Culture of Murcia. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

A scenic and small scale historical part of the Murcia city hosts numerous unique landmarks and sights. Original historical and architectural landmarks and monuments are scattered over the area at every turn. That is the reason of on foot cruising of the area. The best starting point of any city exploration tour is the Glorieta de Espana square. The square is an established place of holding of all the fests and public events of the city. The nearest neighborhood of the square locates two significant architectural landmarks which are the Bishop’s Palace and the Murcia Municipality building.

The buildings were erected in the first part of the 19th century and are the real witnesses of the most significant historical events. The Bishop’s Palace is the most beautiful building of the city executed in the baroque style. The scenic Calle San Patricio street starts right near the square. The street concentrates the most beautiful buildings in the Art Nouveau style. The most impressive among them is the Guillamon Palace which was built during 20s of the past century. Walking along the street one can reach another square of majestic beauty which is the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga.

The most famous landmark of Murcia is set in close vicinity to this square. The Cathedral Church of Saint Mary was established at the end of the 14 century. A beautiful building in Gothic style was built on the ruins of an ancient mosque. In the middle of the 18th century the cathedral was much damaged by a flood. Under the supervision of renowned architect Jaime Bort the religious building was totally renovated and restored. An impressive building with a frontage of ultimate beauty is the oldest construction of the city. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

A considerable part of the Cathedral is taken by a museum at present. The museum keeps a collection of religious artifacts and ancient paintings of religious scenes. The same attractive and favorable for hiking is the Traperia street which hosts an ancient casino. More than a hundred years ago this was an established meeting place of local aristocracy representatives. At present the Casino is more a historical landmark than an entertaining and gambling center.

A building of 1901 which seems at first sight to be rather unremarkable features exquisite interior design. The building has preserved the atmosphere of the beginning of the 20th century. Its decoration is executed in keeping to the traditions of conservative English style. Among other spot of tourist attraction in Murcia there are the Santa Domingo Church of the 18th century, the Almodovar’s Palace and the Ramon Gaya Museum with an exposition devoted to the artworks and life of renowned artist.