View source for Lorca, Spain

{{Infobox settlement
| name                            = Lorca
| settlement_type                 = [[Municipalities of Spain|Municipality]]
| official_name                   = <!-- if different from name -->
| native_name                     = <!-- if different from name -->
| image_skyline                   = Lorca Colegiata de San Patricio and panorama of Lorca from Iglesia de Santa Maria 2.jpg
| image_alt                       = 
<!--| image_caption                   = Lorca Castle-->
| image_flag                      = Bandera de Lorca.png
| image_shield                    = Coat of Arms of Lorca.svg
| nickname                        = 
| motto                           = ''Lorca solum gratum, castrum super astra locatum, ensis minans pravis, regni tutissima clavis''
| image_map          = {{Maplink|frame=yes|plain=y|frame-width=285|frame-height=180|frame-align=center|frame-coordinates={{Coord|39.5|N|3.7|W}}|zoom=4|type=point|title=Lorca|marker=city|type2=shape|stroke-width2=2|stroke-color2=#808080|text=Interactive map of Lorca.}}
|map_caption              = Location of Lorca
| subdivision_type                = Country
| subdivision_name                = Spain
| subdivision_type1               = [[Autonomous communities of Spain|Autonomous community]]
| subdivision_name1               = [[Region of Murcia]]
| subdivision_type2               = [[Provinces of Spain|Province]]
| subdivision_name2               = [[Region of Murcia|Murcia]]
| subdivision_type3               = [[Comarcas of Spain|Comarca]]
| subdivision_name3               = [[Alto Guadalentín]]
| subdivision_type4               = [[Judicial districts of Spain|Judicial district]]
| subdivision_name4               = Lorca
| seat_type                       = <!-- [[Capital (political)|Capital]] -->
| seat                            = 
| coordinates                     = {{coord|37.6798|N|1.6944|W|region:ES_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates_footnotes           = 
| elevation_m                     = 353
| elevation_min_m                 = 
| elevation_max_m                 = 
| area_footnotes                  = 
| area_total_km2                  = 1676
| established_title               = <!-- Founded -->
| established_date                = 
| population_as_of                = {{Spain metadata Wikidata|population_as_of}}
| population_footnotes            = {{Spain metadata Wikidata|population_footnotes}}
| population_total                = {{Spain metadata Wikidata|population_total}}
| population_demonym              = Lorquino, lorquina
| population_note                 = 
| population_density_km2          = auto
| blank_name_sec1                 = [[Languages of Spain|Official language(s)]]
| blank_info_sec1                 = 
| timezone                        = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| utc_offset                      = +1
| timezone_DST                    = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
| utc_offset_DST                  = +2
| postal_code_type                = [[List of postal codes in Spain|Postal code]]
| postal_code                     = 30800
| area_code_type                  = [[Telephone numbers in Spain|Dialing code]]
| area_code                       = 
| leader_title                    = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name                     = Diego José Mateos Molina (2019)
| leader_party                    = [[Spanish Socialist Workers' Party]]
| website                         = {{Official website|http://www.lorca.es/}}
| footnotes                       = 
}}
'''Lorca''' ({{IPA|es|ˈloɾka|lang|Pronunciation of Lorca in Spanish.ogg}}) is a municipality and city in the autonomous community of the [[Region of Murcia]] in south-eastern Spain, {{convert|36|mi|km|order=flip}} southwest of the city of [[Murcia]]. The municipality had a population of 95,515 in 2020, up from the 2001 census total of 77,477. Lorca has the second largest surface area of municipalities in Spain, {{Convert|1675.21|km2|abbr=on}},<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hoy.es/20080728/regional/caceres-municipio-extenso-pais-20080728.html|website=Hoy|title=Cáceres, el municipio más extenso del país|date=28 July 2008}}</ref> after [[Cáceres, Spain|Cáceres]]. The city is home to [[Lorca Castle]] and to a [[Collegiate church]] dedicated to [[St. Patrick]].

In the Middle Ages Lorca was a frontier city between Christian and Muslim Spain.<ref name="Simonis2005">{{cite book|author=Damien Simonis|title=Spain|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xq-vZyjaqP8C&pg=PA661|access-date=15 May 2011|year=2005|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=978-1-74059-700-5|pages=661–}}</ref> Earlier, during the Roman period, it was the ancient Ilura or Heliocroca.<ref name="Houtsma1993">{{cite book|author=M. Th. Houtsma|title=L-Moriscos|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Va6oSxzojzoC&pg=PA32|access-date=15 May 2011|year=1993|publisher=BRILL|isbn=978-90-04-09791-9|pages=32–}}</ref>

The city was seriously damaged by a magnitude 5.1 [[2011 Lorca earthquake|earthquake]] on 11 May 2011, killing at least nine people. Due to a shallow [[hypocenter]], the earthquake was much more destructive than usual for earthquakes with similar magnitude.

== History ==
=== Prehistory and Antiquity ===
Archaeological excavations in the Lorca area have revealed that it has been inhabited continuously since Neolithic times, 5,500 years ago. The earliest permanent settlement is in the [[Guadalentín River]] valley, likely because of the presence of water sources, mineral resources, and the strategic positiom along a natural communication route with Andalusia. On the hillside below the castle and the town archaeological digs have revealed the remains of an important population of the ''[[El Argar]]'' culture during the [[Bronze Age]].<ref name="Molina2006">{{cite book|last=Molina|first=Ángel Luis Molina|title=Estudios sobre Lorca y su comarca|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J67hYfdkHJcC&pg=PA132|access-date=14 May 2011|year=2006|publisher=EDITUM|isbn=978-84-8371-648-9|page=132}}</ref>
 
During the Roman period, a settlement here was called ''Eliocroca'',<ref name="SmedleyRose1845">{{cite book|last1=Smedley|first1=Edward|last2=Rose|first2=Hugh James|last3=Rose|first3=Henry John|title=Encyclopaedia metropolitana: or Universal dictionary of knowledge ... comprising the twofoldadvantage of a philosophical and an alphabetical arrangement, with appropriate engravings|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IZxGAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA344|access-date=14 May 2011|year=1845|publisher=B. Fellowes|page=344}}</ref> detailed in the [[Antonine Itinerary]] and located right on [[Via Augusta]]. Elicroca was important enough to become a bishopric, [[suffragan]] of the primatial Metropolitan [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toledo|Archbishopric of Toledo]], but this status would be lost under Islam.

