evenings, vacationers enjoy the refined taste of the chilled Tinto de Verano, similar to sangria.
The city of Murcia is also known for its aromatic wines, which receive first places at international competitions, and often tourists take home a bottle of sparkling drink as a souvenir.
Tranquil city waiting for tourists
Holidays in a sunny city, where warm weather reigns 320 days a year, will present a sea of unforgettable emotions and impressions. The cozy and calm capital of the region will appeal to those who are tired of crowding tourists diving. Believe that you will want to return to this glorious city again.