Thursday, November 18, 2010

Must Visit Tourist Attractions near Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort

Almudi Palace
When visiting Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort, The Almudi Palace would be a great place to spend some time.

The name “Almudí” comes from the measurement for grain, as it was once a grain silo for the city. All of the harvesters and merchants came here to trade in cereals, while the town council handed out the wheat to the bakers.

The Almudi Palace is a unique, imposing building located in the Plano de San Francisco and features many columns which recall the “Baroque style” of Murcia. The building was finished in 1440 by Esteban Fernández, and was reformed on various occasions throughout the XVI century. In the XVII century, some of its rooms were used temporarily to store weapons while the "Contraste" building was under completion.

The building later became the Law Court and today it is home to the City Archives, where the administrative documentation of the city and the "Huerta" has been kept since the XIII century. It is also an art center with an exhibition room in the grandiose hall.

Cathedral de Santa Maria
Murcia's most important monument is the Cathedral of Santa María, which is located to the north of the Palacio Episcopal (Bishop's Palace).

The Cathedral of Santa María is one of the finest Baroque buildings in the city containing some spectacular examples of the Gothic and Renaissance styles. The first stone was laid on the site in 1394, and the first mass was held in the mid-15th century. The richly ornamented building, with Corinthian columns, stone swoops and curves, and an incredible display of sculpted saints, was built in the 18th century.

A faded casket behind the main altar contains the heart of the medieval king Alfonso X the Wise. In the cathedral museum, look out for a haunting 14th-century altarpiece and an extraordinary solid silver Baroque monstrance.

Museum Ramon Gaya
Be sure to visit the Museum Ramon Gaya, which is 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.

Museum Salzillo
The Salzillo Museum, a museum dedicated to the famous 18th century sculptor Francisco Salzillo, should be included in your must see sites.

The museum was founded in 1941 and currently showcases the work of this famous Spanish sculptor. Most of his sculptures have been neatly preserved and exhibited for the public to experience. Sazillo was one of the best Spanish Baroque artists dedicated to religious sculpture and his works definitely show off his passion for religion.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

There Is Something for Everyone in Murcia, Spain!

Not only does Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort have an endless amount of activities to partake in, but so does Murcia, Spain!

Murcia, Spain offers 250 km of Mediterranean coastline, a multitude of mountains, the Mar Menor, and a beautiful climate all year long, making the amount of outdoor activities to participate in endless.

Looking to Play a Round of Golf?
Murcia's rolling landscapes, both inland and on the coast, is the home to many gorgeous golf courses. One of the most stunning courses, Mosa Trajectum, is actually the home to Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort. This golf academy features a 27-hole course, challenge course of 9 holes, ecological golf course, driving range, putting green, and chipping green.

Love to Walk?
There are numerous amounts of walking, hiking, and trekking trails in Murcia. Some of the best locations include Parque Natural de Sierra Espuña, Salinas y Arenales Nature Reserve, Calblanque Nature Reserve, Sierra de la Pila Regional Park and Humedal del Ajauque y Rambla Salada.

Water Buff?
These activities can be enjoyed both on the Mediterranean Sea, along the Costa Calida, or the Mar Menor. The Mar Menor is a shallow, salt water lagoon that features crystal clear, warm water making these activities possible and enjoyable year round.

Looking for Adventure Under the Waters?
While there are many great diving and snorkeling sites along the Costa Calida, the waters of Mar Menor definitely attract a lot of attention. The seabed around Mazarrón is also known as a great diving site.

Rock Climber?
There are many quality rock climbing locations throughout the Murcian hills, however, the most popular are the limestone faces of the Sierra Espuna.

Tennis Star?
There are a numerous number of tennis courts throughout Murcia and many of the gold clubs feature both clay and hard courts. In fact, Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort has an on-site tennis court.

Ever Been Horseback Riding?
Many of the parks and reserves along the Costa Calida offer areas for horseback riding. Most trails are predominantly well prepared and offer horseback riders well maintained tracks and paths.

For more information regarding Palatinum, Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort, and other activities both on and off the Resort, please visit www.PalatinumResort.com.