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Founded in 831AD whilst this area of Spain was under Arab rule Murcia City is the capital of the Murcia Region and is located in the centre of the valley for the River Segura.
The size and scale of the city´s wall displays just how important Murcia was to its Arab founders, the remains of which can still be seen in different locations all around the city. This wall was built to protect the City from Christian invaders and originally measured over 15 metres in height and had 95 watch towers. However, it was under Christian rule from the 16th century, and particularly the 18th century onwards that Murcia achieved an urban splendour that lead to its expansion beyond the city walls. It was during this period that the Murcia´s many, numerous churches, mainly baroque in style, were built.
The most impressive of these churches, is Murcia´s impressive Cathedral. Located in the Plaza de Cardenal Belluga, more commonly known as Cathedral Square, this truly spectacular building was constructed between 1394 and 1462. You can visit the Cathedral and its museum on most days of the week and the more energetic can even climb its tower and take in some amazing view cross the City. Also here in Cathedral Square you can see the Bishop´s Palace and the Moneo building. Murcia´s main Tourist Information Centre is located here, ideal for planning the rest of your visit to Murcia City. Alternatively, you could just sit back and relax with a drink and some tapas in one of the many good-value. cafe-bars and restaurants here in the Square.
Going from one terrace to another, from one square to another or strolling through the narrow streets and enjoying life in the open air is one of the best ways of blending in with the Murcian atmosphere. The narrow Baroque streets are also home to 100´s of high street stores, independent boutiques and designer shops, making Murcia the perfect place to shop till you drop.
In addition to the City's numerous and diverse museums, there are also many other cultural, religious and architectural sights to see. Murcia´s City Hall, The Palacio De Episcopal, The Palacio De Almudi and The Casino Real De Murcia are all well worth a visit. If you are able to venture a little further out of the city there are some other sights worth visiting, such as; The Cristo De Monteagudo, The Monasteria Los Jeronimos and the Santuario De La Fuensanta with its stunning, panoramic views over the City and surrounding mountains.
If you are planning to stay overnight in the City you will find it a vibrant and friendly place to spend an evening out. There are many stylish, lively and modern bars with large street terraces, some fantastic Spanish and International restaurants and of course, a great selection of music bars and nightclubs that stay open until dawn. If you prefer to take in a show or a concert, Murcia is also home to number of fabulous theatres and concert halls. For example, there is The Teatro Romano or the Plaza Del Torro both of which offer a wide variety of shows including many concerts by major International performers. If however, you just fancy a flutter there is always the Casino!
If you are looking for a good family day out then you could always visit the walk-round safari park at Terra Natura or ride the waterslides at Aqua Natura which is open through the Summer between June and September. The city also boasts a number of fantastic out of town shopping and leisure centres such as Nuevo Condomino and Thader. Both these modern indoor "malls" feature well-known, high street and designer clothes shops, electrical stores, sports stores and fast food outlets as well as multi-screen cinemas, video arcades, bowling alleys and trampoline parks. Younger children will also love the Nickelodeon Adventure Centre located at Thader Shopping & Leisure Centre.
This beautiful, historical and culturally rich city is only 40 minutes from the coast and easily accessible by road or by train. Parking is cheap and easy to come by in the City and trains run all day, every day between Murcia City and the coastal towns of Balsicas, Torre Pacheco and Cartagena. The newly opened Region of Murcia International Airport is also only 20 minutes away. Once in the city, getting around is easy. Being a flat city it is easy to walk around. In addition, there are plenty of buses and taxis available and the city's tram system is ideal if you want to head a little further out to the waterparks, zoo or shopping malls. There is also a "hop on, hop off" open top guided tour buses which is ideal for daytrippers looking to get a good overview of the City and visit all the main cultural and historical sights.
If you are potentially interested in buying a new property near to the City there are also now plans in place to build brand-new, luxury villas and apartments on gated resorts within a 20 minute drive of Murcia City. One of these developments, which is already underway, is the exclusive, Altaona Golf and Country Club, located just 20 minutes South of the City.
