Murcia
City guide for Murcia, one of south-eastern Spain's historic cities.
Spanish Cities - Murcia
Murcia Spain: A city of south-eastern Spain, Murcia is situated on the Segura River and has a population of 422,861 (2007), it is in the centre of a low lying fertile plain called the Huerta, well known for its abundant agricultural output. The capital of the province of Murcia, the city has a history going back to the Arab occupation of Spain, when it was founded in 825 AD by Abd ar Rahman III, the Emir of Al-Andalus. The Moors named it Medinat Mursiya and they made the town prosperous by cultivating the surrounding land, after creating some ingenious irrigation ditches, which utilised the waters of the Segura River.
Murcia History: The Christians forces under Jaime I of Aragon reconquered Murcia in the 13th century, after which it changed hands between the Kingdoms of Castille and Aragon, until finally becoming part of Castille in 1304.
Murcia enjoyed a period of great prosperity during the 18th century, thanks mostly to a silk industry boom, proceeds from which funded many building projects, especially churches and palaces, many of which still remain today.
Murcia has always been prone to flooding, due to its proximity to the River Segura, and some of its worst floods occurred in 1651, 1879 and 1907. Murcia also suffered great damage during the great earthquake of 1829 which affected large areas of the provinces of Murcia and Alicante, particularly the Vega Baja region.
Today Murcia has many interesting places to visit including the Gothic cathedral (14th and 15th centuries), the Bishops Palace (18th century), the Plaza de Santo Domingo, the Casino (1847), La Fuensanta Sanctuary and the Los Jeronimos monastery.
Murcia’s economy has always relied mostly on agriculture, particularly citrus fruits (oranges and lemons) and vegetables (lettuce and tomatoes), though tourism and in particular “residencial tourism” is increasing in importance and Murcia is well known for its golf courses and golf urbanizations.
Murcia has good road access and is located on the A-7 motorway and the A-30 between Cartagena and Albacete, its airport is loctated some distance away in San Javier on the coast of the Mar Menor, though there are plans to begin a new airport shortly.
Murcia Links: Murcia Map - Murcia Weather - Murcia Article - Murcia Spain
Places: Sierra de Espuna - 2 - Fortuna - Roda - La Union - Aguilas - Pinoso - Santomera - Torre Pacheco - San Pedro del Pinatar - Banos de Tus
Golf Courses: Roda Golf Resort - Mar Menor Golf Resort
Other Pages: Legal Services in Murcia
Related: Los Alcazares - San Javier - La Manga - Mazarron - Murcia Airport Transfers - Builders
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