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© Data Spain Maps
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| Middle Segura Valley |
The city of Murcia is little visited by tourists,
despite its proximity to the coast. If you do
venture there you will find it is a fascinating
city with a colourful past, superb architecture
and a thriving university scene. Situated in the
lush and fertile Segura valley, the area around
Murcia has some lovely countryside and untouched
Spanish towns. |
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Murcia
Built on the banks of Rio Segura, Murcia was founded
in 825 as an Islamic town. Irrigated by the Segura
River, Murcia is situated in the heart of a rich
and fertile plain. The city itself has some remarkable
features worth visiting. The old quarter consists
of a labyrinth of narrow streets that weave their
way around the old cathedral. The Cathedral dates
back to the 14th century and took 4 centuries
to complete. The result is a combination of gothic
and renaissance architecture with a magnificent
baroque facade. Remains of the Moorish wall that
previously enclosed and protected the city are
still visible. The wall originally measured 15m
in height and had 95 towers. From the 16th century
onwards, Murcia began to grow beyond the city
walls and a number of baroque churches from this
period exist in the city. Wandering through the
city you will find a plethora of interesting and
monumental buildings almost everywhere. Of particular
note is the fantastic 19th century Casino with
an ornate exterior and an amazing interior. The
18th century Bishop’s Palace, near the cathedral
is also worth a visit, with its 2 intricate facades.
Perhaps the most attractive part of Murcia can
be found on the banks of the Segura itself, which
offers excellent views of the city. There are
numerous museums in Murcia, including the Archaeological
museum, the Fine Arts Museum and the Salzillo
Museum which displays examples of the images created
by the artist for Murcia’s Easter procession.
The agricultural lands around Murcia are used
to grow a variety of fresh produce for both the
domestic market and for export to the rest of
Europe, earning Murcia the name of “La Huerta
de Europa” – the Market Garden of
Europe. Murcia is a flourishing modern city. It
has a large university campus that attracts both
national and foreign students and as such, a thriving
nightlife scene.
Murcia has a population of 320,000.
It is well connected by rail to the rest of Spain
by the national RENFE station.
A number of main roads run through and round Murcia,
fast motorways. connecting it with Almeria, Alicante
and Valencia.
Murcia’s airport is at San Javier, 25km
outside the city.
Altorreal Golf Club is 10km outside the city.
7km west of Murcia is the town of Alcantarilla
with a population of 44,000 and 18km to the
east, the town of Beniel lies right on the border
of the province. It is located in an agricultural
area and has a population of 7800. |
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Fortuna
Fortuna is a spa town to the northeast of Murcia
near the border of the province. Famous for
its hot springs which were greatly appreciated
by the Romans, Fortuna is becoming popular once
again as the town becomes an important centre
for hydrotherapy, beauty treatments and other
therapies associated with the natural hot mineral
water. Fortuna is a typical Spanish town, as
yet unexploited, with peaceful streets and a
white church with a curious tower. For country
lovers, to the south of Fortuna, there is a
large lake, enclosed in a nature preservation
area and surrounded by woods, ideal for walking
or fishing.
The village of Abanilla with a population of
7000 is a few kilometres west of Fortuna.
Fortuna has a population of 6200.
It is 45km to the coast from Fortuna.
Murcia is 18km away.
San Javier airport is 38km from Fortuna, Alicante
airport is 60km away.
Altorreal Golf Club is 10km the other side of
Murcia.
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| Towns and villages |
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| Murcia |
| Alcantarilla |
| Beniel |
| Fortuna |
| Abanilla |
| Santomera |
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