Murcia attractions

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Murcia is a not so well-known, but a city with numerous attractions located near Alicante.

The city was founded by the Moors in 831 in the valley of the Segura River, and was later conquered by King Alfonso X of Castile in 1266. The city saw its greatest development between the 16th and 18th centuries. This era left behind numerous Baroque-style churches, which are the work of the region’s most famous artist, Francisco Salzillo.

Murcia has more beautiful museums. Read about the best museums!

Murcia attractions

Plaza del Cardenal Belluga

One of the most impressive squares in Murcia’s historic center. It is named after Cardinal Luis Antonio Belluga y Moncada, who played an important role in the ecclesiastical and cultural development of Murcia.

Its main attraction is the Murcia Cathedral (more on this in the next point). Another iconic building on the square is the Episcopal Palace, built in the 18th century and the center of the local diocese. The palace’s facade is decorated in pink and yellow tones, with a distinctive Baroque style.

The square also houses the City Hall, a Modernist-style building completed in the 1990s to the designs of architect Rafael Moneo.

Murcia Cathedral

Also known as the Cathedral of Santa María, it is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Located in the historic center of the city, on the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga.

Construction began in the 14th century and lasted around 300 years, incorporating various architectural styles – mainly Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Its tower contains 25 bells, some of which are several hundred years old and have unique names.

The cathedral’s 93-meter-high tower is one of the tallest cathedral towers in Spain and can be seen from distant parts of the city. Construction of the tower began in the 16th century and took over a century to complete, with the work of various master builders.

Plaza de las Flores

The Flowers Square is one of Murcia’s most atmospheric squares. It is named after the flower vendors who operate here.

The square is adorned with beautiful fountains and statues. At the center is a famous statue, La Sardina, which is associated with the Fiesta de la Primavera (Spring Festival), an important local tradition.

Jardín de Floridablanca

This 19th century garden is one of Spain’s first public parks, located in the Barrio del Carmen neighborhood.

It is named after José Moñino y Redondo, Count of Floridablanca, an important 18th century Spanish statesman. His large statue stands at the park’s entrance.

The garden is renowned for its special vegetation, including huge century-old fig trees and other exotic plants. Several statues can be found, relating to the city’s history and culture.

Bullring (Plaza de Toros de Murcia)

The bullring, opened in 1885, is one of Murcia’s most important cultural venues, hosting bullfights as well as various other events and performances.

It is built in a distinctive Neo-Mudéjar style, popular in Spanish architecture at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. This style combines Moorish influences with Spanish architectural elements, evident in the brick walls, arches and decorated details. The outer facade is covered in red brick with white decorations.

Its main function was hosting bullfights, which remain popular events, especially during the Fiestas de la Primavera (Spring Festival) and Semana Santa (Holy Week).

The arena also hosts concerts, theater performances, circuses and other large-scale events.

Puente Viejo

The „Old Bridge” is one of Murcia’s oldest and most iconic bridges, crossing the Segura River.

It was built in 1742 to replace the previously used wooden bridges, which were frequently damaged by floods. The bridge’s arched, classic appearance reflects 18th century Spanish architecture. It offers wonderful views of the river and the historic city center.

At the eastern end of the bridge stands the small chapel and statue of Nuestra Señora de los Peligros (Our Lady of Perils). According to tradition, the statue protects the bridge and the city from natural disasters, especially floods.

Teatro Romea

The city’s theater opened in 1862 under the name Teatro de los Infantes. It was later renamed after Julián Romea, a famous actor and poet from Murcia.

Its architectural style is eclectic, dominated by neoclassical and Romantic elements. The façade is richly decorated with statues and reliefs. The auditorium is impressive, seating around 1,200 people, and evokes the style of classic Italian theaters.

Real Casino de Murcia

One of the city’s most beautiful historic buildings, it was a significant cultural and social center in the past.

It is built in a unique eclectic style, blending neoclassical, Modernist, Moorish and Baroque elements. One of its most famous parts is the Patio Árabe (Arab Courtyard), evoking Andalusian Moorish architecture. The courtyard is adorned with beautiful mosaics, finely carved columns and ornate arabesque patterns.

It has several other beautiful interior spaces. The Crystal Courtyard (Patio de Cristal) is a gorgeous covered area topped by a glass dome. The ballroom is one of the most impressive rooms, decorated in Baroque and Rococo styles with chandeliers and gilded details. The neorenaissancestyle library features mahogany shelves, finely carved furniture and thousands of volumes.

University of Murcia Aquarium

The university’s aquarium is a small but exciting program, mainly for children.

It focuses particularly on showcasing the wildlife of the Mediterranean Sea, since Murcia is located near the Mediterranean. Visitors can learn about the fish, corals, mollusks and other marine life characteristic of the Mediterranean region.

A separate section is dedicated to tropical marine life, where colorful coral reefs, exotic fish like clownfish and angelfish can be seen.

All information can be found here.