During your stay at Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort, the best way to experience the City of Murcia is to take a walking tour. During a walking tour visitors will be able to experience all the important and fascinating areas in the city. Below are some of of the most popular walking tours:
Cathedral de Santa María- Murcia's most important monument is the Cathedral of Santa María, which is located to the north of the Palacio Episcopal (Bishop's Palace).
Calle de la Trapería- From the cathedral, Calle de la Trapería, once Murcia's main street, runs north through the old town. Together with Calle de la Platería, which branches off it on the left, it is the heart of a busy pedestrian zone well provided with shops.
Plaza de Santo Domingo- Calle de la Trapería ends in the Plaza de Santo Domingo, with the handsome twin-towered church of Santo Domingo (17th-18th C.). Behind it, to the west, is the Teatro Romea.
Archeological Museum; Museo Arqueológico- To the north of the Plaza de Santo Domingo, in the Casa de Cultura, the Archeological Museum houses prehistoric, Iberian, Greek, and Roman antiquities and a collection of pottery, including in particular Moorish ware.
Museum of Art; Museo de Bellas Artes- From the Plaza de Santo Domingo, Calle de la Merced runs east to the University, just beyond which, in Calle del Obispo Frutos, is the Museum of Art. The Museum of Art features frescoes and pictures by the Murcia-born painter Nicolá Villacis, as well as many works by local artists such as Ribera, Degrain and Picasso.
Museum of the Arab Town Walls; Museo de la Muralla Árabe- In Plaza Santa Eulalia, south of the Museum of Art, Moorish and medieval town walls have been brought to light. Objects found in the excavations are to be displayed in the Museo de la Muralla Árabe which is due to open shortly.
Along Río Segura- A short distance south of the cathedral, on the street along the left bank of the Río Segura, is the Glorieta de España, a beautiful public garden with the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) on its northern side.
Salzillo Museum; Museo Salzillo- At the west end of the town, in the Plaza de San Agustín, is the Ermita de Jesús, a round Baroque chapel which now houses the Salzillo Museum, devoted to the work of the Murcia-born sculptor Francisco Salzillo. Among the works on exhibition are the famous processional figures carried in the Holy Week processions, clay models, and a magnificent Nativity scene with more than 500 figures dressed in 18th century Murcian costume.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Traveling by Plane? Check out these Helpful Suggestions for Air Travelers
Before the flight
1. Make sure you know the flight number of all your flights. Write it down where you can reach it easily. You will need it to find the counter to check in, to find your gate to board the plane, and to claim your luggage. Also for some countries you have to fill out lots of forms on entering or leaving and they always ask you for the flight number.
2. Some flights have more than one flight number, sometimes from the same airline, sometimes from different airlines working together.
What to bring
1. Most importantly, bring a good book. Airlines keep you busy with food and entertained with movies and other films, but there is still a lot of time to kill.
2. Planning to sleep on your flight? Be sure to bring ear plugs and something to put over your eyes, if you need it. It might be a good idea to get a U-shaped inflatable head rest that goes around your neck to keep your head from flopping to the side.
3. Pack all toiletries, medication, etc. that you need.
4. Most times the air conditioning on planes can be quite cold, so be sure to wear long pants and bring a sweater or sweatshirt to keep warm. Blankets are normally provided.
5. Most airlines officially only allow one piece of hand luggage. Place the things you won't need on the plane (like your cell phone) at the bottom of the bag and your books, toiletries and other items you need on the plane on top. Once inside the plane you can take out those items quickly and put them in the seat pocket in front of you.
6. Checked-in luggage can get lost. Place all things you really need (maybe some extra clothes, hotel reservation info, etc.) and all valuables (laptop, camera, etc.) in the carry-on bag.
After the flight
1. When the aircraft reaches the gate there is often a mad rush to get up, get luggage out and leave the plane. There is really no reason for this because, after leaving the plane, you have to wait for your checked-in baggage anyway. So take your time.
2. When you collect your baggage, make sure you are at the right baggage claim. Sometimes there is more than one conveyor belt.
1. Make sure you know the flight number of all your flights. Write it down where you can reach it easily. You will need it to find the counter to check in, to find your gate to board the plane, and to claim your luggage. Also for some countries you have to fill out lots of forms on entering or leaving and they always ask you for the flight number.
2. Some flights have more than one flight number, sometimes from the same airline, sometimes from different airlines working together.
What to bring
1. Most importantly, bring a good book. Airlines keep you busy with food and entertained with movies and other films, but there is still a lot of time to kill.
