Magnificent, cosmopolitan city of Murcia
Murcia is the name both of the region, and its walled capital (pop. 1.2m), named "Medinat Mursiya" by its Moorish founders in 825 AD

In the old quarter, you will find the Cathedral de Santa Maria which is a vision of architectural excellence with a mix of styles from Gothic to extravagant Baroque. The nearby San Juan de Dios church features the work of Salzillo, Spain's most famous 18th-century sculptor and resident of Murcia.
From here, follow the Calle de la Trapería amid old merchants' houses, perhaps visiting the elegant 19th century casino en route. This first opened as a gentleman’s club in 1847 featuring an impressive decorative façade coupled with an Arab-style interior and magnificent ballroom.
From Plaza de Santo Domingo, the former market square, thread the Old Town’s narrow lanes to feast on lechado (roast suckling pig) or make an evening "tapear" or tapas crawl, sampling local snacks and wine at every stop.
The popular university adds a youthful, lively feel to the centre, which has plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants to sample, while there are numerous high street stores, designer shops and markets to tempt you.
To while away quiet afternoons, there are countless art and history museums which offer a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city's streets.

