The massive Thursday market in Lorca prepares for a Three Kings bonanza edition on January 4
Almost 200 stalls are set up every week at the Huerto de la Rueda venue in Lorca
Tourist attractions come in many shapes and sizes, and while Lorca is blessed with a castle and a hugely impressive array of baroque architecture as well as fascinating museums and some of the most spectacular Semana Santa celebrations in Spain the range of reasons to visit also includes the hugely popular Thursday market which is held in the Huerto de la Rueda.
Almost 200 stalls and stands feature in the market and the event on January 4 is likely to be one of the most popular of the year as visitors and locals alike flock to the city to make their purchases. According to Councillor Mayte Martínez, the market is attracting more and more visitors from outside Lorca, including a large number of non-Spaniards both from Murcia and from Almería, all of them keen to enjoy the atmosphere and see the wares on display at almost 100 textile stalls, 30 selling footwear, 60 food outlets and a dozen or so others.
In addition, on January 4 there are plenty of opportunities to find last-minute Three Kings presents, with plenty of toys up for sale alongside glasses, watches, coats, jackets and the like.
For more local information including news and what’s on go to the home page of Lorca Today.
Address
Plaza de Espana, 30800 LorcaTel: 968 441914 (Fax 968 466157)
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites, and historic buildings, around which the modern City has built its tourism industry. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, the Jewish Quarter of the castle and Synagogue, 
Plaza de España, Colegiata de San Patricio, Museo de Arqueologico Municipal, Iglesia de San Francisco, Casa Huerto Ruano, Palacio de Guevara, Iglesia de San Mateo, Pósito de los Panaderos, Convento Virgen de las Huertas, Antiguo Convento de la Merced, Iglesia del Carmen and the Teatro Guerra.
Unfortunately Lorca has also been prone to natural disaster, suffering a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as an earthquake which measured 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives. Since this earthquake the city has been rebuilding, winning recognition for its Lorca, Open for Restoration initiative, which used the restoration of the city as a tourist attraction whilst it rebuilt its historical buildings, some of which are currently still not open.
The tourist office itself has temporarily relocated until the renovations are completed and is on Calle San Patricio near the church.
Lorca also has an area of coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of, Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San 
Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only through agricultural exploitations.
However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a 
series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the complex of its historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca Tourist Office:
- Monday to Friday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.00.
- Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30.
- Sunday: 10.00 to 14.00.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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