Lorca (Spanish:[ˈloɾka]ⓘ) is a municipality and city in the autonomous community of theRegion of Murcia in south-eastern Spain, 58 kilometres (36 mi) southwest of the city ofMurcia. The municipality had a population of 95,515 in 2020, up from the 2001 census total of 77,477. Lorca has the second largest surface area of municipalities in Spain, 1,675.21 km2 (646.80 sq mi),[2] afterCáceres. The city is home toLorca Castle and to aCollegiate church dedicated toSt. Patrick.
In the Middle Ages Lorca was a frontier city between Christian and Muslim Spain.[3] Earlier, during the Roman period, it was the ancient Ilura or Heliocroca.[4]
The city was seriously damaged by a magnitude 5.1earthquake on 11 May 2011, killing at least nine people. Due to a shallowhypocenter, the earthquake was much more destructive than usual for earthquakes with similar magnitude.
Archaeological excavations in the Lorca area have revealed that it has been inhabited continuously since Neolithic times, 5,500 years ago. The earliest permanent settlement is in theGuadalentín River valley, likely because of the presence of water sources, mineral resources, and the strategic positiom along a natural communication route with Andalusia. On the hillside below the castle and the town archaeological digs have revealed the remains of an important population of theEl Argar culture during theBronze Age.[5]
During the Roman period, a settlement here was calledEliocroca,[6] detailed in theAntonine Itinerary and located right onVia Augusta. Elicroca was important enough to become a bishopric,suffragan of the primatial MetropolitanArchbishopric of Toledo, but this status would be lost under Islam.
In 713, the Teodomiro Pact was signed,[7] referring to the city and its domains with the name "Lurqa". Under this pact, the population was integrated into an autonomous Christian state, along with six other cities, governed byTheudimer (Teodomiro). These political arrangements lasted until his death. Then a Muslim reorganization of the state took place, carried out by Abb-al-Rahman II, who turned the territory into aCórdoba dependency. This led to the formation of the Taifa kingdoms,[8] with theTaifa of Lorca as one of these kingdoms, first created in 1042,[9] when Lorca declared its independence from theemirate of Valencia. Its first governor wasMa'n Ibn Sumadih, its power extending from the city toJaén andBaza. During the Arab period it was known asLurka and the old part of the town, made up of narrow streets and alley-ways, achieved its present shape under Moorish rule. The eminent scholar of the Almoravid-era,Ibn Atiyyah Andalusi of Granada passed away in the town in the year 542A.H corresponding to around the year 1147.
Saint Anthony's Porch
The taifa was shortly recreated in 1228, after the fall of theAlmoravids, until it conquered by theTaifa of Murcia; in 1244,Fernando III, King ofCastilla y León and his son and heir, Prince Alfonso, the futureAlfonso X of Castile, conquered Lorca.[10] The main tower of the fortress of Lorca was namedTorre Alfonsina in honour of the King. The city continued to grow, as in Arab times, and became the main town in an emerging rich agricultural region, although the border hindered economic development.
Lorca, known as the city of 100Coat of Arms, is where theMoors and theVisigoths battled for control of the land; initially they both controlled the land up to the border on the north including the city of Larcia while in later years, theChristians and theMoors controlled the city and the land up to the southern border.[11]
During the late Middle Ages, Lorca was a dangerous border town, spearhead of the Christian kingdom of Murcia (belonging to the Castilian crown) against the MoorishEmirate of Granada. Lorca served as a base for launching raids into enemy territory. TheBattle of Los Alporchones, took place here in 1452, during the reign ofJuan II of Castile, who ten years earlier had granted the Lorca the title of "ciudad." The Kingdom of Murcia took Granada in 1492.[12]
After the threat of war with Granada disappeared, the city changed in appearance, carrying out a series of urban reforms and developing trade. The numerous public works to be carried out attracted labourers from elsewhere, resulting in an increase in the population to 8,000 people. Among the new buildings include theColegiata de San Patricio, erected in 1553,[13] which is the religious centre of the city, as well as numerous convents, such as La Merced, Santo Domingo and San Francisco.
Castle of Lorca
In the seventeenth century, Lorca took shape as a modern city, but still had defensive duties due to the Ottoman threat along the coast.This century witnessed the expulsion of the Moors, the plague, which killed half the population, and droughts and locust plagues. Nevertheless, from 1660 a spectacular recovery and development began; amongst the construction of new buildings was thePalacio de Guevara, built in 1694 and a fine example ofbaroque architecture.[14] The eighteenth century is of vital importance for the city, being one of the regions favoured by the Bourbon reforms. Lorca truly became a modern city, losing its medieval character. The population grew, and urban sprawl began as immigrants settled in the suburbs of San Cristóbal and San José. The defensive wall disappeared, which is indicative of the greater security of the times. The city became a haven for painters, sculptors and engravers.
