Sometimes it doesn’t matter how beautiful a place is: if it just doesn’t reach a certain popularity, it becomes an unfamiliar place. It is obvious that we all know where Murcia is, but if we go deeper, we would not know what we can find in it if we visit it. This city is sometimes overshadowed by its neighbors (the Valencian Community and Andalusia ), but we are sure that if this happens it is due to the lack of knowledge that exists regarding the treasures it awaits. If you are thinking of taking a different trip, a trip that allows you to take a tour of a historical land while you can enjoy enviable landscapes and taste exquisite cuisine , without a doubt, this is your place.
What to see and do in Murcia?
Murcia has no beach. A fact that drives many tourists back. Now, if they stopped to think about how much they would gain by traveling to this place, they would obviously make another decision. First of all, the sea is only a few kilometers from the city . Secondly, Murcia welcomes the highlights of a city, but also the fresh air that is needed from the countryside. And finally, Murcia is history, it is culture, it is tasting delicious dishes and it is feeling different. We cannot say otherwise: Murcia is unique. We are going to demonstrate it throughout this section.
Cathedral of Santa Maria
If there is a monument that stands out in Murcia , this is the Cathedral of Santa María . The building began to be built in the 14th century and, some time later, the old medieval tower was demolished to raise the cover of the Cross and the Renaissance tower . It is one of the most beautiful parts of the façade, along with the side doors of the Apostles and the Chains . Inside the building you can discover the Velé and Junterones chapels . Likewise, inside you can visit the Museum of Sacred Art where the sculptures of the Murcian Francisco Salzillo stand out , considered one of the most important Baroque artists in Spain.
Episcopal palace
If the previous visit has amazed you, you only have to walk a few meters to discover the Episcopal Palace . Dating from the 18th century, it is in the Rococo style and today it is used to carry out administrative and ecclesiastical functions .
Trapería street of Murcia
We would have to go back to the year 1266, with the reconquest of Jaime I of Aragon after the rise of the Mudejars, to understand the main function that Carrer de la Trapería played . It was an avenue that led to the mosque, where the cathedral is located today. Its function was to divide the areas where Christians and Muslims should remain . Its name is due to the profession that was practiced there in the Middle Ages , when merchants worked the skins and sold them to the highest bidder.
In addition, it was a meeting place for musicians and intellectuals in distinguished cafes that are currently no longer in the area. On the other hand, the architecture of the buildings that populate both sides of the street does not go unnoticed. Some of the most prominent are the 17th century Palacio Almodóvar and the Hotel Patrón , which was previously the Palace of the Marquis of Beniel . Also very striking is the Casino de Murcia , built in 1905 by the well-known architect Pedro Cerdán .
Platería Street
On the other hand, Calle de la Platería , which crosses the road described above, is another beautiful corner of Murcia that owes its name, like Calle Trapería, to the profession that was practiced there. Currently there are still jewelers in the place, but today we also find other shops dedicated to fashion, pharmacies or others. However, not all the establishments are modern, but you can still find old premises that still preserve the essence of the past inside the establishment. Another of the most touristy places on this street is the kilometer 0 sign , which is located at the 3 corners of Platería street .
Santo Domingo Square
This square had a great importance in its day, since it was an open commercial center where mainly products from the garden were sold. It was also a party place, since the most typical festivals were held there. What will surprise you the most as soon as you arrive at this place will be a huge tree. It is a Ficus planted in 1893 whose roots are said to reach the Plaza Circular , that is, more than half a kilometer away.
On the other hand, the area is surrounded by buildings of great architectural value, such as the church of Santo Domingo , from the 18th century; the Casa Cerdá , which boasts a beautiful dome; the Casa Palacio de los Pagán , the Central Bank and the Colegio Cierva Peñafiel .
Flower square
If you are a good eater and you are wanting to try Murcian delicatessens , you just have to go to the Plaza de las Flores . A very special place where citizens meet with friends and family to enjoy a beer that they will accompany with a delicious tapa. It is located parallel to the Gran Vía , that is, in the center of the city, where several streets of the old town end. In this way, this corner of Murcia allows us to appreciate facades of great beauty from other times.
The Floridablanca Park and the Malecón Garden
Murcia is not known for the nature of its streets, as there are not many green areas. For this reason, Murcians love to spend part of their time enjoying the two most important and beautiful gardens in the city under the shadows of the trees. On one side is the Floridablanca park . It boasts centennial plants that give life, unique sensations that only nature and its magic can transmit. The place was inaugurated in 1849 and it is the first public green space in Spain.
In its surroundings is the church of Carmen , highly recommended to visit. Also, near it we can see the Malecón Garden, which dates back to 1845 . It was created by the Department of Agriculture of the Institute of Education so that its students could use it as a practice area. Today it is the most important Botanical Garden in Murcia .
Romea Theater and Real Casino de Murcia
These two buildings, together with the Cathedral, are the most emblematic of the city. They were born in the 19th century and, in the case of the Romea Theater , its eclectic style façade stands out, where there are also modernist details. In order to honor art and culture, three busts of the musicians Beethoven, Mozart and Liszt were added . It is the most renowned cultural reference in Murcia . It can boast a busy schedule of theatrical and musical performances for all tastes and prices.
On the other hand, the Real Casino de Murcia is a mixture of artistic styles characteristic of the 19th and 20th centuries. From its origins it has attracted attention for being a meeting place for exclusive and select people . These met with the intention of sharing hobbies and interests within their social circles. Currently, it is still a private club , but with the rehabilitation of 2006 and 2009 spaces were opened that can be visited by the public.
