Costa Blanca Tourism Guide - Murcia and Cartagena

City of Murcia, Murcia Santa Anna Cathedral & Murcia Tourism

Murcia City, the capital of the Murcia region since the 1300s and first developed by the Moors in the 9th century, contains a host of delights from dramatic architecture to a choice of Museums. The Rio Segura river runs through the city centre, and just north of the river sits Murcia's old town and central cathedral. Dating from the 14th century, Murcia's cathedral has been added to and changed over the centuries. Originally Gothic, in the mid 1700s baroque facades were added. The west front was destroyed in a flood in 1735 hence the rebuilding. Its location is on the site of a mosque, and a more lavish and clear message of religious fervour and conquest you're unlikely to find, although Malaga's cathedral comes close. The interior is equally lavish and retains much of its Gothic origins. The Capilla de los Velez funeral chapel finished in 1507 draws particular attention. Entrance is free and the Cathedral's nearby large Plaza del Cardenal Belluga is lined with cafe bars.

Murcia City Tourist Information Office, Plaza Cardenal Belluga. Edificio Ayuntamiento, 30004 (Murcia) Tel. 968 358 749. (see Murcia City webguide right). Top tip, if you're coming to Murcia city for a day trip by hire car, follow signs for the Cathedral, and head into the extensive underground car park along Glorieta de Espana.

Murcia's list of museums is huge, making it the perfect all year round cultural city break base. (see Murcia Museums weblink right for details). Museum highlights include the Museo de la Ciudad exploring the city's history back 2000 years. See also the Museo de Bellas Artes in Murcia, whose reputation is growing for its collection of mostly Spanish art including the likes of Murillo and Ribera. Also in Murcia is a museum dedicated to homegrown scultptor Francisco Salzillo (1707-1783). The Museo de Santa Clara is a restored Islamic Palace and is home to a stunning collection of Islamic art. For details on all of Murcia City centre's museums checkout the new Murcia Museums webguide right which is available in English.

Other architectural highlights in Murcia city centre include the city's casino dating from 1847. Find it up from the cathedral on Calle de la Traperia. There are numerous other examples of the Baroque dotted about the old town.

Cartagena Tourism, Cartagena Naval Museum, Cartagena Spanish Civil War Museum

The historic port city of Cartagena in the Murcia region on the coast was a strategic stronghold for the Republicans against Franco during the Spanish Civil War. Cartagena's many museums explore this history in-depth, as well as the city's Roman and Carthaginian heritage.

If you're interested in Spanish Civil War history, particularly some of its hidden history of civilian air-raid shelters and air-raid bombings by both Italian and German planes then Cartagena (alongside Barcelona's new Catalan History Museum) is where to head. The Museum of the Civil War (Calle de Gisbert, Caragena) sits within an original air-raid shelter and explores the history of town from 1936-1939. Buildings devastated by aerial bombing during the war included Cartagena's 13th century cathedral.

Under the heading of 'Port of Cultures' (Puerto de Culturas), Cartagena offers an all in tour of several heritage sites including the Punic Wall Experience, Castillo de la Concepcion and the History of Cartagena Experience. (see Cartagena webguide right for details, and discount ticket information). Cartagena has several Roman sites including the Augusteum, the Decumanus and the Casa de la Fortuna. The Municipal Archaeological Museum on Calle Ramon contains extensive collections of Roman, Carthaginian, Muslim and Visigoth artefacts. Visit also Cartagena Navel Museum on Calle Menendez Pelayo, which details this port town's navel and maritime history with numerous old maps and replica boats on display. Move down to the Paseo maritimo and harbour to hop aboard catamaran boat trips of Cartagena's historic harbour.

Cartagena Tourist Information Office, Paseo Alfonso XII, s/n 30201, Cartagena. (see Cartagena Tourist webguide right in English for details).