about Murcia:
Introduction
Murcia is a city and municipality on the river Segura in southeastern Spain and the capital of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia. Population: 409,810 (2005); 563,272 including the metropolitan area (urban area plus satellite towns), ranking as the 12th-largest metropolitan area of Spain. Since 2003 the mayor has been Miguel Ángel Cámara Botía
Murcia is built nearly in the centre of a low-lying fertile plain, known as the huerta or market garden of Murcia, which includes the valleys of the Segura and its right-hand tributary the Guadalentín (Wadalentin) or river Sangonera, and is surrounded by mountains. Despite the proximity of the sea, the climate is subject to great variations: the summer heat is severe, while frosts are occasionally experienced in the capital during the winter.
History
Murcia was founded with the name of Medinat Mursiya in A.D. 825 by Abd ar-Rahman II, emir of Al-Andalus. The Egyptians, who spoke Arabic (and who were therefore confused with being of Arabic descent), taking advantage of the course of the river Segura, created a complex network of irrigation channels that made the town prosperous and is the predecessor of the modern irrigation system. The Arab traveller Muhammad al-Idrisi described it in the 12th century as populous and strongly fortified. After the fall of the caliphate of Cordova, Murcia passed successively under the rule of Almería, Toledo and Seville. In 1172 it was taken by the Almohades, and from 1223 to 1243 it became the capital of an independent kingdom.
The Castilians, led by King Alfonso X, took it at the end of this period, when large numbers of immigrants from north Catalonia and Provence settled in the town; Catalan names are still not uncommon. In 1296, Murcia and its region were transferred to the Kingdom of Aragon, but in 1304, in virtue of the Treaty of Torrellas, it was finally incorporated into Castile.
Murcia flourished in the 18th century, mainly due to the boom of the silk industry. Many of its churches and monuments are from this period.
The town and surrounding area suffered badly from floods in 1651, 1879 and 1907, though the construction of a levee did much to keep the Segura within its own channel. A popular walkway, the Malecon, runs along the top of the levee.
Murcia was struck by an earthquake in 1829. According to contemporary accounts, some 6,000 people died in the province.
Murcia has been the capital of the province of Murcia since 1838, and capital of the autonomous community (which includes only the province) since its creation in 1982.
Sights and Monuments
The Cathedral of the Diocese of Cartagena-Murcia was built between 1394 and 1465 in Castilian Gothic style. Its tower, only completed in 1792, shows a mixture of styles: the first two stories were built in Renaissance style (1521-1546), the third one is Baroque, and the bell pavilion has Rococo and Neoclassical influences. The main façade (1736-1754) is considered a masterpiece of the Spanish Baroque style.
Other noteworthy buildings in the square in front of the Cathedral (Plaza Cardenal Belluga) are the colourful Bishops palace (18th century) and a controversial extension to the town hall, by Rafael Moneo.
The Glorieta, next to the Segura river, has traditionally been the center of the town. This a pleasant landscaped square, built in the 18th-century. The Ayuntamiento (City Hall) is located here.
Pedestrian areas cover most of the old town, centered around Platería and Trapería Streets. Trapería goes from the Cathedral to the Plaza de Santo Domingo, the former market square. Located in Trapería is the Casino, a social club erected in 1847, with a sumptuous interior that includes a Moorish-style patio inspired by the Alhambra royal rooms.
|
