Lorca, Spain

Archaeological excavations in the Lorca area have revealed that it has been inhabited continuously since Neolithic times, 5,500 years ago. The earliest permanent settlement is in the Guadalentín River valley, likely because of its presence of water sources, mineral resources, and lying along a natural communication route in Andalusia. On the hillside below the castle and the town archaeological digs have revealed the remains of an important population of the El Argar culture during the Bronze Age.[5]

During the Roman period, a settlement here was called Eliocroca,[6] detailed in the Antonine Itinerary and located right on Via Augusta. Elicroca was important enough to become a bishopric, suffragan of the primatial Metropolitan Archbishopric of Toledo, but it was to fade under Islam.

In 713, the Teodomiro Pact was signed,[7] referring to the place with the name "Lurqa". Under this pact, the population was integrated into an autonomous territory, along with six other cities, governed by Theudimer (Teodomiro). This lasted until his death when a Muslim reorganization of the state occurred, carried out by Abb-al-Rahman II, who turned the territory into a Córdoba dependency. It led to the formation of the Taifa kingdoms,[8] with the Taifa of Lorca as one of these kingdoms, first created in 1042,[9] when Lorca declared its independence from the emirate of Valencia. Its first governor was Ma'n Ibn Sumadih, its power extending from the city to Jaén and Baza. During the Arab period it was known as Lurka and the old part of the town, made up of narrow streets and alley-ways, achieved its present shape under Moorish rule.

Saint Anthony's Porch

The taifa was shortly recreated in 1228, after the fall of the Almoravids, until it conquered by the Taifa of Murcia; in 1244, Fernando III, King of Castilla y León and his son and heir, Prince Alfonso, the future Alfonso X of Castile, conquered Lorca.[10] The main tower of the fortress of Lorca was named Torre Alfonsina in honour of the King. The city continued to grow, as in Arab times, and became the main town in an emerging rich agricultural region, although the border hindered economic development.

Lorca, known as the city of 100 Coat of Arms, is where the Moors and the Visigoths battled for control of the land; initially they both controlled the land up to the border on the north including the city of Larcia while in later years, the Christians and the Moors controlled the city and the land up to the southern border.[11]

During the late Middle Ages, Lorca was a dangerous border town, spearhead of the Christian kingdom of Murcia (belonging to the Castilian crown) against the Moorish Emirate of Granada. Lorca served as a base for launching raids into enemy territory. The Battle of Los Alporchones, took place here in 1452, during the reign of Juan II of Castile, who ten years earlier had granted the Lorca the title of "ciudad." The Kingdom of Murcia took Granada in 1492.[12]

After the War of Granada and the Muslim threat disappeared, the city changed in appearance, carrying out a series of urban reforms and developing trade. The numerous public works to be carried out attracted labourers from elsewhere, resulting in an increase in the population to 8,000 people. Among the new buildings include the Colegiata de San Patricio, erected in 1553,[13] which is the religious centre of the city, as well as numerous convents of La Merced, Santo Domingo and San Francisco.

Castle of Lorca

In the seventeenth century, Lorca took shape as a modern city, but still had defensive duties due to the Ottoman threat along the coast. This century witnessed the expulsion of the Moors, the plague, which killed half the population, and droughts and locust plagues. Nevertheless, from 1660 a spectacular recovery and development began; amongst the construction of new buildings was the Palacio de Guevara, built in 1694 and a fine example of baroque architecture.[14] The eighteenth century is of vital importance for the city, being one of the regions favoured by the Bourbon reforms. Lorca truly became a modern city, losing its medieval character. The population grew, and urban sprawl began as immigrants settled in the suburbs of San Cristóbal and San José. The defensive wall disappeared, which is indicative of the greater security of the times. The city became a haven for painters, sculptors and engravers.