On 30 April 1802, a great calamity struck the town of Lorca. The walls of a nearby reservoir gave way, flooding the town and destroying many buildings and killing up to 700 people.[6][15] In the nineteenth century, the War of Independence andyellow fever epidemics and recurring droughts brought famine to the region and brought about the emigration of more than twelve thousand people. By 1845 Lorca had become the largest and most populous municipality in Murcia.[6] Trade declined during the first half of the century, although in 1865 it received its first steam engine, the Sewer-Lorca railway opened in 1885 and the Baza-Lorca railway opened in 1890,[16] bringing integration of the region in the domestic market, enabling the movement of mineral deposits and people. Restoration in the late 19th century brought with it a period of prosperity and political calm, the roundabouts of San Vicente, theTeatro y Colón, theCasino Artístico y Literario in 1885, theTeatro Guerra in 1861, and thePlaza de Toros in 1892, etc. were amongst the notable building developments of this time. The 1878 edition ofThe Globe Encyclopaedia of Universal Information described Lorca (spelled as 'Liorca') thus:
a town of Spain, province of Murcia, on the Sangonera, 80 kilometres (50 mi) W. of Carthagena. It has an old Moorish castle, and manufactures of silks, soap, dye-stuffs, leather, paper, etc... Near Liorca are important lead mines. Pop. 40,000.[17]
Calle de la Corredera
In the early twentieth century, intensive exploitation of mineral deposits of the coastal zone meant a revival of economic life in the region. TheSpanish Civil War paradoxically brought about the beginning of population recovery, but in the post-World War II years the population stagnated as a result of emigration. But today the flow has been reversed: the leather, pottery, cement and butcheries make the municipality an agricultural and livestock industrial tone, involving a large percentage of the population. The twentieth century in Lorca has been a technological take-off, with slow and gradual change of social structures, the specialization of the productive sectors, etc.
On October 19, 1973, Lorca andPuerto Lumbreras suffered a terrible flood that took more than 50 lives.[15]
Excavation of the Lorca synagogue found in 2002.
In 2002, during archeological excavations of theLorca Castle, the oldJudería, or Jewish quarter, was uncovered, including the Synagogue of Lorca, which was one of the fewsynagogues in Spain that was not converted into a church after theexpulsion of the Jews. Items found during the excavation can be viewed at the Lorca Archeological Museum, includingmenorahs and otherjudaica.[18][19]
On January 29, 2005, an earthquake of 4.6 magnitude on the Richter scale with epicentre in the districts ofLa Paca (1,068 inhabitants in 2005) andZarcilla de Ramos (1,077 inhabitants in 2005), caused damage especially in the structure of various buildings, and inAvilés,Coy,Doña Inés,Don Gonzalo,El Pardo,La Canaleja andZarzadilla de Totana. This was however to be topped by worse.
In 2008, Lorca received the annual Honorary Diploma of Europe Awards from theCouncil of Europe.
The town was seriously damaged by a magnitude 5.3earthquake on 11 May 2011, killing at least nine people.[20]TheUnited States Geological Survey (USGS) said the larger earthquake had a preliminary 5.3 magnitude, it was so superficial that the magnitude was like a 7 magnitude normal earthquake, and struck 350 kilometres (220 mi) south-southeast of Madrid at 6:47 p.m. (1647 GMT, 12:47 p.m. EDT).[This quote needs a citation] The quake was about 1 km (0.6 mi) deep, and was preceded by the smaller one with a 4.5 magnitude in the same spot.[citation needed]
Lorca Castle, a fortress of medieval origin constructed between the 9th and 15th centuries suffered serious damages to its walls and the Espolón Tower during this earthquake.[21]
Relief map. TheGuadalentín River valley can be seen between the mountainous area of the northwest and northeast and the higher land between the valley and the coastline
The town is situated at an elevation of 370 metres (1,200 ft) in eastern Spain betweenGranada and Murcia. It was part of the hura[4] ofTidmir in the Muslim period when it became well known for its fertile soil and subsoil, and for its strategic location. It is situated on the southern slopes of theSiera del Cano mountains. TheGuadalentín River flows through the town.[4]
The municipality is very large at 1,676 km2 (647 sq mi) and has a range of geographical features, extending from the coastline to the mountainous areas of the northwest and northeast of the municipality. Lorca formed around theGuadalentín River (in Arabic "mud river") in an arid valley. In fact, agriculture heavily depends on water transferred from theTagus river in Central Spain. Irrigation channels were laid out all over the country by theMoors during theMiddle Ages. These agricultural plains lie to the south of the main town in the valley, a strip which expands into the western part of the municipality. The area to the north is mountainous; to the northeast is theParque Natural Sierra Espuna.
