Murcia City is the capital of the region of Murcia. It is served by two, soon to be three airports; Alicante airport (about 40 minutes to the north), San Javier airport, also called Murcia airport (about 25 minutes to the east), and Corvera when it opens, as work started in 2008 (about 10 to 15 minutes west). 

History
Founded in the 9th century by the Moors, the city of Murcia soon became an important trading centre, based on the abundant market gardens (huerta) in the region. By the 1300’s Murcia was the regions capital, its wealth growing to fund in the 18th century most of the city’s greatest buildings. Today Murcia is an agricultural and commercial regional centre, a delightful truly ‘Spanish’ city.

Murcia City
The city of Murcia has a population of 450,000 and straddles the Segura river. Murcia is full of historic sights, most notably churches. It is worth the battle around the ring road to get to the historic city centre which is a largely pedestrianised maze of narrow streets, fine squares and elegant buildings. The main centre to aim for is the medieval Traperia and Plateria, which are now upmarket shopping streets.

Places to visit
1. The Santa Maria Cathedral
The Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece, considered by many to be one of the entire province’s ‘Must See’ attractions. It is on the list of the 10 ‘Must-See’ places in many guide books.

The façade of this Gothic Cathedral is one of the finest in Spain. Even though Murcia is crammed with examples of exuberant baroque architecture, the Cathedral stands out with its ebullient and lavish decoration, capturing a spirit of religious fervour. 

The origins of the Cathedral go back to the 14th century. The south side retains its Gothic façade, but the main west front was rebuilt after a flood in 1735. Designed by Jaime Bort it has a feast of curves and embellishments, soaring Corinthian columns and statues of Saints, their robes tossed by the wind. 

The interior retains signs of its Gothic origin is an extravagant example of florid plateresque. The high point is the Capilla de los Velez, completed in 1507 and designed as a private funeral chapel for a local family. Its rich screen and vaulting are considered to be some of the finest examples of Hispano-Gothic architecture. Other highlights include an urn containing the heart of the 13th century Alfonso the Wise and a 600kg gold and silver processional monstrance. The choir contains a Christ by Francisco Salzillo, a famous 18th century resident whose works are in the Museo Salzillo in Murcia. A stairway leads up to the 98m tall 18th century tower with great views over the city.

2. The Casino in Murcia City 
The Casino, built between 1847 and 1901, was once the towns main social meeting venue, offering its members a library, billiard room, ballroom and various meeting rooms. It has a mixture of Moorish features, made of marble and ironwork, French-inspired grandeur, painted ceilings, dazzling chandeliers, and English craftsmanship. A highlight is the ladies powder room, a neo-baroque fantasy of painted ceilings and huge gilt mirrors. It is still in use today.  

3. Churches
If you are interested in churches there are many in Murcia, and if the baroque style is of particular interest there are many staggering examples of this exuberant style. Among the best are the La Merced Church, the San Miguel Church, the Santa Ana Church and the Santa Clara Church, mostly grouped together on the edge of the old town. 

4. Museums
Apart from the museum in the Santa Maria Cathedral others of note are the Museo Salzillo and the Museo San Juan de Dios. 

The Salzillo Museum is one of Murcia’s most important museums. Displayed is a large collection of work by the 18th century wood sculptor Francisco Salzillo, who specialised in scenes from the life of Christ. Many of these are still in use and are carried through the streets during the Holy Week fiestas.

The San Juan de Dios museum is both a church (offering Catholic Mass) and, outside of Mass times throughout the rest of the week, a museum of ecclesiastic works.

5. Shopping
The largest department store chain in Spain, El Corte Ingles, has a store in Murcia city and the streets are lined with every sort of shop that one could reasonably wish for.

6. Eating Out
The city buzzes with things to do and places to see, but one must not forget the numerous café, bars and restaurants that are too numerous to list here.

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