THE TOURISM OF MURCIA By Oliver Latham and Danny Gardner.

Introductio n Murcia is based in the Catalan/Castellan region of Spain. Even though they are based there they speak many different languages such as: Phoenician, Berber, Latin, Arabic, Catalan, Castilian, Mudejar, Morsico Mozarabic and Aragonese. Its coast, with over 200 beaches, shares two different bodies of water: the Mediterranean and the Menor Sea, which has an outstretched piece of land called La Manga. Murcia is the capital of the province and got its own University. The Mediterranean bathed region of Murcia, is not only known for its beautiful beaches, but also for a great number of natural beauties still to be discovered. It is precisely its natural charms and contrasts that makes Murcia outstanding from other regions. Embedded in between parts of the mountains of the Sierra de Orihuela and the Cresta de Gallo lies Murcia, the city which is due to the large and sophisticated watering syste, mvery famous for vegetables. La Manga has become one of the most important resort areas of what is called the ‘Costa Calida’ or the Warm Coast together with Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca- which are the big cities surrounding Murcia.

Attractio ns

Catedral de Santa Maria The cathedral sits in between: Santa Catalina, San Pedro and La Catedral. It isn’t just for religious people, it is for anyone and it’s not beautiful on the outside and shabby in it is the same for both, extravagant. The bell tower is probaly the main part of the building, it was built between 1521 and 1791, stands 90 metres tall.it is the tallest campanile in Spain. It ascends in five stages of different widths. The tower also combines a melange of styles. It has 25 bells hiding in there and they all have names, here are some: The Bell of the Spells, La Catalana, The Bell of Prayer, La Fuensanta, The Conception, La Segundilla and The greater or Agueda-Martillo, which is the main bell. This attraction is rated #2 out of 25. It is also known as the cathedral of Murcia.

The Real Casino de Murcia This is the Real Casino de Murcia, it is rated #1 out of 25 attractions in Murcia. It is nearly right next to the Cathedral, just north of it. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Murcia and its construction started in In 1983 it was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument. The building was restored between 2006 and The older part of the casino was built by the architect Francisco Bolarin, while the façade was the work of the architect Pedro Cerdan Martinez. Among the important parts of the casino is the Moorish patio that was influenced by the Alhambra in Granada and the Alcazar in Seville. There is a Gallery, El Congresillo Hall, Patio Pompeyano, Dance Hall, and Ladies Powder Room, Library, and Billliards Room. All of these are very interesting and beautiful. The style is eclectic, mixing classical decorative elements and modernist elements. Today the casino is a private club, but is open for tourist visits and events. It is the building most visited in Murcia Province, getting about 150,000 visitors a year.

Plaza Cardenal Belluga The Plaza Cardenal Belluga is rated #3 out of 25 attractions. It is an attraction but most people go for: coffee’s, tapas and some go to pub’s. Many people sit down and relax while watching others stroll through the large square either to the Catedral de Santa Maria or the Rococo style Palacio Episcopal. Right- front sight (a bit old fashioned) Below- back sight (more modern style)

Foo d/ Restaurants

Taberna Tipica La Pequena SL. Taberna Tipica La Pequena SL is ranked #1 out of 364 restaurants Murcia. This saloon is good for: Romance, Business, Local cuisines, Special Occasion Dining's and Entertaining clients. Some people said; ‘ this is a nice typical Spanish restaurant,’ ‘first class- not to be missed,’ and, ‘perfecto!’

La Cabana The la cabana is a Michelin star restaurant and is rated #2 out of 364 restaurants in Murcia. Most people usually come here at after hours. Some people said; ‘ This a thrilling Murcia hide-away,’ and ‘Go you wont be disappointed.’

Our Trip We would love to see the festival where the celebrate sardines. Also even though it would be very expensive the La Cabana looks spectacular as it’s a Michelin star cafeteria. The Catedral de Santa Maria seems very nice as well, it would also be educational for us and the others who will be going to Murcia. The paintball and golf deluxe would be a real treat although it might not be a favorite for some people. The terra natura zoo and the beaches would make our day.