Home to some of the most sought after tourist havens in Europe and the world around, your trip to Murcia must not begin without plans for the following places.
Real Casino de Murcia
Dating back to the 19th century, located in the cultural hub near the Cathedral, and based on the architectural genius of the Francisco Bolarin and Pedro Cerdan Martinez is one of the most awe-inspiring buildings in Murcia — the Real Casino.
Declared as a National Historic-Artistic Monument in 1983, the Casino is a tourist spot cum private club. The design is eclectic, mixing elements from modern functionalist design with classical decorative elements, and offers eye-candy for enthusiasts and new comers alike. Important parts of the casino include the Moorish patio, Billiards Room, Library, ladies Powder Room, El Congresillo Hall, Dance Hall, and Patio Pompeyano — each taking inspiration from different regions as far as Seville’s Alcazar and Alhambra in Granada.
Terra Natura
Discover and experience zoo-immersion with a lack of visible boundaries between you, 200 species of animals, and more than 160 species of fauna and flora. Totaling 1,500 different animals and 2,500 trees, shrubs, and 320,000 square meters of ground, the Bnidorm Park is divided into four themed areas: Asia, Europe, America, and Pangea.
The Terra Natura is a new generation wildlife park that offers a varied collection of wildlife. Detailed educational information through placards and information points when coupled with the architectural themes, and a range of adventure and entertainment activities makes Terra Natura a splendid place for a family outing in natural setting.
Catedral de Santa Maria
Dating back to the times of the Castilian King Alfonso the VIII in the 12th century AD, and constructed over 7 centuries, the Gothic structure narrates the historic development within its walls and outside of them. The ground plan is a Latin cross three naves, the center most jutting out towards the vaulted ceiling; the central doorway lined with sculpted works depicting the life of Virgin Mary, followed by a transept, an apse, and chapels on the sides.
The monument has borne through several major renovations, and earned the Premio Europa Nostra at a fitting moment in 2000.
Museo Salzillo
Standing tall at a maximum of 30cm, the 600 pieces of the Nativity Scene depict the Birth of Christ through the sculpted and polychromed wood work of Francisco Salzillo, the renowned sculptor from the 18th century Murcia and to whom the Museo Salzillo is dedicated.
Each Piece is amazingly lifelike and offers an opportunity to revisit Spain’s Baroque Age through the works of Salzillo. The museum offers enthusiasts and tourists a voyage works that journeyed throughout the Age in different Churches and during Holy Week processions, and managed to pass unharmed through the Spanish Civil War.
Mar Menor
At 170 sq.km, flanked by small towns, neighbor to the 5-star La Manga Club and the Ilas Hormigas marine reserve, the Mar Menor is Europe’s largest salt-water lake. Famous for mud baths, as a water sporting playground, and as haven for tourists, the Mar Menor offers a diverse range of amenities and activities between the two seas.
Apart from water sports, the area offers several municipal parks, golf courses, calm and wavy beaches, and the option of selecting between two seas each with its unique temperament and attitude throughout the year.
San Pedro Del Pinatar
Waiting along northern end of the shores of Mar Menor, San Pedro Del Pinatar is the rural town surrounded by salt marshes, sand dunes, and routes to thrilling and relaxing adventures.
The town offers several marked trails leading through its nature reserves of sand dunes and salt marshes, a relaxing Marina overlooking the boasts, a long beach and a town center to unwind at day’s end.
Sources
http://www.terranatura.com/Eng/TerranaturaBenidorm/Ficha3.aspx?FrmCodA=3&FrmCodB=18&FrmCodC=48&FrmRegistro=1
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g187518-d2508777/Murcia:Spain:Museo.Salzillo.html
http://www.idealspain.com/pages/Places/marmenor.htm