Murcia is the proud capital of the Region of Murcia, one of Spain's 17
autonomous communities. The
Segura River runs
right through it and irrigates the fertile valley of the Huerta de Murcia, also known as the orchard of Europe. In winter the
Murcia region supplies vegetables and fruit to much of Northern Europe.
The emir of Cordoba,
Abd ar Rahman II founded
Murcia in 825 an brought in scores of loyal Arabs, including cultivation experts. An extensive network of irrigation
channels, dams and terrasses was built, releasing the agricultural capabilities of the Huerta.
The region is prone to flooding during the autumn
Gota Fria rains. The extreme floods of
September 2019 were the worst in 50 years.
We explored
Murcia's old center on a nice day in December 2019.
the kiosks along Grand Via de Alfonso X el Sabio are ready for Christmas
yes, Christmas is coming, also to the Casino
many feel that the facade of the City Hall is in disharmony with the other buildings at the square. We agree
the monument for Human Rights at Plaza Santo Domingo. Note the signature wall of flowerpots in the back
the colorful Episcopal Palace at Cardenal Belluga Square was built around 1768
the elaborate woodcarving of St Mary in Bishop Trejo's chapel is from 1627
this version of the Teatro de Romeo is from 1901, after the two previous ones went down in flames
la Dama de Cehegin firmly holds on to her mirror. The sandstone piece dates from around 350 AD
the Archeological Museum shows a layer of soil with archeological finds
the glass ceiling inside the Casino
Cardenal Belluga Square is dominated by the baroque facade of the Cathedral of Murcia
a detail of the cathedral's richly decorated facade
sculptures above the entrance of the Royal Casino
the church of Santo Domingo dates from around 1740
the neoclassical old Town Hall glows in the late afternoon sun
the Santa Clara Monastery is now a museum