Murcia - Vegetable Garden of Europe

Murcia (Murcia) - the administrative center of the Spanish province of the same name , undeservedly forgotten by tourists. The region is called the "Vegetable Garden" of Europe, as it provides the entire Old World with its supplies of fruits and vegetables. This is a real "greenhouse" of Spain, which is also famous for its contrasting landscapes and endless beaches. Lush gardens adjoin to these deserts, and medieval ruins with modern resorts.

Founded Murcia (Murcia) Arab ruler Abd-Ed-Rahman as early as 831. Located in the south-east of the country - between Castile-La Mancha, Andalusia and Valencia. In the south, the mountains approach directly to the sea, forming a rocky coast, and in the north is the lagoon of the Maar Menor with small islands of volcanic origin.

The vast fields and picturesque gardens are located along the Segura River. Strange, there is almost no rain, but, despite this, vegetables, flowers and fruits grow here in great abundance! This is explained simply, along the coast a huge number of stations have been created that process seawater into drinking water.

History

Earlier the region was inhabited by Carthaginians and Iberian tribes. Murcia (Murcia) was at the intersection of trade routes, so the locals were famous for their excellent merchants and seafarers. The Moors created a unique irrigation system here. In ancient times, there was a Carthaginian colony and an independent kingdom. King Alfonso X defeated the Arabs in 1266 and annexed the territory to the Spanish kingdom.

Beaches

The main attractions that attract tourists here are the amazing beaches, where the sunny weather always reigns. Along the Murcia coast stretches the beach of Costa Calida, where the tiniest sand and very mild climate. There is also a lagoon with salt water of the Maar Menor, connecting with the sea, and the most popular resort of Spain is La Manga del Maar Menor.

La Manga is a narrow, very long spit that separates the lagoon from the Mediterranean Sea. The water here is always warm, since the depth does not exceed 1.7 meters. In recent years, this resort has become the most prestigious, fashionable and promising. This is a real paradise between the two seas! Luxury modern hotels with the highest level of service, developed sports infrastructure, favorable climate - attract tourists here. This is an ideal place for both treatment, for family holidays, and for outdoor activities.

Costa Blanca is deservedly called the "White Beach". This is the main tourist center of the region and the country's record holder in terms of the number of "blue flags". Here, event, cognitive, sporting, cultural and ecological recreation is perfectly developed.

Attractions, Entertainment

In Murcia, countless architectural monuments of the Baroque period. Fortress Castillo de Monteagudo - the heritage of Arab rule, where you can admire the winding streets and remnants of the fortress itself.

The main architectural monument is the cathedral built in the 14th century on the foundation of the mosque. The building is built in the Gothic style, and the tower in the Renaissance style. The facade of the cathedral is striking: the most amazing example of Baroque beauty! Remarkable and the theater Rome, considered the main Spanish theater. Look at the aquarium at the University of Murcia, this building will surprise you with the brightest representatives of the marine fauna of the Pacific and Indian oceans. In the museum of Salzio are the sculptures of Francisco Salcio.

The city of Cartagena has an ancient, long history. Interest to him all the Mediterranean civilizations because of the richest natural resources and convenient natural bay. The city was founded by Carthaginians back in 221, and at different times it was under the authority of veterans, Romans, Muslims, Castilians, Byzantines and sea robbers. Now it is a large naval base and a large commercial port. On the shore of the bay you can admire the old quarter, and in the city center a submarine, set on a pedestal.

In Aguilas you can get on an amazing three-day unusually fun carnival! Here you can see all kinds of festive outfits of the brightest colors! And in the end you will witness the battle of eggs.

International folklore festivals in Murcia are represented by numerous teams from all over the world.

In Valencia, you will not be afraid to get lost, but on the contrary, it's even nice! Start acquaintance with the cent - St. Mary's Square, then look at the amazing watchtowers, the Basilica of the Virgin Mary, the huge statue of Gulliver, the Silk Exchange, the Holy Martyr's Crypt, the Royal Gardens and the Pottery Park. You can also have fun in Valencia during the fire festival (in March) and visit the dolphinarium. The real pride of the city is the City of Science and Art - incredible in size, with a gallery, an opera house, an oceanographic park and a planetarium.

Kitchen

The cuisine of Murcia is also one of the main attractions. Since the region is widely known for its fruits and vegetables, there is an incredible amount of stunning vegetable and fruit salads. Dishes are prepared mainly on the basis of rice. A huge popularity among tourists enjoy pies with meat fillings. Try the Migas ruhleras (flour dish), sardines on the grill, the amazing Pastel de Sierva pie (with eggs and meat), snails with rice, peppered goat cheese. Lovers of sweet will be delighted with the unique local dessert paparahote prepared from cinnamon, flour, milk, lemon and sugar (usually it is prepared for festivals).

In addition, there are fine wines - pink, white and red. Their recipes are kept in secret and passed down from generation to generation from the time of the Roman Empire. And they are made from grapes grown in local vineyards. Many of them have international prizes.

The amazing region of Spain is waiting for its tourists and does not cease to amaze!