=== Feudal and modern era ===
In 713, the Teodomiro Pact was signed,<ref name="Constable1997">{{cite book|last=Constable|first=Olivia Remie|title=Medieval Iberia: readings from Christian, Muslim, and Jewish sources|url=https://archive.org/details/medievaliberiare00cons|url-access=registration|access-date=14 May 2011|year=1997|publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press|isbn=978-0-8122-1569-4|page=[https://archive.org/details/medievaliberiare00cons/page/37 37]}}</ref> referring to the city and its domains with the name "Lurqa". Under this pact, the population was integrated into an autonomous Christian state, along with six other cities, governed by [[Theodemir (Visigoth)|Theudimer]] (Teodomiro). These political arrangements lasted until his death. Then a Muslim reorganization of the state took place, carried out by Abb-al-Rahman II, who turned the territory into a [[Córdoba, Spain|Córdoba]] dependency. This led to the formation of the Taifa kingdoms,<ref name="Messier2010">{{cite book|last=Messier|first=Ronald A.|title=The Almoravids and the Meanings of Jihad|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rfxoq5MzHa4C&pg=PA95|access-date=4 May 2011|date=19 August 2010|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-0-313-38589-6|page=95}}</ref> with the [[Taifa of Lorca]] as one of these kingdoms, first created in 1042,<ref name="Salgado1991">{{cite book|last=Salgado|first=Felipe Maíllo|title=Crónica anónima de los Reyes de Taifas|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m7vY7m52DWYC&pg=PA43|access-date=14 May 2011|year=1991|publisher=[[Ediciones Akal]]|isbn=978-84-7600-730-3|page=43}}</ref> when Lorca declared its independence from the [[taifa of Valencia|emirate of Valencia]]. Its first governor was [[Ma'n Ibn Sumadih]], its power extending from the city to [[Jaén, Spain|Jaén]] and [[Baza, Granada|Baza]]. During the Arab period it was known as ''Lurka'' and the old part of the town, made up of narrow streets and alley-ways, achieved its present shape under Moorish rule. The eminent scholar of the Almoravid-era, [[Ibn 'Atiyya|Ibn Atiyyah]] Andalusi of Granada died in the town in the year 542A.H corresponding to around the year 1147. 
[[File:Porche de San Antonio.jpg|left|thumb|170px|Saint Anthony's Porch]]

The taifa was shortly recreated in 1228, after the fall of the [[Almoravids]], until it conquered by the [[Taifa of Murcia]]; in 1244, [[Fernando III]], King of [[Castilla y León]] and his son and heir, Prince Alfonso, the future [[Alfonso X of Castile]], conquered Lorca.<ref name="Barca1999">{{cite book|last=Barca|first=Pedro Calderón de la|title=El santo rey don Fernando: primera parte|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=slLI08tqAbgC&pg=PA96|access-date=14 May 2011|year=1999|publisher=Edition Reichenberger|isbn=978-3-931887-69-8|page=96}}</ref> The main tower of the fortress of Lorca was named ''Torre Alfonsina'' in honour of the King. The city continued to grow, as in Arab times, and became the main town in an emerging rich agricultural region, although the border hindered economic development.

Lorca, known as the city of 100 [[Coat of Arms]], is where the [[Moors]] and the [[Visigoths]] battled for control of the land; initially they both controlled the land up to the border on the north including the city of Larcia while in later years, the [[Christians]] and the [[Moors]] controlled the city and the land up to the southern border.<ref name="Lipscomb2005"/>

During the late Middle Ages, Lorca was a dangerous border town, spearhead of the Christian kingdom of Murcia (belonging to the Castilian crown) against the Moorish [[Emirate of Granada]]. Lorca served as a base for launching raids into enemy territory. The [[Battle of Los Alporchones]], took place here in 1452, during the reign of [[Juan II of Castile]], who ten years earlier had granted the Lorca the title of "[[city|ciudad]]." The Kingdom of Murcia took Granada in 1492.<ref name="Cobb1992">{{cite book|last=Cobb|first=Noel|title=Archetypal imagination: glimpses of the gods in life and art|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K0akHi-6VgQC&pg=PA118|access-date=14 May 2011|date=1 September 1992|publisher=SteinerBooks|isbn=978-0-940262-47-8|page=118}}</ref>

After the threat of war with Granada disappeared, the city changed in appearance, carrying out a series of urban reforms and developing trade. The numerous public works to be carried out attracted labourers from elsewhere, resulting in an increase in the population to 8,000 people. Among the new buildings include the [[College of Saint Patrick]], erected in 1553,<ref name="AznarVelázquez1945">{{cite book|last1=Aznar|first1=José Camón|authorlink1=José Camón Aznar|last2=Velázquez|first2=Instituto Diego|title=La Arquitectura plateresca: por José Camón Aznar....|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fSTqAAAAMAAJ|access-date=14 May 2011|year=1945|publisher=Instituto Diego Velázquez|page=147}}</ref> which is the religious centre of the city, as well as numerous convents, such as La Merced, Santo Domingo and San Francisco.
[[File:Castillo de Lorca (Fortaleza del Sol).JPG|thumb|left| Castle of Lorca]]
In the seventeenth century, Lorca took shape as a modern city, but still had defensive duties due to the Ottoman threat along the coast.
This century witnessed the expulsion of the Moors, the plague, which killed half the population, and droughts and locust plagues. Nevertheless, from 1660 a spectacular recovery and development began; amongst the construction of new buildings was the [[Palacio de Guevara]], built in 1694 and a fine example of [[baroque architecture]].<ref name="Coupe2010">{{cite book|last=Coupe|first=Alison|title=Michelin Green Guide Spain|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=djx05VxWn5MC&pg=PA498|access-date=14 May 2011|year=2010|publisher=Michelin Apa Publications|isbn=978-1-906261-92-4|page=498}}</ref> The eighteenth century is of vital importance for the city, being one of the regions favoured by the Bourbon reforms. Lorca truly became a modern city, losing its medieval character. The population grew, and urban sprawl began as immigrants settled in the suburbs of San Cristóbal and San José. The defensive wall disappeared, which is indicative of the greater security of the times. The city became a haven for painters, sculptors and engravers.

