11 Free guided tours available in inland Murcia

English language guides are available for these visits in Murcia, Caravaca, Cieza, Jumilla and Yecla

Away from the magnificent beaches of the Region of Murcia, visitors can absorb thousands of years of history, architecture and local tradition in any number of inland towns and cities, going back to the years of Moorish rule which ended almost 800 years ago and, in many cases, even further.

In many of these locations the regional tourist board has arranged for free guided tours to be offered through numerous qualified tourism experts, many of whom are happy to offer their services in languages other than Spanish, among them English: click here for your list of contactable guides!

The list starts, logically enough, in the regional capital….

Murcia – Madinat Mursiya and the Treaty of Tudmir

This visit takes us right back to the founding of the city of Murcia in the 9^th century by the Emir Abderramán II, who named the new settlement “Madinat Mursiya” following the signing by Visigoth ruler Tudmir (or Theodemir) in 713 AD. The route begins in the district of Santa Eulalia, in the heart of the city, where a visitors centre allows us to see sections of the old medieval city wall, and continues to the Santa Clara la Real museum, home to remains of a 13^th-century palace as well as a collection of religious artwork from the later Christian period.

From there it’s on to the Arrixaca district, which lay outside the city wall: this medieval area is still being excavated alongside the only stretch of the 12^th-century wall which remains above ground, close to the market of Las Verónicas and the riverside walk and gardens of the Malecón.

Admission to the Santa Eulalia visitors’ centre and the Museo de las Claras is free of charge (with prior booking).

Murcia – The Essence of Murcia

On this occasion the visit is concerned with more modern architecture, although still not the 20^th and 21^st centuries! It takes place in the old city centre, starting next to the neo-Classical building of the Town Hall on the north bank of the River Segura. Other sights include the Cathedral, which was originally built on Moorish foundations and which displays traits of gothic, Renaissance and baroque architecture, and the eclectic Casino of Murcia, as well as various churches and convents belonging to the Dominican order and those of Santa Clara and Santa Ana.

Admission to the Cathedral costs 5 euros 4 € for groups).

Murcia – Colour and Flavour

On a different note, this visit begins in the Museo Salzillo, which is dedicated to the Works of sculptor Francisco Salzillo – many of his statues are among the stars of the show on the city’s annual Semana Santa processions, especially on Good Friday. From there the group heads to the Plaza de las Agustinas and the Museo de la Ciudad (the city museum), and then after a visit to the iconic square of Santo Domingo it’s along the ancient Trapería pedestrian shopping street to the Cathedral. Along the way you’ll pass by the emblematic squares of Plaza de las Flores and Plaza Santa Catalina, one of the most popular areas for a spot of tapas and people-watching among the Murcianos!

The tour includes free admission to the Casa Díaz Cassou.

Murcia – 1,200 years of history, 1,200 stories to tell

Another tour celebrating the foundation of the city of Murcia, this time beginning at the Monasterio de las Claras, where remains can be seen of the palace of Ibn Mardanis, better known as “The Wolf King”, the Moorish King of Murcia from 1147 to 1172. Also included are the city wall of Madinat Mursiya and the Islamic burial ground before the visit concludes at the church of San Juan de Dios, where it is believed that the Wolf King himself is buried.

Caravaca de la Cruz – Caravaca singular

In the north-west of the Region now, this tour is concerned mainly with the annual fiestas in early May, which include the Running of the Wine Horses. These celebrations have been named an Item of Intangible World Heritage by UNESCO and the visit includes the Wine Horses museum and the Fiestas museum before ending at the natural park and beauty spot of Las Fuentes del Marqués: a relaxing and soothing way to tend the tour among fountains, the remains of the Templars’ tower and the sights and sounds of nature.

Admission fees must be paid to the Museo de la Fiesta (2 €) and the Museo de los Caballos del Vino (3€ general, 2€ reduced).

Lorca – ¡Vive Lorca!

Back down towards the south, this tour of the historic city of Lorca begins at the Visitors’ Centre in the cloisters of the old monastery of La Merced and continues in historical vein with a visit to the fascinating local archaeological museum. After that there’s time to take in some of the most important buildings in Lorca, including the Palacio de Guevara, the old home of the Condes de San Julián, the church of San Mateo, the regional Arts and Crafts centre and the main shopping street of Calle Corredera before ending up in the heart of the city at the former Collegiate Church of San Patricio in the Plaza de España.

Admission costs are payable at the church of San Patricio (3€ general, 2.50€ reduced) and the Palacio de Guevara (5€).

Cieza – History on the Banks of the Segura

Heading north again, we travel to the old town centre of Cieza, where you can visit the “Mercado de Abastos” food market, the Monastery of the Inmaculada Concepción, the historic Balcón del Muro with its great views out over the country side, The church of San Bartolomé, the Plaza Mayor and the Paseo, the main thoroughfare in the centre. Also included are the Museo Siyâsa, full of archaeological remains from the medieval Moorish town of “Siyâsa” as it was then known, and the Semana Santa museum, with religious figures and tableaux featured in the annual Easter Week processions (which have been awarded National Tourist Interest status).

Cieza – Archaeological treasures of Cieza

A chance to delve right back into pre-history with a visit to the Cueva de la Serreta, where primitive rock art and the remains of a Roman dwelling sit side by side in the Almadenes canyon. Also on the itinerary is a visit to the Moorish site of Siyâsa, the predecessor of Cieza and one of the most important locations of its kind in western Islam.

For groups of over 20 the cost is 6 euros per person, for smaller groups the price rises to 8 euros.

Jumilla – Get to know Jumilla

A guided tour revealing the secrets of the lovely old town of Jumilla, with visits to sites related to local heritage, history and gastronomy. Included are the two main museums, both named after local luminary Jerónimo Molina, one devoted to Ethnography and Natural Science and the other to Archaeology.

Museum admission costs just 1 euro.

Yecla – Get to know Yecla

Another guided tour in the northern Altiplano area of the Region of Murcia, this time in the centre of Yecla and including the iconic Basilica and the beautiful buildings in and around the Plaza Mayor.

Admission to the Cayetano de Mergelina archaeological museum costs 4 euros and the Basílica de la Purísima Concepción is an optional extra of 2.20 euros.

Yecla Wine Route

This trip round the town centre of Yecla includes a visit to a local winery – one of the activities for which the town is best known – where you can learn all about the production process before trying a couple of the local products for yourself, accompanied by typical snacks.

Admission costs are 10 euros for the winery (with tasting) and 2.20 euros for the Basilica.

A final reminder: click here for your guide to the guides!

Source: ITREM