On 30 April 1802, a great calamity struck the town of Lorca. The walls of a nearby reservoir gave way, flooding the town and destroying many buildings and killing up to 700 people.[6][15] In the nineteenth century, the War of Independence and yellow fever epidemics and recurring droughts brought famine to the region and brought about the emigration of more than twelve thousand people. By 1845 Lorca had become the largest and most populous municipality in Murcia.[6] Trade declined during the first half of the century, although in 1865 it received its first steam engine, the Sewer-Lorca railway opened in 1885 and the Baza-Lorca railway opened in 1890,[16] bringing integration of the region in the domestic market, enabling the movement of mineral deposits and people. Restoration in the late 19th century brought with it a period of prosperity and political calm, the roundabouts of San Vicente, the Teatro y Colón, the Casino Artístico y Literario in 1885, the Teatro Guerra in 1861, and the Plaza de Toros in 1892, etc. were amongst the notable building developments of this time. The 1878 edition of The Globe Encyclopaedia of Universal Information described Lorca (spelled as 'Liorca') thus:

a town of Spain, province of Murcia, on the Sangonera, 80 kilometres (50 mi) W. of Carthagena. It has an old Moorish castle, and manufactures of silks, soap, dye-stuffs, leather, paper, etc... Near Liorca are important lead mines. Pop. 40,000.[17]

Calle de la Corredera

In the early twentieth century, intensive exploitation of mineral deposits of the coastal zone meant a revival of economic life in the region. The Spanish Civil War paradoxically brought about the beginning of population recovery, but in the post-World War II years the population stagnated as a result of emigration. But today the flow has been reversed: the leather, pottery, cement and butcheries make the municipality an agricultural and livestock industrial tone, involving a large percentage of the population. The twentieth century in Lorca has been a technological take-off, with slow and gradual change of social structures, the specialization of the productive sectors, etc.

On October 19, 1973, Lorca and Puerto Lumbreras suffered a terrible flood that took more than 50 lives.[15]

In 2008, Lorca received the annual Honorary Diploma of Europe Awards from the Council of Europe.

On January 29, 2005, an earthquake of 4.6 magnitude on the Richter scale with epicentre in the districts of La Paca (1,068 inhabitants in 2005) and Zarcilla de Ramos (1,077 inhabitants in 2005), caused damage especially in the structure of various buildings, and in Avilés, Coy, Doña Inés, Don Gonzalo, El Pardo, La Canaleja and Zarzadilla de Totana. This was however to be topped by worse.

Damage to a church in Lorca

The town was seriously damaged by a magnitude 5.3 earthquake on 11 May 2011, killing at least nine people.[18] The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the larger earthquake had a preliminary 5.3 magnitude, it was so superficial that the magnitude was like a 7 magnitude normal earthquake, and struck 350 kilometres (220 mi) south-southeast of Madrid at 6:47 p.m. (1647 GMT, 12:47 p.m. EDT). The quake was about 1 km (0.6 mi) deep, and was preceded by the smaller one with a 4.5 magnitude in the same spot.

Lorca Castle, a fortress of medieval origin constructed between the 9th and 15th centuries suffered serious damages to its walls and the Espolón Tower during this earthquake.[19]

Lorca is divided into these districts:

The municipality of Lorca extends to the Mediterranean. There are many beaches in its 8 km (5 mi) litoral stretch of the coast line surrounded by hills with coves with sparse to dense vegetation.[21][22] Some of the popular beaches are: The Calnegre, a sand beach, 1200 m long and 20 m wide, is peaceful with the calm sea;[21][22] Cala Leña, part of the Blana Cove with backdrop of hills covered with good vegetation and facing crystal clear sea water;[22] El Ciscar, a gravel beach surrounded by low hills;[22] El Muerto beach with volcanic black sand and rock faces;[22] La Galera gravel beach in the backdrop of a cove and rock cliffs covered by vegetation;[22] Los Hierros, a gravel beach;[22] Larga beach, a 500 m wide gravel beach; and La Junquera, a small gravely beach with rocky landforms.[21][22] Calnegre beach is one of the best beaches in Spain

Lorca has a warm climate, typical of southeast Spain, with an average annual temperature between 17 and 18 °C. The characteristics of this climate are due to the situation of the municipality, sheltered from the Atlantic storms. Western wet fronts release water when it hit the Betic Cordillera, which separates the Lorca area of depression of the Guadalquivir, which penetrate the winds off the Atlantic. Rainfall usually occur in torrents, falling mostly in a few days of the fall or spring, with very dry summers. The winters are usually mild with mean temperatures below 9 °C. Summers are hot, 31-32 °C is the common maximum temperature in July and August,[23] although it sometimes reaches more than 40 °C. Due to the size and topographical fluctuation of the municipality, not all areas report the same rainfall and temperatures.

