HISTORY

Murcia is a city made to measure by its inhabitants perfect for long walks to allow visitors to uncover its great exuberant personality and Islamic soul. Murcia is unique and waiting to be discovered.

Origins to the Muslim period

Inhabited since the Neolithic Period, there are many archaeological sites showing Argaric and Iberian cultures in the area. Later, the Romans and Visigoths populated these settlements. Abderramán II, in the year 825, founded the original nucleus of the current historical part of the city of Murcia. Murcia remained under Muslim control until 1266. Many important vestiges remain from this period, such as the defensive wall, irrigation systems, and the layout of the streets of the old town.

Alfonso X to the Austrians (13th - 17th Century)

Alfonso X the Wise made Murcia part of the Kingdom of Castile in 1266, establishing the socio-economic foundations of the municipality. In the 15th century famous Acts of the Huerta were passed, considered to be the first rural Spanish code. Although they have been reformed, they are still used today and it is the Council of Wise Men that administers the Water Policy based on these Acts. Murcia was given the title of “very noble and very loyal” granted by Felipe II, thanks to its efforts in the rebellion of the Moors of Granada. The 16th and 17th centuries were periods of cultural and economic development, in particular the export of silk and agricultural products.

Baroque and Contemporary Murcia (18th - 19th Century)

It was in the 18th century that the city became truly splendid, and it is known as the Murcian Golden Age. Murcia remained on the side of the Bourbons in the War of Succession, which led to major urban and administrative improvements. During this time works such as the Old Bridge, the Baroque façade of the Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace were built, as well as a good deal of other mansions, monasteries, convents and churches, with beautiful altarpieces. Murcia still retains that baroque hallmark in its old town today. This was the age of sculptors of the likes of Francisco Salzillo, his father Nicolás, and Roque López, among others. During the 19th century, Murcia was directly affected by the instability caused by the War of Independence. In this century, gas lighting was fully installed throughout the city, and buildings such as the Town Hall and the Casino began construction.

Present day

In the last decades of the 20th century, the city took on major urban construction and renovation projects. Numerous buildings of artistic heritage, plazas and streets of the old town were restored, and new neighbourhoods were created. Murcia promotes its modern and avant-garde character with important public works by major international names, such as Moneo, Baldeweg and Tusquets in architecture, Calatrava and Manterola in engineering, and Oppenheim, Barceló and Valdés in urban sculpture.