TRAVEL REPORT
by Diane Putnam
REPORT ON Murcia Trip, 17th May 2006.
Murcia, Murcia, Murcia…………..
So called because it is the Capital city in the Province of Murcia, the only Province in the Region of Murcia.
This is a small university city with lots of squares where people can sit out and soak up the relaxing atmosphere. It is on the banks of the Seguro River, and most of its Baroque monuments were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Town Hall was very impressive looking and displayed signs saying “Water for All”, but with a watering system for the plants outside! The building of the Cathedral was begun in the late 14th century on the ruins of a mosque, and was transformed in the 18th century with exuberant Baroque sculptures and beautiful stained glass windows, and topped with an elaborate belltower. There is a sad story that the sculptor who sculpted a chain high around a tower had his hands chopped off so he couldn´t sculpt a similar one anywhere else. We then went to see the church of San Juan close by, which is tiny in comparison and a real contrast, but adorned with 15th to 19th century statues and paintings all around. We had expected to visit the Casino could not get in as it was still closed for refurbishment. A familiar story in Spain, unfortunately. It has a spectacular ballroom and a ladies powder room with primping nymphs floating across the ceiling. Perhaps we will see that another time. After a four course lunch we went up to the Fuensanta Sanctuary with its breathtaking views and enjoyed some liquid refreshment and then went to investigate the Convent close-by where some of us bought sugared almonds. The one I had tasted of chocolate. We then wound our way home, and thanked our entertaining and amusing host Colin, of Tin Lizzie Tours for putting up with us for the day.
The following photos were taken by Robin Garbett - please click on the thumbnails to view.
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