Capital of the Murcia region, it is located in the southeast of Spain, near La Manga. Its main monuments are the Cathedral and the Casino. The Spring and Easter parties are very well known and highly recommended.
Known as the Garden of Europe due to the immense valleys of orchards and vegetable gardens that surround the town, Murcia is a picturesque place. Located in the south between Andalusia and the Comunidad Valenciana, with Roman and Muslim origins like many other Spanish cities, it is the perfect place to discover a different and perhaps more authentic Spain.
Where to park in Murcia?
Choosing to reach the city by car is certainly the most comfortable choice you can make, so that you can enjoy the journey at your own pace. The city of Murcia offers several public street parking spaces, a system called ORA that offers the possibility of parking for up to a maximum of 2½ hours, below we list the rates specifically:
½ hour or part thereof: 0.15 €. 1 hour or part thereof: €0.50 1 ½ hour or part thereof: € 1,15 2 hours or part thereof: €1.75 2 ½ hours (maximum daily parking time per zone): 3 €.
How To Park In The Center Of Murcia
Although it may seem very advantageous to park in these areas, please note that there are not many free parking spaces and, in addition, once the maximum parking hours have passed, you will be forced to remove your vehicle in order to avoid fines, not to mention the fact that your vehicle will remain unattended. To overcome all these problems, you can now use the Parkimeter app, which allows you to search, compare and choose the most suitable and economical parking space for your needs. What's more, you'll be able to forget about your car until you arrive at the car park, as all of our affiliated car parks are secure and have video surveillance.
What to do in Murcia
There is a lot to see in a city like Murcia. The first stop on this short but comprehensive itinerary is the city's symbol, the Cathedral of Santa Maria. Located in the heart of the old town, built on the site of a former mosque, work began in 1394 and was finally completed in 1465. The cathedral is perhaps the city's most eye-catching monument, thanks also to the different styles that make it up. While the exterior is pure Spanish Baroque, the interior is Gothic and the dome is Neoclassical. The highlight of this cathedral is the 95 metre high bell tower, second only to that of Seville Cathedral. It contains 25 bells, each with its own name. Reaching this monument by car is very easy thanks to Parkimeter. In fact, I could easily park at the APK2 Universidad de Murcia car park, which is just a 7-minute walk from the cathedral.
A must-see experience in the city is to cross the Puente de los Peligros or Puente Viejo. It owes its name to the fact that it is the oldest bridge in the city, built between 1718 and 1742. The name was chosen to emphasise the difference between it and the Ponte Nuevo, a modern iron bridge built in 1901. Easily accessible from Murcia Cathedral in just 5 minutes.
In the same square where the Cathedral is located, there is another important and beautiful place of interest in the city, the Episcopal Palace of Murcia. It was built at the request of Bishop Mateo in the 18th century, as he wanted a residence from which he could admire the cathedral. The style of this work is composed of a rococo façade in red brick and architecture that recalls the Renaissance and Roman Baroque.
Behind the Episcopal Palace is perhaps the liveliest place in the city, the Glorieta de España. A square a few steps away from the old bridge, it is a favourite spot for tourists but especially for locals. The area is completely pedestrianised and is full of vegetation, as well as fountains and benches on which to rest and admire the charm of the area. In this square, as well as the Episcopal Palace, there is yet another important building in the city, the Ayuntamento.
Next is one of the places that was declared a Historical Monument in 1983 due to its charm, elegance and unusual beauty. We are talking about the Royal Casino of Murcia. Built in 1847, it was originally conceived to entertain the city's wealthy class, a function that is still active today, as it is home to a private club that implements a strict selection of members. The casino is also open to the public, in fact by purchasing a ticket you can access some rooms. The rooms to visit are: The Pompeian patio, the Ballroom and the English Library.
A last place that we invite you to visit is the Monastery of Santa Clara la Real, perhaps the place that most allows you to immerse yourself in the history of the city, its origins and dominations. This complex, now belonging to the order of the Poor Clares, was originally built in the 14th century on the remains of an old Muslim Alcazar dating from the previous century. It will impress you with its charm due to the combination of different styles, such as Gothic, Islamic and Baroque. The most emblematic place in the complex is undoubtedly the Gothic cloister, where you can admire a large pool, typical of Arab royal residences, surrounded by decorated white arches. When you book at the APK2 Plaza de Santoña car park, you will be able to easily reach the complex and stroll through the beautiful Constitution Gardens, saving time that you would otherwise spend looking for a parking space, and all at the best price, because parkimeter offers the possibility of comparing prices. What's more, all our car parks are supervised.
What to eat?
As mentioned in the introduction, Murcia is also known as the vegetable garden of Europe, due to the large number of immense orchards throughout the region, made fertile by the passage of the river Segura. The gastronomic tradition is very rich, including fruit, vegetables and greens, but not only, in fact also a lot of fish, seafood from the Mar Minor. The specialities you must try in Murcia are: zarangollo, a dish of courgettes whipped with onions and eggs; arroz al caldero, rice casserole cooked with tomatoes, garlic and different types of fish; Murcian salad with tomatoes, bacon, eggs, tuna, olives, cod; michirones, a soup made with boiled dried broad beans, Iberian jamon and various spices. In short, you won't go hungry.
Murcia is a city rich in history, waiting for you to discover all its facets. What are you waiting for to immerse yourself in the centuries-old history of a city that has seen every domination and has managed to integrate every culture perfectly, managing to create an identity that you absolutely must know.