Murcia’s cathedral was built in 1394 on the site of a mosque. The initial Gothic architecture was given a playful baroque facelift in 1748, with a stunning facade facing on to the plaza. The 15th-century Capilla de los Vélez is a highlight; the chapel’s flutes and curls resemble icing. The Museo Catedralicio displays religious artefacts, but is most noteworthy for the excavations on display.
© Rudolf Ernst/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Catedral de Santa María
Murcia
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
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Murcia’s resplendent casino first opened as a gentlemen’s club in 1847. Painstakingly restored to its original glory, the building is a fabulous…
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Low slung but achieving an understated majesty nonetheless, this cathedral is built of light-coloured stone in the centre of the old town and features…
Museo Nacional de Arqueología Subacuática
27.85 MILES
This excellent, attractive space delves into the depths of the fascinating world of underwater archaeology. It starts off by explaining the work of those…
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This impressive complex was designed by top Spanish architect Rafael Moneo. The tour transports visitors from the initial museum on Plaza del Ayuntamiento…
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This well-documented site is 3.5km south of the town centre. The Dama de Elche, a masterpiece of Iberian art that’s now in Madrid, was unearthed here…
27.48 MILES
Set alongside the Molinete hill are the evocative remains of a whole town block and street linking the port with the forum, dating from the 1st century BC…
27.53 MILES
The Casa de la Fortuna consists of the fascinating remains of an aristocratic Roman villa dating back to the 1st century BC, complete with some well…
12.16 MILES
This sizeable and sober episcopal palace next to the cathedral now holds a collection of religious art. There are some fine pieces but the undisputed…
Nearby Murcia attractions
0.01 MILES
The cathedral museum displays religious artefacts but is most striking for the excavations on display: the remains of an 11th-century Moorish dwelling and…
0.06 MILES
Flanking the cathedral, the exuberant rococo facade of this mid-18th-century bishops' palace is a striking and colourful landmark in the centre of Murcia…
0.09 MILES
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The classic, small but beautiful Jardín Floridablanca has several magnificent banyan trees distinctive for their massive spread of thick woody roots, as…
0.31 MILES
A large park and botanical garden, Murcia Parque lies just west of the Puente del Malecón footbridge and is replete with leafy splendour.
0.31 MILES
An inviting, light gallery devoted to Spanish artists. Much is mediocre, but the 2nd-floor Siglo de Oro gallery has two fabulous Murillos – a Crucifixion…
7. Museo de la Ciencia y del Agua
0.35 MILES
Near the river, this former water deposit is one for the children. Although everything’s in Spanish, this small hands-on science museum has plenty of…
0.4 MILES
The Museo Arqueológico has exceptionally well-laid-out and well-documented exhibits spread over two floors, starting with Palaeolithic times and including…