2. Planning to sleep on your flight? Be sure to bring ear plugs and something to put over your eyes, if you need it. It might be a good idea to get a U-shaped inflatable head rest that goes around your neck to keep your head from flopping to the side.
3. Pack all toiletries, medication, etc. that you need.
4. Most times the air conditioning on planes can be quite cold, so be sure to wear long pants and bring a sweater or sweatshirt to keep warm. Blankets are normally provided.
5. Most airlines officially only allow one piece of hand luggage. Place the things you won't need on the plane (like your cell phone) at the bottom of the bag and your books, toiletries and other items you need on the plane on top. Once inside the plane you can take out those items quickly and put them in the seat pocket in front of you.
6. Checked-in luggage can get lost. Place all things you really need (maybe some extra clothes, hotel reservation info, etc.) and all valuables (laptop, camera, etc.) in the carry-on bag.
After the flight
1. When the aircraft reaches the gate there is often a mad rush to get up, get luggage out and leave the plane. There is really no reason for this because, after leaving the plane, you have to wait for your checked-in baggage anyway. So take your time.
2. When you collect your baggage, make sure you are at the right baggage claim. Sometimes there is more than one conveyor belt.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Learn about the Area of Murcia
Murcia
Spain is consisted of 45 towns which are divided into 7 districts, with the capital city being Murcia. Murcia’s population consists of over one million people.
The region of Murcia offers visitors many contrasts in terms of landscapes. The area consists of mountains and plains, beaches and woodlands, and semi-arid & irrigated lands. One third of the region is over 2,000 feet, with the highest mountain reaching 6,500 feet and there’s over 100 miles of coastline.
But unlike the land, there is one thing that is constant in this region and that’s the sun. Murcia offers nearly 3,000 hours of sunlight a year, making this a major tourist attraction area.
Coastline
The Costa Calida offers two seas, the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean, both of which are located on the same coastline. The Mar Menor was originally an open bay of some miles but is now virtually enclosed and provides an ideal location for sunbathing and water sports because of its shallowness.
The coastline also ranges from tall, impressive cliffs to inviting beaches of white sand that seem to go on and on. But the coast is not solely about beaches and water sports; there are protected natural areas such as the salt marshes of San Pedro, the wildlife reserve of Calblanque, and the village of Cabo de Palos.
Wildlife and Countryside
Murcia offers a variety of landscapes and habitats. In a relatively small area you could pass from mountains to arid, steppe-like plains, to the forests of the Betis Sierras and then to the rich meadows of the Segura basin and finally to the 100 miles of coastline.
This environmental diversity can be represented in the 19 specially protected countryside and wildlife areas. The most important ones are: Parque Natural de Sierra Espuña, the regional parks of Carrascoy and El Valle, Sierra de Pila, the salt marsh of Don Pedro del Pinatar, Cablanque and Cape Cobo, and Calnegre Point, the Nature Reserve of Sotos, and the riparian forests of Cañaverosa.
Spain is consisted of 45 towns which are divided into 7 districts, with the capital city being Murcia. Murcia’s population consists of over one million people.
The region of Murcia offers visitors many contrasts in terms of landscapes. The area consists of mountains and plains, beaches and woodlands, and semi-arid & irrigated lands. One third of the region is over 2,000 feet, with the highest mountain reaching 6,500 feet and there’s over 100 miles of coastline.
But unlike the land, there is one thing that is constant in this region and that’s the sun. Murcia offers nearly 3,000 hours of sunlight a year, making this a major tourist attraction area.
Coastline
The Costa Calida offers two seas, the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean, both of which are located on the same coastline. The Mar Menor was originally an open bay of some miles but is now virtually enclosed and provides an ideal location for sunbathing and water sports because of its shallowness.
The coastline also ranges from tall, impressive cliffs to inviting beaches of white sand that seem to go on and on. But the coast is not solely about beaches and water sports; there are protected natural areas such as the salt marshes of San Pedro, the wildlife reserve of Calblanque, and the village of Cabo de Palos.
Wildlife and Countryside
Murcia offers a variety of landscapes and habitats. In a relatively small area you could pass from mountains to arid, steppe-like plains, to the forests of the Betis Sierras and then to the rich meadows of the Segura basin and finally to the 100 miles of coastline.