The municipality of Lorca extends to the Mediterranean. There are many beaches in its 8 km (5 mi) litoral stretch of the coast line surrounded by hills with coves with sparse to dense vegetation.[23][24] Some of the popular beaches are: The Calnegre, a sand beach, 1200 m long and 20 m wide, is peaceful with the calm sea;[23][24] Cala Leña, part of the Blana Cove with backdrop of hills covered with good vegetation and facing crystal clear sea water;[24] El Ciscar, a gravel beach surrounded by low hills;[24] El Muerto beach with volcanic black sand and rock faces;[24] La Galera gravel beach in the backdrop of a cove and rock cliffs covered by vegetation;[24] Los Hierros, a gravel beach;[24] Larga beach, a 500 m wide gravel beach; and La Junquera, a small gravely beach with rocky landforms.[23][24] Calnegre beach is one of the best beaches in Spain
Lorca has acold desert climate (Köppen climate classification:BWk) closely bordering on ahot desert climate (Köppen:BWh),[25] with mild winters and hot summers, while precipitation is scarce throughout the year. It is one of the driest cities inSpain andEurope, as well as one of very few areas with a desert climate.[26] During the winter, temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F) occasionally occur, while on summer temperatures above 35 °C (95 °F) are common, with peaks above 40 °C (104 °F).
Climate data for Lorca (1991-2020), extremes (1955-present)
The Lorca Castle, which overlooks the city of Lorca from a strategic location, and is thus distinctly visible from a distance, was built by the Moorish inhabitants during the 13th century. Its history dates back to the Islamic period when it was built between 8th and 12th centuries; some remnants of which are still seen in the form of water systems in the older part of the castle.[28] The Alfonsí Tower is of a rectangular shape which is built in the castle. The castle has a polygonal floor plan. The tower has three sections. Gothic vaulted ceilings are seen in its three sections.[29] It also has the Espolón Tower. During the final stages of Christian reconquest, the Moors had taken refuge in the castle. Alphonse tower was added to the fort defences when Alfonso X had retaken the city in 1243 provided security to the turrets and crenels of the fort.[11] The castle is now a popular place for holding fiestas and civic functions.[28] The castle is also transformed into a theme park with fine display of "dioramas, actors in costumes and various gadgetry."[30]
The Plaza de España (Spanish Square) is one of the most emblematic monuments of the city, located in the heart of Lorca's historical centre. Containing the Collegiate San Patricio and the Chambers of the Collegiate members, the Casa del Corregidor and Posito, the granary of the 16th century, amongst others[30] They were built between the 16th and 18th centuries. The Plaza has been declared a Cultural Monument.
The Collegiate Church of San Patricio is a Renaissance-style building situated on the Plaza de España. It was declared a National Historic-Artistic site by decree of January 27, 1941. The Collegiate is the only one in Spain which is under the patronage ofSt. Patrick. The dedication to the Irish saint, has its origins in theBattle of Los Alporchones, fought on March 17, 1452 (St. Patrick's Day) against people of the city of Granada.The church began construction in 1533 underPope Clement VII on the spot of the old church of San Jorge. Construction, however, was delayed until 1704.[11] The church features a baroque façade with Renaissance interiors.[30]
The city has many museums of which the Museo de Arqueologico Municipal maintained by the Plaza de Juan Moreno is popular. There is also an embroidery museum. The city hall has many paintings of battles that were fought in and around Lorca. Paintings of local artists are also on display here.[28]
TheArchaeological Museum of Lorca is located in the renovated "House of Salazar" which had been built in the early seventeenth century. The museum is a store house of all the archaeological antiquaries found during excavations in several historical areas of Lorca and from other regions in Spain. Limestone statues made in the Lavant area of Lorca decorate the façade. These statues carved are of Mary Natareloo Salazar flanked by figures of two naked female torsos.[30][31] Inside the museum exhibits are in several sections arranged in a sequence. In the lobby and the first section of the museum the exhibits are: Prehistoric Palaeolithic (95000-32000 BC) and chalcolithic period (32,000 to 9000 BC) finds seen in the flint section consist of antiquaries of scrapers, knives and points used by the hunters and gatherers who lived in Black Hill of Jofré and the Correia in Lorca; utensils arrowheads, axes, polished piece, handmade pottery, beads of people who lived in the region of Lorca during the late Neolithic period (3500 BC); the Copper Age (3000 BC) findings of funerary objects found in the caves of the hills in Lorca; stone architecture of themegaliths of the Black Hill in Lorca; the later part of the third millennium idols made from clay, bone and stone from the excavations from the Glorieta de San Vicente (Lorca city), one particular item of display is the triangular plate of stone painted in black with schematic rock art painting and other animal on the shoulder blade; the two columns of Emperor Augustus (8–7 BC) and Emperor Diocletian; and the Roman period mosaics, faces of Venus and the nine females of the period.[30][31][32]
16th century granaryIglesia de San FranciscoSan Julián
Lorca is studded with ancient monuments built in baroque architecture, Roman villas, palaces, unique works of art.[33]In the central part of the town, La Casa de Guevara is one of the ancient baroque buildings built between 16th and 18th centuries by the Guevara family. Another historical monument is the Iglesia de San Mateo, which has an impressive vaulted interior.[28]
A Roman Milepost of 10 BC ofEmperor Augustus period over which a statue of San Vincente erected in the 15th century is an important landmark on the Columnia Milenaria."[28] It is located on the located on the Calle de la Corredera
Lorca City Hall, built in the 17th–18th centuries, initially as a prison[28]
Medieval walls and gate or porch ofSan Antonio (13th-early 14th centuries) of Arabic origin was the main entrance gate then.[33]
Monumental complex ofSanto Domingo (16th–18th centuries), formed by the namesake church, theCapilla del Rosario and remains of a convent's cloister.
