TEATRO ROMANO – CARTAGENA
The Roman Theatre of Cartagena (Teatro Romano) with the Roman Theatre Museum is one of Spain’s many beautiful and historical places to visit. The discovery and excavation of the Roman Theatre in Cartagena in recent years has been one of the most surprising discoveries of archeology of the city. Its monumental remains have come to certify the important role it played in the history of ancient Hispania. When we contemplate the splendid architecture of the theatre, we wonder how it was ever possible that a monument of this category and dimensions had been hidden for centuries. The recovery of the Roman Theatre in Cartagena, funded by the Foundation Teatro Romano, has provided many benefits for educational and cultural purposes. In addition, the considerable wealth of the pieces found during subsequent excavations at the Theatre has created a new museum space, the “Roman Theatre Museum”. Tel: 968 504 802 www.teatroromanocartagena.org
LORCA CASTLE – MURCIA
The Castle of Lorca in the province of Murcia, is a fortress of medieval origin constructed between the 9th and 15th centuries. It consists of a series of defensive structures that, during the Middle Ages, made the town and the fortress an impregnable point in the southeast part of the Iberian Peninsula. You can also find some remains of Islamic buildings, the ruins of the Jewish quarter and its synagogue, together with the 19th century military buildings, all reflecting an extensive sequence of human occupation. A visit to Lorca Castle makes an interesting and memorable day out with its panoramic views, guided tours, restaurant, exhibitions and activities for children. Tel: 968 959 646 www.lorcatallerdeltiempo.es
MURCIA CATHEDRAL – MURCIA CITY CENTRE
Murcia Cathedral is centrally located in the main square of Murcia city centre, Plaza del Cardenal Beluga. Here you will discover artistic beauty in abundance, with different architectural styles and works of art that evoke the spiritual richness of this place of faith, worship and prayer. Murcia Cathedral has a museum located in the annexed premises of the Gothic cloister. This is the oldest part of the church that is still preserved since its construction in the 14th century. Murcia Cathedral Museum houses the treasures of the Cathedral, with important paintings and sculptures, as well as textiles and objects which reveal the historical and artistic influence of the place. One of the main highlights of Murcia Cathedral is the Bell Tower, the second highest Cathedral tower in Spain, where you can climb up and enjoy the best views over the city of Murcia. Tel: 968 219 713 www.catedralmurcia.com
REAL CASINO DE MURCIA
El Real Casino de Murcia (Royal Casino of Murcia) is an emblematic building in the city of Murcia. Its unique architecture combines modernist and eclectic artistic styles from the 19th and 20th century in Spain, with the beauty of the building awakening the admiration of all its visitors. The casino is situated in the heart of Murcia City Centre on Calle Traperia, close to Murcia Cathedral. This enchanting space houses the Real Casino de Murcia Society, a private institution founded in 1847, which today has more than 1,600 members. In 1983 it was declared a National Historical building, and is now considered to be of significant cultural interest. Visitors and tourists are welcomed to visit the casino from Monday to Sunday 10:30am-7pm Tel: 968 215 399 www.realcasinomurcia.com
CASTLE OF SAN JUAN – ÁGUILAS
The Castle of Águilas namely “Castillo de San Juan de las Águilas” was an 18th century defense fortress built to worn off pirate raiders from northern Africa. The castle sits high above the town offering spectacular panoramic views of Águilas and its surrounding countryside. Castillo de San Juan comprises of three main features; the San Pedro cannon battery, the ammunition depot and the central courtyard with artillery terrace. Various exhibits can be found inside with interesting information and audiovisuals. Tel: 968 493 285
CIMAR AQUARIUM – ÁGUILAS
The CIMAR (Centro de Interpretacion del Mar) and Aquarium in Águilas gives an interesting insight into the town of Águilas and its marine life that exists in this part of the Mediterranean. A full visit to CIMAR takes about an hour, making it an ideal place to take children as its educational as well as entertaining. The CIMAR consists of three visiting areas; a nineteen metre fishing boat providing a historical tour of fishing life in Águilas, the Aquarium which houses a variety of local marine species and tropical fish, and a museum style area. The exhibition room contains an extraordinary collection of shells which is said to be one of the largest seashell collections in Europe. Tel: 968 493 647
MEDINA SIYÂSA – CIEZA
