Murcia

Sculptor Francisco Salzillo lived in Murcia in the 18th century, and christianity heavily inspired his original and colourful work. The Muzeo Salzillo displays close to 500 of his works of art, and each Easter, his art is used in the traditional parade through the city.

This square is flanked by two of the city’s most interesting buildings, as opposite the impressive cathedral of Murcia is the Palacio Episcopal from the 18th century. Constructions on the Episcopal started in the 14th century, and today, its impressive tower reaches over 300 feet high.

This relatively unknown valley is home to several charming small towns including Ricote, Ojós and Abáran. The landscape is dotted with leafy fruit farms, and the surrounding hills are popular for hiking and mountain biking.

Northwest of Murcia is the small and historic town Caravaca de la Cruz. In the 16th and 17th century, Caravaca was the political centre of a vast territory that was governed by the Order of the Temple and Order of Santiago, and the splendid castle and the renaissance Salvador church are now the town's main attractions.

Royal Casino of Murcia is located in the city centre just a short distance from the Cathedral and it can be described as a social club for the elite; however, this exclusive environment is open for the public during specific hours as well. The casino is a very unique building with beautiful decoration, a modern Arab room, a beautiful art nouveau library, a nice ball room and a glass gallery.

The Roman amphitheatre of Cartagena in Murcia, which was built between 5 and 1 BC, is wonderfully preserved, and the museum close by offers excellent exhibits that display interesting historical artefacts.

A huge collection of underwater artefacts and old sailing and trade ships feature in this museum devoted to naval construction, navigation and ports of the Mediterranean. The museum is located in an impressive modern building and in the inside, you will find a café-restaurant that offers magnificent views over the bay of Cartagena.

For an excursion, head over to the amazing castle of Lorca. To get up to the castle, take the small road train that directly leaves at the visitor centre called Lorca centre. You will meet costumed performers who will re-enact everyday life in the castle.

The cave of the port, Cueva del Puerto, is one of the largest caves in eastern Spain, located in the beautiful Sierra del Puerto Mountains. Explore beautiful underground rooms such as the Zona del Laberinto, Gran Diaclasa, Gran Bloque and Sala de los Claustros. The amazing and colourful stalagmites and flow stones stand out, and will no doubt fascinate.

Learn more about the Spanish Civil War and take an emotional trip to this interesting and informative museum. Here you can experience real life bunker completed by air raid sound effects. It also provides many exhibits, oral histories, films and photos.

The Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Fuensanta is a beautiful monastery located among the hills in Murcia. The walk up is lovely and once you reach your destination, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view over the city.