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Monday, 25th February, 2013
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HISTORICAL SPAIN IN MURCIA AND CALASPARRA The city of Murcia has stood on the banks of the River Segura for almost twelve hundred years. Established in the year 825 by the Emir of Cordoba, the notorious Abd al Rahman II. The reliable waters of the River Segura provided the irrigation which caused the city to be surrounded by the orchards which even today is a feature of the small region of Murcia.
The city probably took its name from the Latin word Murtae which means Mulberry. A tree which covers large swathes of the Murcia countryside and in previous centuries led to the growth of a sizeable
silk industry. For the silk worm feeds on the leaves of the Mulberry tree. Even in the heart of the city the large green leaves of the Mulberry tree are to be seen in most of the streets which line the banks of the river. Like all parts of Spain the ruling Moors were eventually replaced by the Christians. In the year 1266 when that great conqueror of the Moors James II of Aragon took the city. Hard times followed. Looted by the troops of the marauding Napoleon Bonaparte in 1810. Then suffering a catastrophic earthquake 1n 1829 which cost 6,000 lives. This was followed by plague and Cholera. Given such a turbulent past, it is with some surprise that today’s visitor to what is now Spain’s 7th largest city finds tree lined streets, bordering the banks of the river Segura. A carpet of grass and flowers sweep elegantly under the trees leading towards the centre of the town . In the “Glorieta” which is a delightful town square we find the impressive town hall. Surrounded by fountains and swaying palm trees. Behind this, one of the great treasures of the city. A powerful and impressive 14-15 century cathedral. This masterpiece of Spanish Baroque building stuns the visitor with its beautifully detailed stonework. From here we can get lost in earlier centuries. Narrow streets lead us to monasteries, theatres, palaces and even the Moorish style patio of the Casino. A building which wasiInspired by the style of the Alhambra in Granada. A visit on Thursday offers us not only the opportunity to absorb the sense of history in the centre but also to shop with the modern citizens of the city in their weekly mar-
ket. We talked earlier of the orchard of the region and it has to be said that the month of March is one of the best times of year to leave the city behind and experience the finest display of natural colour you are likely to find anywhere. Miles and miles of peaches, pears, almonds, apples, olives. All blossoming at the same time in an exciting manifestation of natures response to the warmth of the spring sunshine. Following the course of the river Segura to one of the most stunningly peaceful locations in all of Spain at the lovely Sanctuary at Calasparra. This incredible sanctuary which sits on the river banks with its cave church hewn out of the rocks, and surrounded by pine trees and vines is one of the most stunningly impressive places in the area. Lunch in a locally run restaurant amongst all this beauty is indeed a pleasant and memorable experience. This city and country excursion is being offered by David’s Coachtrips throughout the blossom season every Thursday from 7th March at only 24€ – Including lunch with wine. To experience this special day out call David’s Coachtrips on (0034) 966 78 5910 and reserve your places. You will be glad you did.