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Travelling Around Murcia Spain

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The Autonomous Province of Murcia in Spain is easily found onthe map because it touches borderlines with Alicante on theCosta Blanca passing through Torrevieja and you will know thatyou are in the region of Murcia because you will be surprised bythe beautiful scenery of the salt swamps at San Pedro delPinatar. Its capital city has the same name as the province andwithin its boundaries, it has a sea or lagoon called the MarMenor ( or small sea) separated from the Mediterranean by the socalled Manga, a sandy stretch of land which looks like a sleeve( literal translation of the Spanish word manga). It then curvesaround a peak and the all so important city of Cartagena comesinto view and lastly, when you are almost leaving this provinceyou have a fantastic beach resort area and city called Aguilas.This Spanish region has got very hot summers, many a dayreaching temperatures as high as 40 degrees and the winters aremild and short. It is usually described as having a very aridlandscape on the inlands but has managed to be known to havefertile land for growing vegetables and legumes. There is evidence that Mursiya, as it was called when it was anIslamic city, dates back to 831 AD when it was founded byAbderraman II. It had suffered and had lost a lot of prestige,but made a come back with the arab domain, becoming the capitalin the basin of the Segura River. Let's get to Murcia and thenwe'll see Either a quick flight into the airport of San Javierwhich is about a 30 minutes drive from the city of Murcia rightnear the Manga in the Mar menor or flying into the Alicanteairport of the Altet, about a 40 minutes drive to the city, yourhotel will be awaiting you. As every visit requires, we willsoak up some architecture and culture before delving into themodern day happening, nightlife and good food. The Cathedral, dating back between the 14th and the 18th centuryis a potpourri of more than five centuries of different stylesof architecture; the Baroque carved art on the front door ofPardon, the Gothic Chapel of Velez, The Renaissance Chapelcalled Junteron and the emblematic Tower measuring 96 metrestall with 25 bells. The Sanctuary of Fuensanta ( the good saint ) from the 18thcentury found on the outskirts, is the


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patron saint of Murcia.The slender figure of this saint is carried around in aprocession from the sanctuary to the cathedral among a verydevote crowd at Easter and during the Murcia festival in summer. The Museum of Science and Water is an interactive one installedtogether with the Segura River and has been developed around theidea of water, an important and vital element in our everydaylives. There is a kids' planetarium, the Science Square whereexperiments are demonstrated, modules of perception, temporaryexhibitions and thematic shows. Party time and good food inMurcia There are two great festivities which have been declaredof national touristic interest so that your visit to Murciacould be greatly highlighted, During Easter week with theprocessions and Easter Sunday, and the Spring festivals. In thesummer there are all kinds of music festivals and this year2005, the XI edition of the Sea of Music festival will be heldfrom July 1st to the 23rd in Cartagena. There are two special countries which will be present, Turkey onJuly 15th with Mercan Dede and othrs and Brazil with specialartists like Chico Cesar and Ray Lema on the 16th. But if youmiss it this year, you know that it is held every year! The Murcia region has one of the best irrigated lands forcultivating vegetables and legumes. This can be tasted if tryingkale slowly fried in olive oil, rice with kidney beans, spinachand chick pea stew and the most popular of all - meat pie.Having the sea nearby, they also make good use of the angler orsea bass as well as exquisite prawns and crawfish. To accompanysuch fine cuisine, some wine from either Jumilla, a red winefrom Bullas or a rose from Yecla. And to finish off, sweets madefrom fruit. But do not be lazy and take a drive in your car rental and headfor the beaches in the Manga, where incredible luxury hotels andgolfing resorts are at your full availablitity. Or further upthe coast, enjoying the Costa Blanca of Alicante and maybe aquick spin to Calpe, you can make your holiday stay to Murciacomplete. About the author: Erica Bosworth is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.alicante-spain.com . She is mostly focusing on the area aroundMurcia and the Costa Blanca region.

Written by: Erica Bosworth

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