About this experience
In sunny Murcia, surrounded by orange and lemon groves, it is worth coming just to get acquainted with the stunning lace architecture of Spanish Baroque. In one day, you will visit the main architectural landmarks of the city, explore the intertwining styles of the Cathedral, find out what is behind the walls of the Royal Casino, and learn how the local residents differ from the rest of Spaniards. And after tasting pastries in a cafe on Flower Square, you will be finally convinced that Murcia is truly admirable!
What to Expect
Spanish Baroque Masterpieces
We will stroll through the city center and visit the Cathedral of Saint Mary - one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Spain. The Cathedral has been expanded and rebuilt several times, so you will find a kaleidoscope of architectural styles from Gothic to Neoclassicism in its appearance. On the central square of the city, next to the cathedral, you will see two Baroque palaces - the magnificent Bishop's Palace, with its walls decorated with bright frescoes, and the austere Almudí Palace.
Murcia in Detail: Casino, Fountains, and Cafes
Baroque is not the only pride of Murcia: on our way, we will see the grand City Hall building, the Romea Theater named after a famous actor from Murcia, and the famous Royal Casino - a brilliant modernist-style building. Inside the casino, we will explore the grand halls where literary evenings, meetings, dances are still held, and multimillion-dollar deals are made at the gaming tables. We will then walk along the Segura River, see the Sardina Fountain and the old 17th-century bridge, and finally stop at one of the numerous cafes on Flower Square, a favorite resting place for the locals, to try the signature meat pies or pastries.
Understanding the Peculiarities of Local Culture
Murcia was founded by the Muslims in the 9th century, and during the Reconquista, the city changed hands several times, which, of course, had an impact on its culture. You will learn how Murcia became part of the Castilian crown and meet the distinctive local residents who speak with a funny accent, use diminutive-affectionate words, and love to eat deliciously.
Who Will Enjoy the Tour
Travelers who want to escape the crowds of tourists, love good Spanish cuisine, and the baroque style of architecture.
Organizational Details
You can get to Murcia by:
- regular bus operated by ALSA from Alicante (duration of the trip - 1 hour 10 minutes, round trip ticket cost: 10-15 euros).
- suburban train (departs every hour, trip duration - 1 hour 20 minutes, round trip ticket cost - 10 euros).
- we can go to Murcia in my car. In this case, there will be two of us - me and the driver, and the cost of the tour will increase by 60 euros.
- the tour is also possible to conduct in your car: in this case, the cost of the tour remains the same.
During the tour, there is a planned stop at a cafe (30 minutes). If you want to have lunch in Murcia or spend more time here, we can extend the duration of the tour - in this case, the surcharge will be 25 euros per hour.
