Cathedrals and churches, old universities and spacious plazas – Murcia is the epitome of a classic Spanish city. It’s also largely unspoiled compared to many of the largest Spanish cities, which can give you the feeling that you’re among the first to discover its many fine aspects. Go to eat or go to indulge your cultural side – you’re sure to want to come back.
Calm of the cathedral
Serene on the inside, the Catedral de Santa Maria has a complicated but beautiful exterior. A mosque once stood here, a hangover from Moorish rule, before this Gothic edifice was erected in the 14th century. There are elements from other eras too, with some baroque elements and even some remains of the 11th century mosque. Opt for a guided tour of the bell tower and visit the attached museum to get some perspective on this Murcian landmark.
Join the club
A former gentleman’s club that first opened its doors in 1847, the Real Casino de Murcia is not your average city centre casino. The architecture combines modernist and classical elements and there’s a lovely Moorish patio reminiscent of both Seville’s Alcazar and Granada’s Alhambra. A ballroom is glamour personified, while the library is the reading room of many a bibliophile’s dreams.
Top of the tapas tree
The vibrant Murcia eating scene supports a huge number of top notch tapas bars and restaurants. Whether you choose to take a tour or put down roots in one spot, you can’t go far wrong. Eat in the fine surrounds of the Real Casino (see above) and you can sample dishes such as hake cheeks in squid ink sauce and superb Murcian specialties.
Make your next stop La Mejillonera, which specialises in mussels or, head to Los Zagales for fried squid and then Casa Perela for exceptional wild mushrooms. Alternatively, devise your own route – there’s a treat waiting for you in each and every place.
The Roman legacy
For a truly rewarding day trip, head to Cartagena. With its famed harbour, in use for millennia, it’s a place that has been shaped by history, invasions and the shifting landscapes of religion. Here you’ll find Catholic and Islamic buildings next to amazing Roman relics such as the theatre. You can explore a Roman town and villa too, while the Palacio Consistorial may be of a much more recent vintage but still draws visitors in beyond its cool marble façade.
Opt for car hire in Murcia and the whole of the city and the coast is at your fingertips, blessed with a winning combination of sun, culture and cuisine.