On 30 April 1802, a great calamity struck the town of Lorca. The walls of a nearby reservoir gave way, flooding the town and destroying many buildings and killing up to 700 people.<ref name="SmedleyRose1845"/><ref name="KingMas2001">{{cite book|last1=King|first1=Russell|last2=Mas|first2=Paolo de|last3=Mansvelt-Beck|first3=J.|title=Geography, environment and development in the Mediterranean|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J749Us2CoQAC&pg=PA271|access-date=14 May 2011|date=February 2001|publisher=Sussex Academic Press|isbn=978-1-898723-90-5|page=271}}</ref> In the nineteenth century, the War of Independence and [[yellow fever]] epidemics and recurring droughts brought famine to the region and brought about the emigration of more than twelve thousand people. By 1845 Lorca had become the largest and most populous municipality in Murcia.<ref name="SmedleyRose1845"/> Trade declined during the first half of the century, although in 1865 it received its first steam engine, the Sewer-Lorca railway opened in 1885 and the Baza-Lorca railway opened in 1890,<ref name="Bradshaw's railway manual, shareholders' guide and official directory">{{cite book|title=Bradshaw's railway manual, shareholders' guide and official directory|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YmbXAAAAMAAJ|access-date=14 May 2011|year=1894|publisher=W. J. Adams}}</ref> bringing integration of the region in the domestic market, enabling the movement of mineral deposits and people. Restoration in the late 19th century brought with it a period of prosperity and political calm, the roundabouts of San Vicente, the [[Teatro y Colón]], the [[Casino Artístico y Literario]] in 1885, the [[Teatro Guerra]] in 1861, and the [[Plaza de Toros]] in 1892, etc. were amongst the notable building developments of this time. The 1878 edition of ''The Globe Encyclopaedia of Universal Information'' described Lorca (spelled as'' 'Liorca')'' thus:
: a town of Spain, province of Murcia, on the Sangonera, {{Convert|50|mi|km|order=flip}} W. of Carthagena. It has an old Moorish castle, and manufactures of silks, soap, dye-stuffs, leather, paper, etc... Near Liorca are important lead mines. Pop. 40,000.<ref name="Globe">{{cite book|editor-last=Ross|editor-first=J.M.  |year=1878|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qkCwPOyRWTgC|title=The Globe Encyclopaedia of Universal Information|volume=IV|location= Edinburgh, Scotland|publisher= Thomas C. Jack, Grange Publishing Works|access-date= 2009-03-18|page=135}}</ref>
[[File:Calle de la Corredera.JPG|thumb|right|Calle de la Corredera]]
In the early twentieth century, intensive exploitation of mineral deposits of the coastal zone meant a revival of economic life in the region. The [[Spanish Civil War]] paradoxically brought about the beginning of population recovery, but in the post-World War II years the population stagnated as a result of emigration. But today the flow has been reversed: the leather, pottery, cement and butcheries make the municipality an agricultural and livestock industrial tone, involving a large percentage of the population. The twentieth century in Lorca has been a technological take-off, with slow and gradual change of social structures, the specialization of the productive sectors, etc.

On October 19, 1973, Lorca and [[Puerto Lumbreras]] suffered a terrible flood that took more than 50 lives.<ref name="KingMas2001"/>
[[File:Sinagoga lorca.jpg|thumb|Excavation of the Lorca synagogue found in 2002.]]
In 2002, during archeological excavations of the [[Lorca Castle]], the old [[Jewish Quarter (diaspora)|Judería]], or Jewish quarter, was uncovered, including the Synagogue of Lorca, which was one of the few [[synagogues]] in Spain that was not converted into a church after the [[Expulsion of the Jews from Spain|expulsion of the Jews]]. Items found during the excavation can be viewed at the Lorca Archeological Museum, including [[menorahs]] and other [[judaica]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=CASTELLANO |first1=ORGE |title=Spanish towns unearth ancient synagogues to bring back Jewish history — and tourists |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/spanish-towns-unearth-ancient-synagogues-to-bring-back-jewish-history-and-tourists/ |website=The Times of Israel |access-date=24 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lorca |url=https://jguideeurope.org/en/region/spain/murcia/lorca/#:~:text=The%20Jewish%20presence%20in%20Lorca,the%20surroundings%20of%20Lorca%20Castle. |website=JGuide Europe |access-date=24 June 2024}}</ref>

On January 29, 2005, an earthquake of 4.6 magnitude on the Richter scale with epicentre in the districts of [[La Paca]] (1,068 inhabitants in 2005) and [[Zarcilla de Ramos]] (1,077 inhabitants in 2005), caused damage especially in the structure of various buildings, and in [[Avilés, Murcia|Avilés]], [[Coy, Spain|Coy]], [[Doña Inés]], [[Don Gonzalo]], [[El Pardo, Lorca|El Pardo]], [[La Canaleja]] and [[Zarzadilla de Totana]]. This was however to be topped by worse.

In 2008, Lorca received the annual Honorary Diploma of Europe Awards from the [[Council of Europe]].

===2011 earthquake===
{{main|2011 Lorca earthquake}}
[[File:Hundimiento de la iglesia de Santiago tras el terremoto de Lorca.jpg|thumb|right|Damage to a church in Lorca]]
The town was seriously damaged by a magnitude 5.3 [[2011 Lorca earthquake|earthquake]] on 11 May 2011, killing at least nine people.<ref name=guardian>{{cite news|last=Tremlett|first=Giles|title=Spain Shocked by Deadly Earthquake|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/may/12/spain-earthquake-havoc-questions|access-date=12 May 2011|newspaper=The Guardian|date=12 May 2011}}</ref>
The [[United States Geological Survey]] (USGS) said the larger earthquake had a preliminary 5.3 magnitude, it was so superficial that the magnitude was like a 7 magnitude normal earthquake, and struck {{convert|350|km}} south-southeast of Madrid at 6:47&nbsp;p.m. (1647 GMT, 12:47&nbsp;p.m. EDT).{{Cite quote|date=January 2012}} The quake was about 1&nbsp;km (0.6&nbsp;mi) deep, and was preceded by the smaller one with a 4.5 magnitude in the same spot.{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}}

[[Lorca Castle]], a fortress of medieval origin constructed between the 9th and 15th centuries suffered serious damages to its walls and the Espolón Tower during this earthquake.<ref>{{cite web|author=M. Carmen Cruz |url=http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20110511/minuto-minuto-dos-mujeres-embarazadas-entre-ocho-muertos-terremoto-lorca/431935.shtml |title=Minuto a minuto: El funeral por las víctimas será esta tarde en el recinto de Santa Quiteria |publisher=RTVE.es |access-date=15 May 2011|date=2011-05-14 }}</ref>

== Titular see of Elicroca ==
The Ancient diocese was nominally restored as a [[titular see]] in 1969.
 