This environmental diversity can be represented in the 19 specially protected countryside and wildlife areas. The most important ones are: Parque Natural de Sierra Espuña, the regional parks of Carrascoy and El Valle, Sierra de Pila, the salt marsh of Don Pedro del Pinatar, Cablanque and Cape Cobo, and Calnegre Point, the Nature Reserve of Sotos, and the riparian forests of Cañaverosa.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Check Out These Must Visit Cities During Your Stay at Palatinum Golf Spa and Sport Resort
Cartagena
Cartagena can be found in the central area of Costa Calida and is just beginning to boom in the tourism industry. While visiting Cartagena be sure to visit its very busy harbor, and although it’s not the most conventional tourist attraction, you will definitely be amused by the vast amount of nets on the wharf, the many different vessels of fishermen, and the amounts of fish caught fresh from the sea, which are later served in the city’s hundreds of restaurants and houses.
One of the best times to visit the City of Cartagena is during a festival. If you visit during Holy Week you will see the streets of Cartagena come alive as the whole town transforms to carnival mode. Another festival to watch for is Cartagineses Y Romanos. During this festival, the local people reenact the historical battles between the Carthaginians and Romans by dressing in costumes and building a whole camp that resembles the Old Cartagena.
While in Cartagena also be sure to stroll through the remarkable parks and plazas, learn the history of the area in the local museums, and enjoy the area’s culinary specialties in one of the many restaurants or cafés.
Lorca
Lorca is the third largest city in Murcia, after the cities of Murcia and Cartagena, and has a population of about 90,000 inhabitants. It is located on the southwestern part of the province of Murcia, close to the boundary with Almeria. It is also close to the Guadalentin River and is known as the City of the Sun.
The Romans founded the city with the name of Eliocroca and during the Visigothic rule, the name changed to Lurga.
The Moors then took over the area until the city was conquered by Alfonso X. During the re-conquest, Lorca was a border city between the Kingdom of Castile and the Moorish Kingdom of Granada. After Granada was conquered, the city of Lorca became prosperous.
The city is dominated by the Castle of Lorca, which was built by the Moors in the 13th century, and is situated on the highest hill overlooking the city.
Aguilas
The City of Aguilas, once known as Urci in the Roman times, is located in the southern part of Murcia and close to the border. It has a population of about 28,000 inhabitants.
The City of Aguilas began to prosper at the end of the 18th century, due to the fact that the City of Lorca needed a port to ship its products, so Aguilas was used for this purpose. Then at the end of the 19th century, the port was used to ship iron ore that a British mining company was exploiting. In 1903, the British South Easter Railway Company built a special pier to load the ships with the iron ore.
If you are looking for some great sites in the city of Aguilas be sure to check out the many fine beaches, as well as the hill overlooking the city which is occupied by a castle called the Castle of St. John of the Eagles. Another particular point of interest is the Archaeological Museum.
Mazarron
The City of Mazarron lies between the cities of Aguilas and Cartagena, which has a population of about 19,000 inhabitants. The city is very well known for its production of garum. The town houses a museum called the Factoria Romana de Salazones de Mazarron, which shows how the Romans first made the garum.
This museum even still has the original pits used to make this sauce that the Romans loved! In order to make garum, first the insides of some types of fish were cut into small pieces and allowed to decompose partly, which was helped by the digestive enzymes of the fish. Salt was then added to prevent decay. The pits and tanks were used to transform it to a sauce and then the sauce was filtered to separate the liquid, which was called garum. This was a very big business along the Mediterranean coasts.
Cartagena can be found in the central area of Costa Calida and is just beginning to boom in the tourism industry. While visiting Cartagena be sure to visit its very busy harbor, and although it’s not the most conventional tourist attraction, you will definitely be amused by the vast amount of nets on the wharf, the many different vessels of fishermen, and the amounts of fish caught fresh from the sea, which are later served in the city’s hundreds of restaurants and houses.
One of the best times to visit the City of Cartagena is during a festival. If you visit during Holy Week you will see the streets of Cartagena come alive as the whole town transforms to carnival mode. Another festival to watch for is Cartagineses Y Romanos. During this festival, the local people reenact the historical battles between the Carthaginians and Romans by dressing in costumes and building a whole camp that resembles the Old Cartagena.
While in Cartagena also be sure to stroll through the remarkable parks and plazas, learn the history of the area in the local museums, and enjoy the area’s culinary specialties in one of the many restaurants or cafés.
Lorca
Lorca is the third largest city in Murcia, after the cities of Murcia and Cartagena, and has a population of about 90,000 inhabitants. It is located on the southwestern part of the province of Murcia, close to the boundary with Almeria. It is also close to the Guadalentin River and is known as the City of the Sun.
The Romans founded the city with the name of Eliocroca and during the Visigothic rule, the name changed to Lurga.
The Moors then took over the area until the city was conquered by Alfonso X. During the re-conquest, Lorca was a border city between the Kingdom of Castile and the Moorish Kingdom of Granada. After Granada was conquered, the city of Lorca became prosperous.