Iglesia de San Francisco (Lorca) (1561–1735), also known as the temple of San Francisco, is a national monument. It was first built by theFranciscan Order in the middle of the 16th century which was later totally rebuilt in the 17th century. It has many baroque altar pieces made by Ginés López in 1694. In the 18th century, Jerónimo Caballero added two high altarpieces of thetransept that are dedicated to theSaint Antonio and toVera Cruz and to theBlood of Christ. In 1941, the 'Virgin de los Dolores' altarpiece made by José Capuz was added.[34]
Palace of the counts of San Julián, in Baroque-Neomudéjar style (17th century)
Huerto Ruano Palace, an urban villa from the 19th century
After most of the land and water supplies had been held for centuries by a minority of landowners and by Roman Catholicreligious orders, Lorca began a period of sluggish economic growth during the 1960s.
Still today, its economy is largely based on agriculture and stock breeding (pigs and brown cows), although its service industries make it the commercial capital of the surrounding area. The economy of the town is thus dependent largely on export of pork products and textiles.[30] It also has saltpetre, gunpowder, and lead-smelting works. In recent years, Lorca has experienced a population growth because of peasant immigration, mostly coming fromEcuador andMorocco.
Lorca has launched a programme to boost its economy by attracting local, national and international industrial houses to set up base in the city and its precincts by identifying land for allotment to set up industrial parks, Research and Development (R&D) projects. Some of the important recent actions taken by theLorca City Hall relate to allotment of 52 hectares (130 acres) of land for development through 60 local entrepreneurial projects, 77 hectares (190 acres) to promote investments that would create employment and maximize the Lorca economy, 130 hectares (320 acres) allotted toTurkish investors to develop corporate projects, approval of land programmes for development of Serrata Industrial Park by the Lorca Land and Housing firm (SUVILOR) to develop five parks, setup Health Sciences University Campus for the 2010–2011 under agreements withIsraeli firms. Further advantages cited for firms to set up their establishments in Lorca are the approved plans for the allotment of land of 100,000 m2 (1,100,000 sq ft) inHoya 800,000 m2 (8,600,000 sq ft) inPurias and the identification of land for Zarcilla de Ramos, Zarzadilla de Totana, La Paca and Almendricos for development of industries.[38]
TheRegion of Murcia, the City Council of Lorca, the Chamber of Commerce of Lorca and the Confederation of Entrepreneurs of the Region of Lorca (Ceclor), as a consortium, have formed the LORCATUR to develop cultural tourism of Lorca. The emphasis is on promoting urban tourist circuits and thematic itineraries. To this end, plans have been taken up to conserve, preserve and restore the built heritage of the city, regenerate urban areas for residents and tourists, and diversify the historical and cultural heritage.[39]
Cultural activity in Lorca is the Easter celebration, the Holy Week celebration popularly known as theSemana Santa. Semana Santa festival has been popularised since 1855. It is said to be the best festival held anywhere in Spain where two brotherhoods vie with each other to display two colours namely the Azul (blue) and Blanco (white) for the highly competitive festive display of cloaks. Each of the brotherhood in Lorca, on this occasion, carries an image ofVirgin Mary – one draped in a blue cloak and another in white cloak with a banner and a museum. Music played on this occasion is of a different rhythm is reverential and vigorously mixing the story ofOld Testament and theNew Testament. Apart from this annual festival, there are four small museums where exhibits of Semana Santa costumes are on display. These costumes are finely embroidered on silk and depict historical and religious scenes; some of these cloaks are as long as 5 metres (16 ft).[30] Fiesta celebration for La Virgen de Las Huertas is held on 8 September every year.[28]
The public health system that exists in Lorca is managed by theServicio Murciano de Salud (SMS). In February 2010, Rafael Méndez Hospital was accredited University General Hospital.[41]
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