The Lorca Castle that overlooks the city of Lorca with Alfonis and Espolón Towers

The Lorca Castle, which overlooks the city of Lorca from a strategic location, and is thus distinctly visible from a distance, was built by the Moorish inhabitants during the 13th century. Its history dates back to the Islamic period when it was built between 8th and 12th centuries; some remnants of which are still seen in the form of water systems in the older part of the castle.[24] The Alfonsí Tower is of a rectangular shape which is built in the castle. The castle has a polygonal floor plan. The tower has three sections. Gothic vaulted ceilings are seen in its three sections.[25] It also has the Espolón Tower. During the final stages of Christian reconquest, the Moors had taken refuge in the castle. Alphonse tower was added to the fort defences when Alfonso X had retaken the city in 1243 provided security to the turrets and crenels of the fort.[11] The castle is now a popular place for holding fiestas and civic functions.[24] The castle is also transformed into a theme park with fine display of "dioramas, actors in costumes and various gadgetry."[26]

Colegiata de San Patricio on the Plaza de España.

The Plaza de España (Spanish Square) is one of the most emblematic monuments of the city, located in the heart of Lorca's historical centre. Containing the Collegiate San Patricio and the Chambers of the Collegiate members, the Casa del Corregidor and Posito, the granary of the 16th century, amongst others[26] They were built between the 16th and 18th centuries. The Plaza has been declared a Cultural Monument.

Facade of the Colegiata de San Patricio

The Collegiate Church of San Patricio is a Renaissance-style building situated on the Plaza de España. It was declared a National Historic-Artistic site by decree of January 27, 1941. The Collegiate is the only one in Spain which is under the patronage of St. Patrick. The dedication to the Irish saint, has its origins in the Battle of Los Alporchones, fought on March 17, 1452 (St. Patrick's Day) against people of the city of Granada. The church began construction in 1533 under Pope Clement VII on the spot of the old church of San Jorge. Construction, however, was delayed until 1704.[11] The church features a baroque façade with Renaissance interiors.[26]

The city has many museums of which the Museo de Arqueologico Municipal maintained by the Plaza de Juan Moreno is popular. There is also an embroidery museum. The city hall has many paintings of battles that were fought in and around Lorca. Paintings of local artists are also on display here.[24]

Museo Arqueológico

Archaeological Museum of Lorca

The Archaeological Museum of Lorca is located in the renovated "House of Salazar" which had been built in the early seventeenth century. The museum is a store house of all the archaeological antiquaries found during excavations in several historical areas of Lorca and from other regions in Spain. Limestone statues made in the Lavant area of Lorca decorate the façade. These statues carved are of Mary Natareloo Salazar flanked by figures of two naked female torsos.[26][27] Inside the museum exhibits are in several sections arranged in a sequence. In the lobby and the first section of the museum the exhibits are: Prehistoric Palaeolithic (95000-32000 BC) and chalcolithic period (32,000 to 9000 BC) finds seen in the flint section consist of antiquaries of scrapers, knives and points used by the hunters and gatherers who lived in Black Hill of Jofré and the Correia in Lorca; utensils arrowheads, axes, polished piece, handmade pottery, beads of people who lived in the region of Lorca during the late Neolithic period (3500 BC); the Copper Age (3000 BC) findings of funerary objects found in the caves of the hills in Lorca; stone architecture of the megaliths of the Black Hill in Lorca; the later part of the third millennium idols made from clay, bone and stone from the excavations from the Glorieta de San Vicente (Lorca city), one particular item of display is the triangular plate of stone painted in black with schematic rock art painting and other animal on the shoulder blade; the two columns of Emperor Augustus (8–7 BC) and Emperor Diocletian; and the Roman period mosaics, faces of Venus and the nine females of the period.[26][27][28]

16th century granary

Iglesia de San Francisco

San Julián

Lorca is studded with ancient monuments built in baroque architecture, Roman villas, palaces, unique works of art.[29] In the central part of the town, La Casa de Guevara is one of the ancient baroque buildings built between 16th and 18th centuries by the Guevara family. Another historical monument is the Iglesia de San Mateo, which has an impressive vaulted interior.[24]