It has had the following incumbents, of both the lowest (episcopal) and intermediary (archiepiscopal) ranks :
* Titular Archbishop Paul Clarence Schulte (1970.01.03 – 1984.02.17)
* Titular Bishop Héctor Julio López Hurtado, [[Salesians]] (S.D.B.) (1987.12.15 – 1999.10.29)
* Titular Bishop Manuel Neto Quintas, [[Dehonians]] (S.C.I.) (2000.06.30 – 2004.04.22)
* Titular Bishop Matthias König (2004.10.14 – ...), [[Auxiliary Bishop]] of [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Paderborn|Paderborn]]

== Geography and climate ==
[[File:Lorca area.png|thumb|right|350px|Relief map. The [[Guadalentín River]] valley can be seen between the mountainous area of the northwest and northeast and the higher land between the valley and the coastline]]
The town is situated at an elevation of {{Convert|1200|ft|m|order=flip}} in eastern Spain between [[Granada]] and Murcia. It was part of the hura<ref name="Houtsma1993"/> of [[Tidmir]] in the Muslim period when it became well known for its fertile soil and subsoil, and for its strategic location. It is situated on the southern slopes of the [[Siera del Cano]] mountains. The [[Guadalentín River]] flows through the town.<ref name="Houtsma1993"/>

The municipality of Lorca is bound by [[Caravaca de la Cruz]] and [[Cehegín]] to the north, [[Mula (Murcia)|Mula]], [[Aledo, Murcia|Aledo]], [[Totana]] and [[Mazarrón]] to the east, [[Águilas]] to the south and [[Pulpí]], [[Puerto Lumbreras]], [[Huércal-Overa]], [[Vélez Rubio]] and [[Vélez Blanco]] to the east. The town of Lorca itself is located {{convert|36|mi|km|order=flip}} southwest of the city of [[Murcia]] and roughly {{Convert|25|mi|km|order=flip}} north of the coastal town of [[Aguilas]].<ref name="GM">{{cite map|title=[[Google Maps]]|publisher=Google<!--|access-date=15 May 2011-->}}</ref> Lorca is connected to [[Puerto Lumbreras]] in the southwest by [[European Route 15]] (Route A-7) and the village of [[Barranco del Prado]] just to the north. Beyond this the C-3211 road connects it to the city of [[Caravaca de la Cruz]] much further to the north.<ref name="GM"/>
Several towns and villages lie in the municipality, including [[La Paca]], [[Palm Zarcilla]], [[Avilés, Murcia|Avilés]], [[Coy, Spain|Coy]], [[Doña Inés]], [[Don Gonzalo]], [[El Pardo, Lorca|El Pardo]], [[La Canaleja]] and [[Zarzadilla de Totana]].

The municipality is very large at {{Convert|1676|km2|abbr=on}} and has a range of geographical features, extending from the coastline to the mountainous areas of the northwest and northeast of the municipality. Lorca formed around the [[Guadalentín River]] (in Arabic "mud river") in an arid valley. In fact, agriculture heavily depends on water transferred from the [[Tagus]] river in Central Spain. Irrigation channels were laid out all over the country by the [[Moors]] during the [[Middle Ages]]. These agricultural plains lie to the south of the main town in the valley, a strip which expands into the western part of the municipality. The area to the north is mountainous; to the northeast is the [[Parque Natural Sierra Espuna]].

===Districts of Lorca===
Lorca is divided into these districts:
{| border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="100%"
! width=25% valign="top" align="left" style="font-weight:normal"|
* Alfonso X El Sabio.
* Calvario.
* La Viña.
* Los Ángeles.
* San Antonio.
* San Cristóbal.
! width=25% valign="top" align="left" style="font-weight:normal"|
* San Fernando.
* San José.
* San Juan.
* Santa María.
* San Pedro.
* Santiago.
|}

===Beaches of Lorca===
The municipality of Lorca extends to the Mediterranean. There are many beaches in its {{convert|8|km|0|abbr=on}} litoral stretch of the coast line surrounded by hills with coves with sparse to dense vegetation.<ref name=Lorca>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lorcaturismo.es/solplayaing/index.asp|title=Sun and Beach|access-date=16 May 2011|publisher=LOrca Tourism|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517074244/http://www.lorcaturismo.es/solPlayaING/index.asp|archive-date=17 May 2008}}</ref><ref name=Beaches>{{Cite web|url=http://www.spain.info/no/resultados/resultados.html?municipio=Lorca&c1=Beaches&c2=Beaches&text=false|title=Beaches|access-date=16 May 2011|publisher=Sokersultat|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320100611/http://www.spain.info/no/resultados/resultados.html?municipio=Lorca&c1=Beaches&c2=Beaches&text=false|archive-date=20 March 2012}}</ref> Some of the popular beaches are: The Calnegre, a sand beach, 1200 m long and 20 m wide, is peaceful with the calm sea;<ref name=Lorca/><ref name=Beaches/> Cala Leña, part of the Blana Cove with backdrop of hills covered with good vegetation and facing crystal clear sea water;<ref name=Beaches/> El Ciscar, a gravel beach surrounded by low hills;<ref name=Beaches/> El Muerto beach with volcanic black sand and rock faces;<ref name=Beaches/> La Galera gravel beach in the backdrop of a cove and rock cliffs covered by vegetation;<ref name=Beaches/> Los Hierros, a gravel beach;<ref name=Beaches/> Larga beach, a 500 m wide gravel beach; and La Junquera, a small gravely beach with rocky landforms.<ref name=Lorca/><ref name=Beaches/> Calnegre beach is one of the best beaches in Spain

===Climate===
Lorca has a [[desert climate|cold desert climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''BWk'') closely bordering on a [[desert climate|hot desert climate]] (Köppen: ''BWh''),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aemet.es/es/serviciosclimaticos/datosclimatologicos/valoresclimatologicos|title=Valores Climatológicos Normales |website=Agencia Estatal de Meteorologia |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> with mild winters and hot summers, while precipitation is scarce throughout the year. It is one of the driest cities in [[Spain]] and [[Europe]], as well as one of very few areas with a desert climate.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://murciatoday.com/rain_free-corner-of-murcia-named-the-driest-spot-in-europe_1000014908-a.html|title=Driest spots in the Murcia region |website=murciatoday |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> During the winter, temperatures below {{convert|0|C|F}} occasionally occur, while on summer temperatures above {{convert|35|C|F}} are common, with peaks above {{convert|40|C|F}}.

