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March 14 to 17 Saint Patrick’s Day specials at Lorca castle!

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Treat yourself to a day at the impregnable castle of Lorca with lunch and admission to all the most interesting attractions included

March 14 to 17 Saint Patrick’s Day specials at Lorca castle! The affinity between the city of Lorca and Saint Patrick is possibly unique in Spain, with the former Collegiate Church of San Patricio reportedly being the only one in the whole country dedicated to the patron of Ireland!

The reason for this is that over 570 years ago, on 17^th March 1452, the Battle of Los Alporchones took place in the countryside of Lorca, a conflict in which the forces of Castilla, led by Alonso Fajardo “El Bravo” overcame the invading troops of Malik ibn al-Abbas from the Moorish kingdom of Al-Andalus, thus preventing a plan to raid the southern part of what is now the Region of Murcia.

Soon after the victory the local population decided to name their large new church after St Patrick to thank him for his help in securing their safety, and this was to become one of the most important (and biggest!) churches in south-eastern Spain for centuries.

(Click here for an overview of the history of Lorca between the Roman era and the expulsion of the Moors from Spain in 1492)

The feast day of San Patricio is still commemorated and celebrated in Lorca, and this year a special package has been prepared at the castle, which proved impregnable throughout the conflicts of the Middle Ages. This package includes tickets to the three main areas of this fortress – the keeps of the Torre Alfonsina and the Torre Espolón and the remains of the 15^th-century synagogue - with an audio guide in several different languages so that you can visit at your own pace.

Also available is a menu prepared with locally sourced produce at the Las Caballerizas del Castillo de Lorca restaurant in the parade ground at the foot of the Alfonsina Tower.

On top of that, reserve your tickets and menu package, and they’re giving away a free beer to toast St. Patrick's Day!

This offer is available on 14^th, 15^th, 16^th and 17^th March at a price of 29.95 euros, with kids under 12 allowed in completely free (menu not included)!

Lunch is served in the Las Caballerizas del Castillo restaurant at 14.00.

Booking is available through the regional tourist board website here.

For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist office at the Palacio de Guevara (telephone 968 441914) or go to the home page of Lorca Today.

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Oficina de Turismo de Lorca

Lorca Tourist Office

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, Plaza de España, the former Collegiate church of San Patricio, the municipal archaeological museum, the Casa Huerto Ruano, the Palacio de Guevara and the churches and convents of San Francisco, San Mateo, the Virgen de las Huertas, La Merced, El Carmen and many others.

Unfortunately, Lorca has been prone to natural disaster, suffering a severe flood in 1973 which killed 50 people, and a Gota Fría on September 28^th 2012, as well as a series of earthquakes, the most recent of which was 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11^th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives.

Lorca Tourist Office Lorca also has an area of unspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Cala Calnegre and various others. Although only one is accessible by road others can be reached along dirt tracks!

In terms of fiestas, Lorca is synonymous with Easter (Semana Santa), its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status being famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azul) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.

In the Autumn Lorca also celebrates the Fiestas of San Clemente and a Feria and there are a series of important events throughout the year in the Recinto Ferial, as well as a busy cultural and sporting programme.

The tourist office relocated for 14 years to Calle San Patricio, near the church, but has now returned to its former premises alongside the Palacio de Guevara in the Plaza Concha Sandoval, or Plaza de la Bordadora (click for map).

Lorca Tourist Office Lorca also has an area of inspoilt 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 along difficult tracks or by boat!

Lorca Tourist Office 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 processions 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.