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Murcia - General Information

The City

Murcia lies nestled between mountains, just over 20 miles from the Mediterranean coast. Often referred to as the ‘market garden’ of Spain, it provides the perfect growing environment for fruits and vegetables for the domestic and European markets. Add to that 300+ days of sunshine each year and a well preserved old town and it is hardly surprising that Murcia is one of the up and coming Spanish tourist destinations.

Murcia Panorama

Murcia History

Like many other cities in Southern Spain, Murcia’s early history was dominated by Arab conquest and colonisation. The complex networks of irrigation channels, which still protect the city from flooding, were first designed and implemented by Arab traders in the area. The Arab settlers also bequeathed Murcia a legacy of silk design and manufacture. During the 18th-century, Murcia amassed considerable wealth from its silk industry and many of the impressive civic buildings were built during this period.

Murcia Today

Today, Murcia thrives on its booming agricultural industry and supplies many of Europe’s supermarkets with fruit and vegetables, especially lemons and oranges. The city is also an increasingly popular conference and trade fair location.

Murcia Catedral

Murcia’s main Cathedral dates from the late 14th Century with its tower being added in 1792, during the silk boom. The building is a mixture of the major architectural styles of the last 500 years including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo. The main façade is considered to be one of the best examples of the Spanish Baroque style.

Murcia Catedral

Other city sights include the Ayuntamiento (Murcia’s City Hall, located on the banks of the Segura River) and the Glorieta, an attractive landscaped square built in the 18th-century to complement it.