{{Weather box
| location = Lorca (1991-2020), extremes (1955-present)
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| Jan record high C = 27.6
| Feb record high C = 29.0
| Mar record high C = 34.0
| Apr record high C = 36.4
| May record high C = 37.9
| Jun record high C = 41.9
| Jul record high C = 44.5
| Aug record high C = 45.0
| Sep record high C = 41.9
| Oct record high C = 34.1
| Nov record high C = 32.0
| Dec record high C = 29.3
| year record high C = 
| Jan high C = 16.1
| Feb high C = 17.3
| Mar high C = 19.8
| Apr high C = 22.3
| May high C = 26.2
| Jun high C = 30.8
| Jul high C = 34.0
| Aug high C = 34.0
| Sep high C = 29.3
| Oct high C = 24.8
| Nov high C = 19.4
| Dec high C = 16.8
| year high C = 
| Jan mean C = 10.0
| Feb mean C = 11.1
| Mar mean C = 13.4
| Apr mean C = 15.8
| May mean C = 19.6
| Jun mean C = 23.8
| Jul mean C = 26.7
| Aug mean C = 27.0
| Sep mean C = 23.1
| Oct mean C = 18.8
| Nov mean C = 13.7
| Dec mean C = 10.8
| year mean C = 
| Jan low C = 3.9
| Feb low C = 4.9
| Mar low C = 7.0
| Apr low C = 9.4
| May low C = 12.9
| Jun low C = 16.7
| Jul low C = 19.4
| Aug low C = 20.0
| Sep low C = 16.8
| Oct low C = 12.7
| Nov low C = 7.8
| Dec low C = 4.8
| year low C = 
| Jan record low C = -6.0
| Feb record low C = -5.5
| Mar record low C = -3.7
| Apr record low C = -0.8
| May record low C = 1.6
| Jun record low C = 7.8
| Jul record low C = 9.3
| Aug record low C = 8.2
| Sep record low C = 5.8
| Oct record low C = 1.8
| Nov record low C = -3.0
| Dec record low C = -5.5
| year record low C = 
| Jan precipitation mm = 16.1
| Feb precipitation mm = 15.8
| Mar precipitation mm = 22.3
| Apr precipitation mm = 21.7
| May precipitation mm = 19.7
| Jun precipitation mm = 11.9
| Jul precipitation mm = 1.4
| Aug precipitation mm = 8.9
| Sep precipitation mm = 29.9
| Oct precipitation mm = 24.3
| Nov precipitation mm = 24.6
| Dec precipitation mm = 19.8
| year precipitation mm =
| precipitation color = green 
| Jan precipitation days = 2.5
| Feb precipitation days = 2.6
| Mar precipitation days = 3.2
| Apr precipitation days = 3.5
| May precipitation days = 2.8
| Jun precipitation days = 1.5
| Jul precipitation days = 0.2
| Aug precipitation days = 1.0
| Sep precipitation days = 3.0
| Oct precipitation days = 3.1
| Nov precipitation days = 3.5
| Dec precipitation days = 2.4
| year precipitation days = 
| unit precipitation days = 1 mm
| Jan humidity = 65
| Feb humidity = 62
| Mar humidity = 60
| Apr humidity = 56
| May humidity = 53
| Jun humidity = 48
| Jul humidity = 49
| Aug humidity = 53
| Sep humidity = 61
| Oct humidity = 65
| Nov humidity = 67
| Dec humidity = 67
| year humidity = 
| source 1 = [[Agencia Estatal de Meteorología]] (AEMET OpenData)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://opendata.aemet.es/centrodedescargas/inicio|title=AEMET OpenData|access-date=4 September 2024|language=es}}</ref>
| date = September 2024
| source = 
}}

== Notable landmarks ==
===Lorca Castle===
[[File:Castillo de Lorca1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The [[Lorca Castle]] that overlooks the city of Lorca with Alfonis and Espolón Towers]]
{{Main|Lorca Castle}}
The Lorca Castle, which overlooks the city of Lorca from a strategic location, and is thus distinctly visible from a distance, was built by the Moorish inhabitants during the 13th century. Its history dates back to the Islamic period when it was built between 8th and 12th centuries; some remnants of which are still seen in the form of water systems in the older part of the castle.<ref name="JenkinsJenkins2006">{{cite book|author1=Debbie Jenkins|author2=Marcus Jenkins|title=A Brit's Scrapbook: Going Native in Murc|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LL1YsrgKd1cC&pg=PA63|access-date=15 May 2011|date=June 2006|publisher=Cabal Group Limited|isbn=978-1-905430-21-5|pages=63–64}}</ref> The Alfonsí Tower is of a rectangular shape which is built in the castle. The castle has a polygonal floor plan. The tower has three sections. Gothic vaulted ceilings are seen in its three sections.<ref name=Alfon>{{Cite web|url=http://www.spain.info/en/conoce/monumentos/murcia/castillo_de_lorca.html|title= Castillo de Lorca – Lorca Castle|access-date=15 May 2011|publisher=Canoce|date= 2007-04-23}}</ref> It also has the Espolón Tower. During the final stages of Christian reconquest, the Moors had taken refuge in the castle. Alphonse tower was added to the fort defences when Alfonso X had retaken the city in 1243 provided security to the turrets and crenels of the fort.<ref name="Lipscomb2005"/> The castle is now a popular place for holding fiestas and civic functions.<ref name="JenkinsJenkins2006"/> The castle is also transformed into a theme park with fine display of "dioramas, actors in costumes and various gadgetry."<ref name="Simonis2009"/>

===Plaza de España===
[[File:Colegiata San Patricio.jpg|thumb|300px|Colegiata de San Patricio on the Plaza de España.]]
The Plaza de España (Spanish Square) is one of the most emblematic monuments of the city, located in the heart of Lorca's historical centre. Containing the Collegiate San Patricio and the Chambers of the Collegiate members, the Casa del Corregidor and Posito, the granary of the 16th century, amongst others<ref name="Simonis2009"/> They were built between the 16th and 18th centuries. The Plaza has been declared a Cultural Monument.

=== Colegiata de San Patricio ===
[[File:Lorca - Fachada de la Colegiata de San Patricio.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Facade of the Colegiata de San Patricio]]
The Collegiate Church of San Patricio is a Renaissance-style building situated on the Plaza de España. It was declared a National Historic-Artistic site by decree of January 27, 1941. The Collegiate is the only one in Spain which is under the patronage of [[St. Patrick]]. The dedication to the Irish saint, has its origins in the [[Battle of Los Alporchones]], fought on March 17, 1452 (St. Patrick's Day) against people of the city of Granada.
The church began construction in 1533 under [[Pope Clement VII]] on the spot of the old church of San Jorge. Construction, however, was delayed until 1704.<ref name="Lipscomb2005">{{cite book|last=Lipscomb|first=Kelly|title=Adventure Guides Spain|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Px4X9sClzDMC&pg=PA345|access-date=19 May 2011|date=15 February 2005|publisher=Hunter Publishing, Inc|isbn=978-1-58843-398-5|page=345}}</ref> The church features a baroque façade with Renaissance interiors.<ref name="Simonis2009"/>

===Museums===
The city has many museums of which the Museo de Arqueologico Municipal maintained by the Plaza de Juan Moreno is popular. There is also an embroidery museum. The city hall has many paintings of battles that were fought in and around Lorca. Paintings of local artists are also on display here.<ref name="JenkinsJenkins2006"/>

