Route from the Cathedral to Gran Vía Alfonso X The Wise
Short tourist route through the historic centre of Murcia, with visits to the Cathedral, the Romea Theatre, the Santa Clara Museum and the Royal Casino. This is a simple route because of its layout, as it involves walking in the same direction along two of the main thoroughfares of the city.
1
St Maria Cathedral: 14th-18th centuries
The Cathedral is one of the flagship buildings of the Spanish Baroque. It is the most important monumental building in the city and represents a compendium of the three artistic styles under which it was built: Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. The Cathedral was built on the site of the city's main Arab mosque. Four jewels of this fabulous treasure stand out for their artistic workmanship: the Baroque altarpiece façade or imafronte, the Gothic chapel of Los Vélez, the Renaissance chapel of Junterones and its emblematic bell tower, ninety-six metres high - which replaced the old medieval tower - with twenty-five bells carved in bronze. A curious superimposition of styles and a beautiful landmark that dominates the city and the orchard.
2
Royal Casino of Murcia: 19th century
This building was built between 1852 and 1892 in successive stages. Located in one of the main streets of the pedestrian centre, Calle Trapería, it surprises the visitor with its eclecticism. It is a mixture of different artistic currents that coexisted in the second half of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century in Spain and was declared a national historic-artistic monument in 1983. Open to tourist visits and other events, it is the most visited civil building in the Region of Murcia.
Highlights include the Moorish Courtyard, the Library, the Ladies' Dressing Room, the Pompeian Courtyard and the Ballroom and Billiard Rooms. An audio guide service is available.
3
Monastery and Museum of St. Claire: 15th-18th centuries
The Monastery of St. Clara la Real is a monastic complex of the order of Las Clarisas. It has its origins in the 14th century, occupying what was the old Muslim Alcázar Seguir (minor fortress) from the 13th century. It is one of the most important historical buildings in the city as it contains the remains of the Arab palace (the most important of Islamic art in Murcia). The monastery also has a Gothic cloister and choir, and a Baroque church. Of its various phases of construction, the most notable are the 15th century Gothic cloister and part of the church, as well as the 18th century Baroque church. Inside the convent is the Museum of St. Claire, with a section dedicated to sacred art and another to Andalusian archaeology.
4
Convent of St. Anne: 18th century
The convent of St. Ana, or popularly known as the convent of Las Anas, is a monastic complex belonging to the female branch of the Dominican Order, located in the St. Ana Square. The building that can be seen today dates from the 18th century, but it is the third temple since the convent was founded in 1490. It is a cloistered convent. Visitors are recommended to buy some of the handmade sweets made by the nuns at the turnstile at the entrance.
The church does have public worship and its main altarpiece features a spectacular Saint Anne by Francisco Salzillo.
5
Monument to Alfonso X: 20th century
Made in cast bronze, it represents the Wise King seated on a throne. It is made following the model originally made by the Murcia sculptor Juan González Moreno. It is 2.20 metres high and weighs almost a tonne.
As Alfonso X himself wished, his heart is buried in the Cathedral of Murcia, thus showing the great affection he felt for the city.