Medina Siyâsa is one of the most important archaeological sites of preserved Islamic architecture in Europe. Medina Siyâsa was an 11th century Muslim town located in the city of Cieza. It was the most outstanding Islamic settlement within the kingdom of Murcia. Today, the excavated medina buildings can be viewed through protected perimeter fencing and the external areas of the site can be explored on foot. The nearby Siyâsa Museum can be found a short drive away and makes a fascinating end to the visit. Divided into four levels, the museum presents a journey through the history and archaeological heritage of the city of Cieza. Tel: 968 773 153
CIEZA ORCHARDS – REGION OF MURCIA
Cieza is on the entrance to the north of the Murcia region and holds a richness in its natural landscapes. The most famous spectacle Cieza has to offer is during the month of March when the entire countryside comes into bloom, known as the “Floración de Cieza”. Every year, the flowering of the orchards in Cieza is an event that attracts nature lovers to this part of Murcia, where you can enjoy the blossoming of different trees such as peach, apricot and plum. The magnificent flowering marks the arrival of spring, with the fields of Cieza brushed with colour, scent and impressive scenes. There are specific viewpoints set up in “Olmico”, “Soto de la Zarzuela” and “La Macetua”, where you can walk through the trees for perfect picture moments or soak up the enchanting views with a picnic lunch. Tel: 666 500 594 www.floraciondecieza.com
JARDIN DE LA SEDA – MURCIA
Jardin de la Seda is an enchanting public park quietly tucked away in the heart of Murcia city centre. It was constructed in 1990 on the site of an old silk factory and is how the park got its name; “Seda” meaning Silk. Among the many highlights of the park is the existing chimney from the factory which has become a symbol of the park and its neighborhood. A visit to Jardin de la Seda takes you to a place full of beauty and charm with lakes, streams and bridges, ducks and swans, viewpoints with picnic benches, rose gardens and a large children’s playground. There is a delightful cafeteria built on a raised platform over one of the lakes serving refreshments, sandwiches, tapas and warm Mediterranean dishes. Jardin de la Seda can be found on Calle Senda de Enmedio, 30009 Murcia.
BATERÍA DE CASTILLITOS – CARTAGENA
The Castillitos Military Battery, locally known as the Batería de Castillitos, is one of the most picturesque places to visit in the Murcia region. It lies on the ridge of a cape above the sea, west of the city of Cartagena, and boasts breathtaking views. The gun battery was built between between 1933 and 1936 to prevent enemy ships entering the bay to attack the important port and military arsenal at Cartagena. The Batería de Castillitos military buildings are extensive and were built in an ornate style reminiscent of a Disney set. You can look inside many of them including the gun control bunkers and the towers, with the highlight being the massive guns with 17 meter long barrels. The Batería de Castillitos, located on the RM-E23, can be visited for free and is open all year round.
CUEVA DEL PUERTO – CALASPARRA
The Cueva del Puerto is an amazing cave to discover, hidden away in the region of Murcia. It is part of the Sierra del Puerto mountain range and it approximately 700 metres long and 50 metres deep, with much of the cave yet to be discovered. The Cueva del Pueto maintains a comfortable temperature of 18 degrees all year round, which makes it an ideal place to visit during any season. A tour guide takes you through the cave which lasts about an hour, and explains how all the different formations have been created over time. This is a fascinating and educational visit, perfect for families with children. Tel: 634 652 041 www.cuevadelpuerto.com
CUEVA-SIMA DE LA SERRETA – CIEZA
The Cueva-Sima de la Serreta is located in the protected natural area of the Almadenes Canyon. The river Segura runs through this canyon, enclosed between vertical walls that in some sections reach 100 meters in height. Three main elements make this cave one of the most unique archaeological sites in Murcia. One is its spectacular location, in the middle of the Almadenes Canyon where you can enjoy one of the best views of the Segura river as it passes through the Region of Murcia. Another is discovering the existence of the remains of a Roman habitat, being the only one documented so far inside a cave in the entire Iberian Peninsula. Finally, the amazing discovery of two panels of well preserved rock art paintings, declared a World Heritage Site in 1998. A guided tour of the cave is highly recommended where you will learn about the history, explore this secret treasure, and have a fascinating day out. For schedules and prices Tel: 658 641 101