What to See in the city of Murcia.
I’ve previously written about Murcia, describing it as a pleasant and relaxed city. (My previous post: What’s the city of Murcia like?).
You can see the highlights of Murcia in a day. There isn’t a ton to see. BUT Murcia has: 1) one of the most beautiful squares in Spain, 2) a very impressive Cathedral 3) an unusual gentleman’s club that’s unlike any we’ve seen.
In this post I’ll cover these highlights. I’m also going to give you a few more attractions that might interest you if you’re in Murcia for a bit more than a day.
Cardinal Belluga Square
You read about impressive squares (Plaza Mayor in Madrid and Plaza Mayor in Salamanca come to mind). But rarely have a had my breath actually taken away by the sight of a square. Murcia’s Cardinal Belluga Square did however. It’s a gorgeous square.
It’s a large open space with two gorgeous buildings. The first is the Episcopal Palace (also called Bishops Palace) built in Italian and French Rococo style and painted in arresting colours. Built in the mid-1700’s, it was declared a Property of Cultural Interest in 1992. It is the official headquarter of the Diocese of Cartagena. Note: the exterior of the building is much more extravagant than the interior (which is rather plain).
The 2nd major building on the square is the Murcia Cathedral (full official name in Spanish: Iglesia Catedral de Santa María en Murcia). Completed in 1467, its bell tower is the 2nd tallest in Spain at 95 m, only the bell tower of Seville Cathedral is higher (97.5m). I’ll write more about the Cathedral below.
The whole square is lined with attractive buildings and within the square’s immense space you’ll find restaurants and cafés. A great spot to have a coffee and enjoy the beauty around you.
The square is named after Luis Antonio de Belluga and Moncada, (1662-1743), cardinal of the Catholic Church and viceroy of Murcia and Valencia.
Note: you’ll find the Murcia Tourism information office on the square. Website.
Murcia Cathedral
When the Christians (led by Jaime I de Aragón) conquered Murcia from the Moors in 1266, they destroyed the mosque situated where the Cathedral now stands. Work started on the Cathedral in 1385 and was finally completed in 1467. The outside façade of the Cathedral is in mostly Baroque style while the interior was built in Gothic style.
I mentioned the 2nd highest bell tower in Spain. The exterior is more interesting than many other cathedrals, the walls and doors adorned by detailed reliefs, shields and chains.
Inside are 23 chapels, dedicated to the patron saints of the labour unions and to the burials of the bishops and nobles that helped or collaborated with the construction of the cathedral. All are beautiful but the best famous are The Chapel of the Velez (built in flamboyant Gothic style with an impressive ten-pointed dome) and the Chapel of Junterones (considered one of the great works of the Spanish Renaissance).
The Official website of Murcia Cathedral.
Real Casino de Murcia
I don’t understand the inclusion of the word “Casino” in the name. The building has been a gentleman’s club dating back to 1847 and although now open to the public, there are sections of the Real Casino which are only accessible to members.
The Real Casino de Murcia is exquisite, a gorgeous building of different styles. You’ll enter into the Arab Patio, a mudejar-style hall (where you’ll find the ticket office). Further in is an English Library, a Ballroom, a woman’s dressing room, a “Pompeian” courtyard and a lot more.
It is one of the most visited buildings in Murcia and a “must see” to anyone coming here.
The official website of the Real Casino de Murcia.
The above are what you HAVE to see if visiting the City of Murcia.
What else to see in Murcia?
Glorieta de Espana & the Ayuntamiento de Murcia
A few feet from Cardinal Belluga Square, along the river, is the Ayuntamiento building and the beautiful gardens situated in front of the building.
Palacio Almudí
A little further down the river, near the market (Mercado de Abastos de Verónicas), is this art museum. They have different exhibits at different times and entrance is free. In our case, we saw an exhibit called Distopias by Jose Luis Galindo which we enjoyed. The museum is worth having a look at.
Mercado de Abastos de Verónicas
If you like markets, this market is worth a quick visit. The market is also the site of an old wall dating to the Moors (Muralla de Veronicas)
Walk the Segura River
With gardens on either bank, the Segura river is a nice place to walk. You’ll see the attractive old bridge (the oldest bridge in Murcia) called the Puente de los Peligros. There’s also a modern footbridge where you’ll get good views of the river.
Plaza Flores and Plaza Santa Catalina
Two pretty squares (right next to each other) that are popular with locals coming for a coffee or tapas.
Highlights of the Old Town
While the City of Murcia doesn’t have top-tier attractions in the old town, there are some historic and interesting buildings. Best is to walk up Calle Traperia from the Cathedral…it continues on, becomes the Grand Via, and finishes at the Plaza Circular (where you’ll see the Murcia sign)
Specific sights along the way:
Calles Plateria and Traperia are historic streets. Traperia (on which the Real Casino is located) was where cloth merchants sold their wares while Plateria was the street of silversmiths. Today Plateria is a good street for shopping of all kind.
Casa Cerdá is a gorgeous building built in the 1930s.
Plaza de Julián Romea and the Romea theatre – one of Spain’s most beautiful theatres. Very close by is the Iglesia de Santo Domingo and the Plaza de Santo Domingo.
A bit further away: Castillo de Monteagudo
High on our list of places we wanted to see was Castillo de Monteagudo. It is located about 10 Km from the city center and the best way is to get there by taxi. Unfortunately we were told by the lady at the Tourist office that the castle was closed for some renovations. More on the Castle here.
Have you been to Murcia? Thoughts?
Related: Cartagena: the ugliest city in Spain?
Related: What to Do in the City of Almeria
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