Murcia, City of Many Faces
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Port
Alicante, Spain
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$69
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4¼ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Journey approximately one hour to Murcia — provincial capital and founded by the emir of Cordoba in AD 825. Murcia is home to the revered Sanctuary of the Virgin of Fuensanta. Revel in wonderful views of the city from this pilgrimage site where an order of nuns still resides.
View the Cathedral of Murcia from the outside, built between 1394 and 1465 in Castilian-Gothic style. Its tower was completed in 1792. Its first two stories were built in the Renaissance style (1521–1546), while the third is Baroque. The bell pavilion exhibits both Rococo and neo-Classical influences. The main façade (1736–1754) is considered a masterpiece of the Spanish Baroque style.
You'll also view the San Juan de Dios Church (outside only) near the cathedral. Its adjacent museum is the headquarters of the Museum of Fine Arts (MUBAM). The church once formed part of a Knights Templar hospital.
Stroll through the Old Town, including Cardenal Belluga Square with the Town Hall and Episcopal Palace. Pass the La Traperia shopping area and casino before you return to the ship.
Notes:
At the Fuensanta Sanctuary, the guide offers commentary outside and you will explore inside on your own. Shops are closed on Sundays.