Murcia,Spain – why so few tourists?

So for the second time on this trip, verity the Volkswagen is residing under one of these big blue and yellow signs, yes folks she has joined the throngs of other motorhomes in the Murcia IKEA, we haven’t even managed to secure one of the 60 officials spaces, but there must be at least another 100 in the shopping centre overflow parking, so we are in good company.

The city does boast another Motorhome Aire, but reviews lead us to believe that is in a less than safe area of the city, So IKEA it is !

But we’re not here for meatballs and ingenious funititure ideas, no sir, we are here because there is a direct tram into a very fascinating city.

The city that shares the same name as the region, Murcia, also has its share of fascinating sites.

Our tram drops us off directly at the edge of the Old town, leaving a short walk along the tree lined avenues into the centre.

One of our first glimpses of beauty is in the Plaza de Santo Domingo a sculpture, of which a replica can be found in Strasbourg at the Council of Europe no less , dominates this typical Spanish square.

The sculpture represents the defense of human rights, through several carved people who hold hands, forming a circle. Among the people, there is a pregnant woman, a girl, and an elderly couple which seeks to tell us that we can all live in harmony and that there is no distinction between humans,regardless of age, sex or race.

After a quick coffee, we did one a favourite things to do when exploring somewhere new, we got the local food market – possibly the best one in Murcia is called Veronicas Market on Calle Plano de San Francisco.

Built between the years 1914 and 1917, Veronicas Market has a real Modernist feel about it and has vendors whose families have owned stalls in the market since it first opened.

This stunning city is also proud to be intersected by the Segura River and it’s banks are home to several parks connected to each other by paths, cycle lanes, and bridges.

The most important of these parks is the Malecón Gardens (botanical gardens.)

Located near the river in the historical center of Murcia, Plaza Cardenal Belluga Square is home to the city’s iconic cathedral.

Probably it’s most famous landmark is the stunning chaterdral located in the Plaza del Cardenal Beluga.

the second-largest cathedral tower in Spain with its impressive bells.

Constructed in 1394 on the site of what was once a great Mosque, the gothic-inspired holy place received its baroque facelift in 1748 and now has a stunning façade

After a bit more meandering around the back streets in the heart of Murcia’s old quarter, we find the infamous Plaza Flores is where locals go when they want to enjoy a drink al fresco.

Pedestrianised with a fountain as its focal point, the Plaza Flores is the perfect spot for your afternoon tapa.

Truly a city not to be missed when in this diverse Spanish region.

Paul.