Murcia City

The city of Murcia is described as one of the most beautiful and historic in the country. The city stands on the banks if the river and enjoys all year round sunshine. It has the highest temperatures in the region. After the Reconquest, the 20 mosques in the city were turned into churches. The Cathedral is the most highly prized building in the city. The first foundation stone was laid in 1388 by Bishop Pedrosa. It took four centuries to complete. There are so many different styles and cultures within, including 23 different chapels.
 
As you wander through the city, there is a monumental building on every corner. Many are in pristine condition and those that aren't are being restored to their former glory. One building worthy of a mention is the casino (pictured below). Here in the 19th century, worthy citizens would sit to be admired like fish in a goldfish bowl. The palatial interior is quite amazing.

Among the other splendid buildings to see is the Bishop's Palace located near the Cathedral. Dated 1748 it has two wonderful facades. The Convent Church of Santa Ana is 18th century and is the third church to be built on this site, the original being1490. Here you can try the freshly baked cakes, made by the nuns and served through a revolving hatch. The Church of San Miguel stands on the site of an earlier church. The 18th century church has wonderful coloured altarpieces. The Almudi dates from 1602 and was formerly the storage place for public corn collected as tithes. It was reconditioned in 1985 and now houses the art centre and city archives.

In all, Murcia has everything to offer the visitor and you can almost certainly guarantee that no matter what time of year you visit, you will be wrapped up in some kind of fiesta or celebration. You will find the people pleasant and friendly towards tourists. 
One must remember that Murcia is a university city and as such has a large number of students in the city. The university building is of huge proportions and demands time to examine closely its exterior (see right) . The area around the university has a wealth of lively bars and restaurants that are truly vibrant with life.
Shopping: The most typical things to buy to eat in Murcia are meat pies (including deer pie) from Bonache (in the pretty Plaza de las Flores - Flowers square). Shops in the Trapería and Platería are also worth a look. The Verónicas market is good for famous Murcian market-garden products, fish and seafood.
Tapas: Murcia offers some of the most interesting tapas in the whole of Spain. There are a large number of bars and taverns with truly great tapas. The most popular are in the area around the Plaza de Flores (Flowers Square) and the University area called Santa Eulalia.
Murcia Cuisine: Rice dishes such as “Arroz Caldero”, fish and seafood from the Mar Menor such as lobster are unique and an absolutely essential gastronomic experience. There are many other Murcian dishes that have become popular throughout Spain. The “Zarangollo”, “Green Beans Omelette”, the “Michirones”, the “Cocido de Pelotas” and the “Arroz con Habichuelas”, potatoes in garlic known as al “Ajo Cabañil”. For desserts try the excellent “Paparajotes” - lemon leaves fried in crispy batter and dusted in sugar and cinnamon.
Communications
Murcia is well connected with the main Spanish and European capitals by way of its airports, railways and motorways:
Airports
San Javier Airport (Murcia), 47 km from Murcia by car.
Tel: 968 17 2000
For further information on flights go to www.aena.es
El Altet Airport (Alicante) , 68 km from Murcia by car.
Tel: 966 91 91 00/ 966 91 94 00

Trains
El Carmen Station (Murcia). Tel: 968 25 25 72
www.renfe.es

Buses
San Andrés Station (Murcia). Tel: 968 29 22 11
www.estaciondeautobusesdemurcia.com
Motorways and toll roads
National:
Autopista del Mediterráneo A-7: France, Barcelona/Valencia/Alicante/ Murcia
Autovía A-30: Madrid/Albacete/Murcia/Cartagena
Autovía con Andalucía E-15
Regional:
Autovía del Noroeste: MU-415 Murcia / Mula/Caravaca
Autovía del Mar Menor: MU-3319


City transport
City Buses :
Latbus Teléfono: 968 250088
www.latbus.com

Radio Taxis:
Teléfonos: 968 297700 y 968 248800
www.radiotaximurcia.com

Eurotaxi (suitable for the disabled):
Teléfonos: 968 297700 y 968 906935