;Museo Arqueológico
[[File:Museo lorca.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Archaeological Museum of Lorca]]]]
The [[Archaeological Museum of Lorca]] is located in the renovated "House of Salazar" which had been built in the early seventeenth century. The museum is a store house of all the archaeological antiquaries found during excavations in several historical areas of Lorca and from other regions in Spain. Limestone statues made in the Lavant area of Lorca decorate the façade. These statues carved are of Mary Natareloo Salazar flanked by figures of two naked female torsos.<ref name="Simonis2009"/><ref name=Museum>{{Cite web|url=http://www.museoarqueologicodelorca.com/index.php?id=edificio|title= Historia de la casa de María Natarello Salazar|access-date=16 May 2011|publisher= museoarqueologicodelorca.com}}</ref> Inside the museum exhibits are in several sections arranged in a sequence. In the lobby and the first section of the museum the exhibits are: Prehistoric [[Paleolithic]] (95000-32000 BC) and [[Chalcolithic]] period (32,000 to 9000 BC) finds seen in the flint section consist of antiquaries of scrapers, knives and points used by the hunters and gatherers who lived in Black Hill of Jofré and the Correia in Lorca; utensils arrowheads, axes, polished piece, handmade pottery, beads of people who lived in the region of Lorca during the late Neolithic period (3500 BC); the Copper Age (3000 BC) findings of funerary objects found in the caves of the hills in Lorca; stone architecture of the [[megaliths]] of the Black Hill in Lorca; the later part of the third millennium idols made from clay, bone and stone from the excavations from the Glorieta de San Vicente (Lorca city), one particular item of display is the triangular plate of stone painted in black with schematic rock art painting and other animal on the shoulder blade; the two columns of Emperor Augustus (8–7 BC) and Emperor Diocletian; and the Roman period mosaics, faces of Venus and the nine females of the period.<ref name="Simonis2009"/><ref name=Museum/><ref name="Section1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.museoarqueologicodelorca.com/index.php?id=sala1|title= Sala1|access-date=16 May 2011|publisher= museoarqueologicodelorca.com}}</ref>

===Other monuments===
[[File:Posito de Lorca.jpg|thumb|right|16th century granary]]
[[File:San Francisco lorca2.jpg|thumb|right|Iglesia de San Francisco]]
[[File:San julian lorca.jpg|thumb|right|San Julián]]
Lorca is studded with ancient monuments built in baroque architecture, Roman villas, palaces, unique works of art.<ref name=Porch>{{Cite web|url=http://www.masainternational.com/spain/lorca|title=Lorca|access-date=16 May 2011|publisher=Masinternational.com}}</ref>
In the central part of the town, La Casa de Guevara is one of the ancient baroque buildings built between 16th and 18th centuries by the Guevara family. Another historical monument is the Iglesia de San Mateo, which has an impressive vaulted interior.<ref name="JenkinsJenkins2006"/>

*A Roman Milepost of 10 BC of [[Emperor Augustus]] period over which a statue of San Vincente erected in the 15th century is an important landmark on the Columnia Milenaria."<ref name="JenkinsJenkins2006"/> It is located on the located on the Calle de la Corredera
*[[Lorca City Hall]], built in the 17th–18th centuries, initially as a prison<ref name="JenkinsJenkins2006"/>
* Medieval walls and gate or porch of ''San Antonio'' (13th-early 14th centuries) of Arabic origin was the main entrance gate then.<ref name=Porch/>
* Monumental complex of ''Santo Domingo'' (16th–18th centuries), formed by the namesake church, the ''Capilla del Rosario'' and remains of a convent's cloister.
* [[Iglesia de San Francisco (Lorca)]] (1561–1735), also known as the temple of San Francisco, is a national monument. It was first built by the [[Franciscan Order]] in the middle of the 16th century which was later totally rebuilt in the 17th century. It has many baroque altar pieces made by Ginés López in 1694. In the 18th century, Jerónimo Caballero added two high altarpieces of the [[transept]] that are dedicated to the [[Anthony the Great|Saint Antonio]] and to [[True Cross|Vera Cruz]] and to the [[Blood of Christ]]. In 1941, the 'Virgin de los Dolores' altarpiece made by José Capuz was added.<ref name=San>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lorcaturismo.es/turismoUrbanoING/monumentosDetalle.asp?id=17|title=San Francisco Church|access-date=16 May 2011|publisher=lorcaturismo|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100921110907/http://lorcaturismo.es/turismoUrbanoING/monumentosDetalle.asp?id=17|archive-date=21 September 2010}}</ref>
* Palace of the counts of San Julián, in Baroque-Neo[[mudéjar]] style (17th century)
*''Huerto Ruano'' Palace, an urban villa from the 19th century
* [[Casa del Corregidor (Lorca)|Casa del Corregidor]], house built in the 18th century<ref>{{Cite web|last=Murcia|first=Instituto de Turismo de la Región de|title=Casa del Corregidor : Official Murcia Region tourist site|url=https://www.murciaturistica.es/en/monument/casa-del-corregidor-244/|access-date=2021-03-19|website=murciaturistica.es|language=en}}</ref>
* [[Pósito de los Panaderos (Lorca)|Pósito de los Panaderos]], granary house, built in the 16th century
* [[Columna Miliaria]], Roman structure
* [[Convento Virgen de las Huertas]], Franciscan convent destroyed during a raid in 1653 and rebuilt
* [[Convento de las Mercedarias]] (16th century)<ref>{{Cite web|last=Murcia|first=Instituto de Turismo de la Región de|title=Convento de las Madres Mecedarias : Official Murcia Region tourist site|url=https://www.murciaturistica.es/en/monument/convento-de-las-madres-mecedarias-5602/|access-date=2021-03-19|website=murciaturistica.es|language=en}}</ref>
* [[Palacio de Guevara]] (17th–18th century)
* [[Antiguo Convento de la Merced]]
* [[Antiguo Colegio de la Purísima]] (18th century), now housing the Conservatorio de Música Narciso Yepes.
* [[Iglesia del Carmen (Lorca)|Iglesia del Carmen]], 18th-century church
* Iglesia de San Cristóbal (17th–18th century).
* [[Iglesia de San Diego]] (17th century).
* [[Iglesia de San Mateo (Lorca)|Iglesia de San Mateo]] (18th–19th century).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Murcia|first=Instituto de Turismo de la Región de|title=Iglesia de San Mateo : Official Murcia Region tourist site|url=https://www.murciaturistica.es/en/monument/iglesia-de-san-mateo-278/|access-date=2021-03-19|website=murciaturistica.es|language=en}}</ref>
* Casino Artístico, Andalusian-style building, designed by Manuel Martínez Lorca.
* [[Teatro Guerra]] is the oldest theatre in the Murcia Region, inaugurated in 1861.
* Cámara Agrícola (early twentieth century), [[Art Nouveau]] building, unusual in this part of the Region of Murcia, designed by [[Mario Spottorno]],
* Puente de Piedra (19th century), bridge
* Puente de la Torta (1910), bridge built in 1910 from concrete
* [[Plaza de Toros]] (1892).

== Economy ==
[[File:Ayuntamiento de Lorca2.JPG|thumb|[[Lorca City Hall]]]]
After most of the land and water supplies had been held for centuries by a minority of landowners and by Roman Catholic [[Order (religious)|religious orders]], Lorca began a period of sluggish economic growth during the 1960s.

