Any information about the fortress at Lorca, Murcia, Spain?

Question

Does anyone know the history of this fortress and medieval citadel?

Answer 1

Lorca is a city in southeast Spain, in the autonomous community of Murcia. With a population of 84,245 (year 2004), Lorca is one of the most extensive municipalities in Spain (1,676 square kilometers

The region around Lorca was already inhabited by the Iberians during the Bronze Age (El Argar culture). Lorca was probably called Eliocroca by the Romans and Lurka by the Arabs. The old part of the town, made up of narrow streets and alley-ways, achieved its present shape under Islamic rule.

During the Reconquista, Lorca was a dangerous border town, caught between the Spanish kingdom of Castile and the Moorish kingdom of Granada. The square tower of homage of the city fortress can be seen from many points of the town. It was named Torre Alfonsina after King Alfonso X of Castile.

During the 18th c., a number of baroque churches were built in Lorca. Together with the noble houses in the old town, which are currently being restored, they make up a decent set of historical monuments.

From the 19th c. on, religious processions or marches have been taking place during the Holy Week every year. The processions in Lorca are unique for their atmosphere, a blend of gaiety and devotion. Roman soldiers and quadrigas take turns with baroque statues of saints and with amateur actors playing Cleopatra, Nero, the devil and other biblical and historical characters.

As the medieval fortress is intended to be converted into a state-run hotel (Parador Nacional), excavations were carried out on site by way of power shovels. After the remains of a synagogue and a Jewish ghetto were found near the fortress, the work has been continued despite massive protests by prominent archaeologists.

For more details, please check the following link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorca

Answer 2

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