• A Roman Milepost of 10 BC of Emperor Augustus period over which a statue of San Vincente erected in the 15th century is an important landmark on the Columnia Milenaria."[24] It is located on the located on the Calle de la Corredera
• Lorca City Hall, built in the 17th–18th centuries, initially as a prison[24]
• Medieval walls and gate or porch of San Antonio (13th-early 14th centuries) of Arabic origin was the main entrance gate then.[29]
• Monumental complex of Santo Domingo (16th–18th centuries), formed by the namesake church, the Capilla del Rosario and remains of a convent's cloister.
• Iglesia de San Francisco (Lorca) (1561–1735), also known as the temple of San Francisco, is a national monument. It was first built by the Franciscan Order in the middle of the 16th century which was later totally rebuilt in the 17th century. It has many baroque altar pieces made by Ginés López in 1694. In the 18th century, Jerónimo Caballero added two high altarpieces of the transept that are dedicated to the Saint Antonio and to Vera Cruz and to the Blood of Christ. In 1941, the 'Virgin de los Dolores' altarpiece made by José Capuz was added.[30]
• Palace of the counts of San Julián, in Baroque-Neomudéjar style (17th century)
• Huerto Ruano Palace, an urban villa from the 19th century
• Casa del Corregidor, house built in the 18th century[31]
• Pósito de los Panaderos, granary house, built in the 16th century
• Columna Miliaria, Roman structure
• Convento Virgen de las Huertas, Franciscan convent destroyed during a raid in 1653 and rebuilt
• Convento de las Mercedarias (16th century)[32]
• Palacio de Guevara (17th–18th century)
• Antiguo Convento de la Merced
• Antiguo Colegio de la Purísima (18th century), now housing the Conservatorio de Música Narciso Yepes.
• Iglesia del Carmen, 18th-century church
• Iglesia de San Cristóbal (17th–18th century).
• Iglesia de San Diego (17th century).
• Iglesia de San Mateo (18th–19th century).[33]
• Casino Artístico, Andalusian-style building, designed by Manuel Martínez Lorca.
• Teatro Guerra is the oldest theatre in the Murcia Region, inaugurated in 1861.
• Cámara Agrícola (early twentieth century), Art Nouveau building, unusual in this part of the Region of Murcia, designed by Mario Spottorno,
• Puente de Piedra (19th century), bridge
• Puente de la Torta (1910), bridge built in 1910 from concrete
• Plaza de Toros (1892).

• Hospital General Universitario Rafael Méndez[37]
• Hospital Virgen del Alcázar

The health centres below are placed in the municipality:

• Centro de Salud Lorca-San Diego[38]
• Centro de Salud Lorca-Sur
• Centro de Salud Lorca-Centro[39]
• Centro de Salud La Paca[40]
• Centro de Salud Sutullena[41]

The primary care health centre with the fewest functions below are located in the municipality:[39][40][42][38]

Estadio Francisco Artés Carrasco

Athletics

• Atletismo Eliocroca, an athletic club participating at the regional level (cross country, indoor track, outdoor track, route, half marathon, marathon, 100 km).

Football

• Lorca FC, football team previously based in the hamlet of La Hoya which is currently active in Tercera División.
• CF Lorca Deportiva, football team in Segunda División B
• Lorca Deportiva CF (2002–2010)
• Lorca Atlético CF (2010–2012)
• Unión Deportiva Zarcilla, football team which is active in the Preferente Autonómica de la Región de Murcia.

Rugby

• Club Rugby Lorca

Futsal

• Ciudad de Lorca Fútbol Sala

Basketball

• Indigo Química, basketball team that plays in the Primera Autonómica.

Handball

• Club Balonmano Lorca, team that plays in the Segunda División Nacional Masculina y Femenina.
• Asociación Deportiva Eliocroca, team that plays in Segunda División Nacional.

Volleyball

• Asociación Deportiva Eliocroca, team which plays in the Liga FEV.

Swimming

• Club Natación Lorca.

• Estadio Francisco Artés Carrasco
• Complejo deportivo Europa
• Ciudad deportiva de La Torrecilla
• Pabellón municipal de San José
• Pabellón municipal San Antonio
• Pabellón municipal de Almendricos
• Pabellón municipal de Las Alamedas