Still today, its economy is largely based on agriculture and stock breeding (pigs and brown cows), although its service industries make it the commercial capital of the surrounding area. The economy of the town is thus dependent largely on export of pork products and textiles.<ref name="Simonis2009"/> It also has saltpetre, gunpowder, and lead-smelting works. In recent years, Lorca has experienced a population growth because of peasant immigration, mostly coming from [[Ecuador]] and [[Morocco]].

Lorca has launched a programme to boost its economy by attracting local, national and international industrial houses to set up base in the city and its precincts by identifying land for allotment to set up industrial parks, Research and Development (R&D) projects. Some of the important recent actions taken by the [[Lorca City Hall]] relate to allotment of {{Convert|52|ha}} of land for development through 60 local entrepreneurial projects, {{Convert|77|ha}} to promote investments that would create employment and maximize the Lorca economy, {{Convert|130|ha}} allotted to [[Turkey|Turkish]] investors to develop corporate projects, approval of land programmes for development of Serrata Industrial Park by the Lorca Land and Housing firm (SUVILOR) to develop five parks, setup Health Sciences University Campus for the 2010–2011 under agreements with [[Israel]]i firms. Further advantages cited for firms to set up their establishments in Lorca are the approved plans for the allotment of land of {{Convert|100000|m2|abbr=on}} in [[Hoya, Spain|Hoya]] {{Convert|800000|m2|abbr=on}} in [[Purias]] and the identification of land for Zarcilla de Ramos, Zarzadilla de Totana, La Paca and Almendricos for development of industries.<ref name=Invest>{{Cite web|url=http://www.investinmurcia.com/invest/docbasico.jsp?id=3&sub=&s=&doc=562|title=Lorca, internationally recognised industrial location|access-date=15 May 2011|publisher=Investmentmurcia in Spain|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324031540/http://www.investinmurcia.com/invest/docbasico.jsp?id=3&sub=&s=&doc=562|archive-date=24 March 2012}}</ref>

The [[Region of Murcia]], the City Council of Lorca, the Chamber of Commerce of Lorca and the Confederation of Entrepreneurs of the Region of Lorca (Ceclor), as a consortium, have formed the LORCATUR to develop cultural tourism of Lorca. The emphasis is on promoting urban tourist circuits and thematic itineraries. To this end, plans have been taken up to conserve, preserve and restore the built heritage of the city, regenerate urban areas for residents and tourists, and diversify the historical and cultural heritage.<ref name=tourism>{{Cite web|url=http://www.culture-routes.lu/picture/IMG/pdf/Best_practice_24.pdf|title=Best practice 24: Protection and rehabilitation of the Lorca, Spain|access-date=15 May 2011|publisher=Culture Routes|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929041741/http://www.culture-routes.lu/picture/IMG/pdf/Best_practice_24.pdf|archive-date=29 September 2011}}</ref>

== Cultural activity ==
[[File:Mantos del Triunfo del Cristianismo.JPG|thumb|right|Semana Santa]]
===Holy Week===
The Holy Week celebration popularly known as the [[Semana Santa in Spain|Semana Santa]]. Semana Santa festival has been popularised since 1855. It is said to be the best festival held anywhere in Spain where two brotherhoods vie with each other to display two colours namely the Azul (blue) and Blanco (white) for the highly competitive festive display of cloaks. Each of the brotherhood in Lorca, on this occasion, carries an image of [[Virgin Mary]] – one draped in a blue cloak and another in white cloak with a banner and a museum. Music played on this occasion is of a different rhythm is reverential and vigorously mixing the story of [[Old Testament]] and the [[New Testament]]. Apart from this annual festival, there are four small museums where exhibits of Semana Santa costumes are on display. These costumes are finely embroidered on silk and depict historical and religious scenes; some of these cloaks are as long as {{Convert|5|m}}.<ref name="Simonis2009">{{cite book|author=Damien Simonis|title=Spain|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B1pFbOvxN1wC&pg=PA705|access-date=15 May 2011|date=1 March 2009|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=978-1-74179-000-9|pages=705–706}}</ref>

===Other Fiestas===
Fiesta celebration for La Virgen de Las Huertas is held on 8 September every year.<ref name="JenkinsJenkins2006"/>

== Education ==
Centres of education in Lorca:<ref>{{Cite web|title=Listado de centros|url=https://transparencia.carm.es/documents/184026/184318/Directorio+de+centros+educativos+p%C3%BAblicos/5822499b-8648-4325-88fe-e10101e3bb66|access-date=2021-03-19|website=Portal de Transparencia Región de Murcia|pages=21–23|archive-date=2017-02-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214124149/http://transparencia.carm.es/documents/184026/184318/Directorio+de+centros+educativos+p%C3%BAblicos/5822499b-8648-4325-88fe-e10101e3bb66|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{| border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="100%"
! width=25% valign="top" align="left" style="font-weight:normal"|
* Primary Schools
** Colegio San Francisco de Asís
** Colegio Madre de Dios
** Colegio "Ciudad del Sol"
** C.P. Alfonso X El Sabio
** C.P. Almendricos
** C.P. Andrés García Soler
** C.P. Andrés Manjón
** C.P. Casa del niño
** C.P. Comarcal Marchena
** C.P. Comarcal Pasico-Campillo
** C.P. José Robles
** C.P. Juan González
** C.P. Juan Navarro
** C.P. La Torrecilla
** C.P. Las librilleras
** C.P. Muñoz Barberán
** C.P. Narciso Yepes
** C.P. Ntra. Sra. De La Asunción
** C.P. Pasico Campillo
** C.P. Pérez de Hita
** C.P. Petra González
** C.P. Preescolar Muñoz Barberán
** C.P. Purias
** C.P. Sagrado Corazón
** C.P. San Cristóbal
** C.P. San Fernando
** C.P. San José
** C.P. Villaespesa
** C.P. Virgen de las Huertas
** C.P. Zarzadilla de Ramos
** C.P. Zarzadilla de Totana
** C.P. Zona Calvario