The city is dominated by the Castle of Lorca, which was built by the Moors in the 13th century, and is situated on the highest hill overlooking the city.
Aguilas
The City of Aguilas, once known as Urci in the Roman times, is located in the southern part of Murcia and close to the border. It has a population of about 28,000 inhabitants.
The City of Aguilas began to prosper at the end of the 18th century, due to the fact that the City of Lorca needed a port to ship its products, so Aguilas was used for this purpose. Then at the end of the 19th century, the port was used to ship iron ore that a British mining company was exploiting. In 1903, the British South Easter Railway Company built a special pier to load the ships with the iron ore.
If you are looking for some great sites in the city of Aguilas be sure to check out the many fine beaches, as well as the hill overlooking the city which is occupied by a castle called the Castle of St. John of the Eagles. Another particular point of interest is the Archaeological Museum.
Mazarron
The City of Mazarron lies between the cities of Aguilas and Cartagena, which has a population of about 19,000 inhabitants. The city is very well known for its production of garum. The town houses a museum called the Factoria Romana de Salazones de Mazarron, which shows how the Romans first made the garum.
This museum even still has the original pits used to make this sauce that the Romans loved! In order to make garum, first the insides of some types of fish were cut into small pieces and allowed to decompose partly, which was helped by the digestive enzymes of the fish. Salt was then added to prevent decay. The pits and tanks were used to transform it to a sauce and then the sauce was filtered to separate the liquid, which was called garum. This was a very big business along the Mediterranean coasts.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Learn about the area that surrounds Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort
Costa Cálida - The region of Murcia Facts
•The region of Murcia is located within the Costa Calida.
•Murcia is located at the Southeast corner of the Iberian Peninsula, between the regions of Andalusia, Castile-La Mancha, and Valencia.
•In terms of surface area, the region of Murcia is the ninth largest of the Spanish autonomous communities.
•The region of Murcia has the typical Mediterranean semi-arid subtropical climate: an average annual temperature of 65ºF, with hot summers (with a maximum temperature of 104ºF) and mild winters (an average temperature of 52ºF in the winter months of December and January).
•The number of days per year with clear skies is 120-150 days, with approximately 2,800 sun-hours per annum.
•In general, rain is scarce throughout the region (approx. 11 - 13 inches/year), falling mainly in the spring (April) and autumn (October), leaving the summer as a pretty dry season.
•From the geographical point of view, the region of Murcia stands out because of its multiple contrasts: dry vs. irrigated land, plains vs. mountainous areas, coastline vs. interior, vineyards vs. mesetas, factors which can no doubt be attributed to its location in a transitional area between the Sub-Baetic mountain range and the northern Sub-Meseta.
•The highest point in the region is the Revolcadores massif (6,650 ft), followed by numerous other smaller mountain ranges located in the Centre and North-West of the province, such as El Carche, Sierra Espuña, La Pila, or Ricote.
•Special mention must be made of the Altiplano (Jumilla and Yecla), situated to the North-East of the region. It is a high plateau planted with vineyards from whose fruit make the area’s renowned wines.
•Murcia has just over 75 miles of coastline: coves and small beaches alternate with rocky shores and sheer, craggy cliffs.
•La Manga, a coastal strip of land which, bar a few connecting channels, or narrows, completely closes off the Mar Menor lagoon from the Mediterranean.
•According to the most recent census figures, the region of Murcia has an official population of 1,190,378 inhabitants.
•The region of Murcia is located within the Costa Calida.
•Murcia is located at the Southeast corner of the Iberian Peninsula, between the regions of Andalusia, Castile-La Mancha, and Valencia.
•In terms of surface area, the region of Murcia is the ninth largest of the Spanish autonomous communities.
•The region of Murcia has the typical Mediterranean semi-arid subtropical climate: an average annual temperature of 65ºF, with hot summers (with a maximum temperature of 104ºF) and mild winters (an average temperature of 52ºF in the winter months of December and January).
•The number of days per year with clear skies is 120-150 days, with approximately 2,800 sun-hours per annum.
•In general, rain is scarce throughout the region (approx. 11 - 13 inches/year), falling mainly in the spring (April) and autumn (October), leaving the summer as a pretty dry season.
•From the geographical point of view, the region of Murcia stands out because of its multiple contrasts: dry vs. irrigated land, plains vs. mountainous areas, coastline vs. interior, vineyards vs. mesetas, factors which can no doubt be attributed to its location in a transitional area between the Sub-Baetic mountain range and the northern Sub-Meseta.
