March 14 to 17 Saint Patrick’s Day specials at Lorca castle!

Treat yourself to a day at the impregnable castle of Lorca with lunch and admission to all the most interesting attractions included

The affinity between the city of Lorca and Saint Patrick is possibly unique in Spain, with the former Collegiate Church of San Patricio reportedly being the only one in the whole country dedicated to the patron of Ireland!

The reason for this is that over 570 years ago, on 17^th March 1452, the Battle of Los Alporchones took place in the countryside of Lorca, a conflict in which the forces of Castilla, led by Alonso Fajardo “El Bravo” overcame the invading troops of Malik ibn al-Abbas from the Moorish kingdom of Al-Andalus, thus preventing a plan to raid the southern part of what is now the Region of Murcia.

Soon after the victory the local population decided to name their large new church after St Patrick to thank him for his help in securing their safety, and this was to become one of the most important (and biggest!) churches in south-eastern Spain for centuries.

(Click here for an overview of the history of Lorca between the Roman era and the expulsion of the Moors from Spain in 1492)

The feast day of San Patricio is still commemorated and celebrated in Lorca, and this year a special package has been prepared at the castle, which proved impregnable throughout the conflicts of the Middle Ages. This package includes tickets to the three main areas of this fortress – the keeps of the Torre Alfonsina and the Torre Espolón and the remains of the 15^th-century synagogue - with an audio guide in several different languages so that you can visit at your own pace.

Also available is a menu prepared with locally sourced produce at the Las Caballerizas del Castillo de Lorca restaurant in the parade ground at the foot of the Alfonsina Tower.

On top of that, reserve your tickets and menu package, and they’re giving away a free beer to toast St. Patrick's Day!

This offer is available on 14^th, 15^th, 16^th and 17^th March at a price of 29.95 euros, with kids under 12 allowed in completely free (menu not included)!

Lunch is served in the Las Caballerizas del Castillo restaurant at 14.00.

Booking is available through the regional tourist board website here.

For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist office at the Palacio de Guevara (telephone 968 441914) or go to the home page of Lorca Today.