! width=25% valign="top" align="left" style="font-weight:normal"|
* High schools
** Instituto José Ibánez Martín
** Instituto Príncipe de Asturias
** Instituto Ramón Arcas Meca
** Instituto Ros Giner
** Instituto San Juan Bosco
** Instituto Sierra Almenara de Purias
** Instituto La Paca
** Instituto nº 6
* Libraries
** Biblioteca Municipal Pilar Barnés
** Biblioteca Príncipe de Asturias
** Biblioteca De la Paca
** Biblioteca de La Hoya
** Biblioteca de Almendricos
** Biblioteca de Zarcilla de Ramos
** Biblioteca de Purias
** Biblioteca Marchena-Aguaderas
** Biblioteca Infantil
** Centro Cultural
* Others
** [[Escuela Oficial de Idiomas]]
** Escuela de Capacitación Agraria
** Centro Público de Educación Especial Pilar Soubrier
** Centro de Educación Temprana
** Centro de Educación de Personas Adultas "Alto Guadalentín"
** Centro Integrado de Formación Profesional, rama sanitaria.
* Universities
** Campus Universitario de Ciencias Sociosanitarias (University of Murcia)

|}

== Healthcare ==
The public health system that exists in Lorca is managed by the [[Servicio Murciano de Salud]] (SMS). In February 2010, Rafael Méndez Hospital was accredited University General Hospital.<ref name="hospital">{{cite web |url=http://www.laverdad.es/murcia/v/20100219/lorca/rafael-mendez-recibe-acreditacion-20100219.html |title=El Rafael Méndez recibe la acreditación de Hospital General Universitario |access-date=19 May 2011 |publisher= [[La Verdad (Murcia)|La Verdad]] |language=es|date=2010-02-19 }}</ref>

[[File:Hospital Rafael Méndez (Lorca-Murcia 2008).jpg|thumb|300px|Hospital General Universitario Rafael Méndez]]

=== Hospitals ===
* Hospital General Universitario Rafael Méndez<ref name="hospital" />
* Hospital Virgen del Alcázar

=== Health centres ===
The health centres below are placed in the municipality:
* Centro de Salud Lorca-San Diego<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Zona Básica de Salud: 46-Lorca/San Diego|url=http://www.murciasalud.es/caps.php?op=mostrar_zbs&id_zbs=46&idsec=6|access-date=2021-03-19|website=MurciaSalud, el portal sanitario de la Región de Murcia}}</ref>
* Centro de Salud Lorca-Sur
* Centro de Salud Lorca-Centro<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Zona Básica de Salud: 45-Lorca/Centro|url=http://www.murciasalud.es/caps.php?op=mostrar_zbs&id_zbs=45&idsec=6|access-date=2021-03-19|website=MurciaSalud, el portal sanitario de la Región de Murcia|language=Spanish}}</ref>
* Centro de Salud La Paca<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Zona Básica de Salud: 48-Lorca/La Paca|url=http://www.murciasalud.es/caps.php?op=mostrar_zbs&id_zbs=48&idsec=6|access-date=2021-03-19|website=MurciaSalud, el portal sanitario de la Región de Murcia}}</ref>
* Centro de Salud Sutullena<ref>{{Cite web|title=Centro de Salud Lorca Sutullena|url=http://www.murciasalud.es/caps.php?op=mostrar_centro&id_centro=277&idsec=6|access-date=2021-03-19|website=MurciaSalud, el portal sanitario de la Región de Murcia|language=Spanish}}</ref>

=== Clinics ===
The primary care health centre with the fewest functions below are located in the municipality:<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Zona Básica de Salud: 88-Lorca/San Cristóbal|url=http://www.murciasalud.es/caps.php?op=mostrar_zbs&id_zbs=88&idsec=6|access-date=2021-03-19|website=MurciaSalud, el portal sanitario de la Región de Murcia}}</ref><ref name=":0" />{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* Consultorio La Torrecilla
* Consultorio Morata
* Consultorio Coy
* Consultorio Zarzadilla de Totana
* Consultorio Las Terreras
* Consultorio Tova-La Parroquia
* Consultorio Campillo
* Consultorio Escucha
* Consultorio Ramonete
* Consultorio Cazalla
* Consultorio Zarcilla de Ramos
* Consultorio Doña Inés
* Consultorio La Campana / Pozo Higuera
* Consultorio Aguaderas
* Consultorio Campo López
* Consultorio Avilés
* Consultorio La Hoya
* Consultorio Marchena
* Consultorio Puente La Pía
* Consultorio Purias
* Consultorio Tercia
* Consultorio Consejero
* Consultorio Almendricos
* Consultorio Torrecilla
{{div col end}}

== Sports ==
===Sports teams===
[[File:Lorca - Villarreal B 1.JPG|thumb|right|[[Estadio Francisco Artés Carrasco]]]]
;Athletics
* [[Atletismo Eliocroca]], an athletic club participating at the regional level (cross country, indoor track, outdoor track, route, half marathon, [[marathon]], 100&nbsp;km).

;Football
* [[Lorca FC]], football team previously based in the hamlet of La Hoya which is currently active in [[Tercera División]].
* [[CF Lorca Deportiva]], football team in [[Segunda División B]]
* [[Lorca Deportiva CF]] (2002–2010)
* [[Lorca Atlético CF]] (2010–2012)
* [[Unión Deportiva Zarcilla]], football team which is active in the [[Preferente Autonómica de la Región de Murcia]].

;Rugby
* Club Rugby Lorca

;Futsal
* [[Ciudad de Lorca Fútbol Sala]]

;Basketball
* [[Indigo Química]], basketball team that plays in the [[Primera Autonómica]].

;Handball
* [[Club Balonmano Lorca]], team that plays in the [[Segunda División Nacional Masculina y Femenina]].
* [[Asociación Deportiva Eliocroca]], team that plays in [[Segunda División Nacional]].

;Volleyball
* [[Asociación Deportiva Eliocroca]], team which plays in the [[Liga FEV]].

;Swimming
* [[Club Natación Lorca]].

===Sports stadiums and venues===
* [[Estadio Francisco Artés Carrasco]]
* [[Complejo deportivo Europa]]
* [[Ciudad deportiva de La Torrecilla]]
* [[Pabellón municipal de San José]]
* [[Pabellón municipal San Antonio]]
* [[Pabellón municipal de Almendricos]]
* [[Pabellón municipal de Las Alamedas]]

== Notable people ==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Joaquín Arderíus]]
* [[José Luis Munuera]] (1972–), comics artist
* [[Juan de Toledo]], architect
* [[Juan Zurano]] (1948–), retired professional cyclist
* [[Narciso Yepes]], guitarist
* [[Rafael Maroto]], (1783–1853) military general
* [[Ramiro de Lorca]] (1452–1502), condottiero 
{{div col end}}
==See also==
* [[List of municipalities in the Region of Murcia]]

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Sources and external links==
{{commons category|Lorca}}
{{Americana Poster}}
* [http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/former/t0700.htm GigaCatholic on Elicirca bishopric, with titular incumbent biography links]
* [http://www.lorca.es Ayuntamiento de Lorca]
* [https://www.camaralorca.com/ Cámara de Comercio e Industria de Lorca]
* [http://www.museoarqueologicodelorca.com Museo Arqueológico Lorca]
* [http://www.viva-murcia.com/lorca_p128.php Viva Murcia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124112422/http://www.viva-murcia.com/lorca_p128.php |date=2021-01-24 }} community info/photos from Lorca town

{{Murcia}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Lorca, Spain| ]]
[[Category:Municipalities in the Region of Murcia]]