•The highest point in the region is the Revolcadores massif (6,650 ft), followed by numerous other smaller mountain ranges located in the Centre and North-West of the province, such as El Carche, Sierra Espuña, La Pila, or Ricote.
•Special mention must be made of the Altiplano (Jumilla and Yecla), situated to the North-East of the region. It is a high plateau planted with vineyards from whose fruit make the area’s renowned wines.
•Murcia has just over 75 miles of coastline: coves and small beaches alternate with rocky shores and sheer, craggy cliffs.
•La Manga, a coastal strip of land which, bar a few connecting channels, or narrows, completely closes off the Mar Menor lagoon from the Mediterranean.
•According to the most recent census figures, the region of Murcia has an official population of 1,190,378 inhabitants.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Check out the Historical City of Murcia, Spain
History of the City of Murcia
The City of Murcia was founded in 825 AD by Abd ar-Rahman II, who gave it the name Medinat Mursiya, meaning Market of Murcia. The heritage of Murcia was strongly influenced by the Moors, who took advantage of the Rio Segura and created a complex network of irrigation channels that made the town’s agricultural existence prosperous.
During the 11th century Abd ar-Rahman was overthrown during a civil conflict, which made way for an independent kingdom.
The area was particularly peaceful until 1243 when Murcia and its surrounding areas were conquered by Alfonso X of Castilla and Leon. Under this new government, the city grew and flourished in the 18th century due to the boom in the silk industry and agriculture prosperity. Many of the modern city’s landmarks churches and monuments date from the period of mercantilism.
At Murcia’s peak, disaster struck with the looting of the city by Napoleonic troops in 1810, and the outbreak of the plague and cholera.
These days, however, Murcia is sustained by citrus fruit farming and associated industries. Murcia is also a popular university city with both national and foreign students, which adds a vibrant, modern atmosphere to the area.
Popular Art and Monuments
Museum Ramon Gaya - One of Murcia’s most important museums. The museum is housed in a 19th century mansion, Casa Palarea, and was dedicated to the artist Ramon Gaya in 1990. The museum houses the work of Ramon Gaya, among many other famous artists, including Vazuquez and Rembrandt.
The Castle of Monteagudo - A place where local peasants once took refuge. Later, when the city became the true capital of the territory, it became a fort and defensive watchtower of the Murcian ruler who resided in the city. In times of instability, the permanent garrison of the castle was ready to alert the defenders of Murcia to the arrival of the enemy, by way of smoke signals at day or fire at night.
Catedral de Murcia - It features a 302 foot tower whose construction was started in 1519 and took more than two hundred years to build with the involvement of many different architects. For those interested in the history of Murcia, Spain, Catedral de Murcia is the best attraction because this extraordinary building reflects the memory, time, art, and history of Murcia.
The City of Murcia was founded in 825 AD by Abd ar-Rahman II, who gave it the name Medinat Mursiya, meaning Market of Murcia. The heritage of Murcia was strongly influenced by the Moors, who took advantage of the Rio Segura and created a complex network of irrigation channels that made the town’s agricultural existence prosperous.
During the 11th century Abd ar-Rahman was overthrown during a civil conflict, which made way for an independent kingdom.
The area was particularly peaceful until 1243 when Murcia and its surrounding areas were conquered by Alfonso X of Castilla and Leon. Under this new government, the city grew and flourished in the 18th century due to the boom in the silk industry and agriculture prosperity. Many of the modern city’s landmarks churches and monuments date from the period of mercantilism.
At Murcia’s peak, disaster struck with the looting of the city by Napoleonic troops in 1810, and the outbreak of the plague and cholera.
These days, however, Murcia is sustained by citrus fruit farming and associated industries. Murcia is also a popular university city with both national and foreign students, which adds a vibrant, modern atmosphere to the area.
Popular Art and Monuments
Museum Ramon Gaya - One of Murcia’s most important museums. The museum is housed in a 19th century mansion, Casa Palarea, and was dedicated to the artist Ramon Gaya in 1990. The museum houses the work of Ramon Gaya, among many other famous artists, including Vazuquez and Rembrandt.
The Castle of Monteagudo - A place where local peasants once took refuge. Later, when the city became the true capital of the territory, it became a fort and defensive watchtower of the Murcian ruler who resided in the city. In times of instability, the permanent garrison of the castle was ready to alert the defenders of Murcia to the arrival of the enemy, by way of smoke signals at day or fire at night.
Catedral de Murcia - It features a 302 foot tower whose construction was started in 1519 and took more than two hundred years to build with the involvement of many different architects. For those interested in the history of Murcia, Spain, Catedral de Murcia is the best attraction because this extraordinary building reflects the memory, time, art, and history of Murcia.
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