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Three new miniature sculptures for the Palacio de Guevara in Lorca
19th-century works by Augustin Moreau-Vauthier have been restored in Lorca
The already impressive decoration at the Palacio de Guevara in Lorca has been made still more attractive this week with the addition of three new sculptures dating from the mid-19th century, two of them by Augustin Moreau-Vauthier and the other of unknown provenance, after treatment at the municipal restoration workshop.
The Palacio de Guevara, also known as the Casa de las Columnas, was inhabited by noble occupants for approximately 300 years after it was built by Juan de Guevara and his son Gómez de Guevara, with the last owner apart from the Town Hall being Concepción Sandoval Moreno, Baroness of Petrés y de Mayals (1893-1988). Over that time a vast array of beautiful furniture was collected, some of the finest still being on display for visitors to admire at what has become one of the most popular destinations in Lorca since its reopening earlier this year.
The “new” sculptures are made out of Samak, a blend of zinc, aluminium, magnesium and copper, with elements of wood, and are between 45 and 58 cm high. They are as follows:
- Allegory of History by Augustin Moreau-Vauthier (1831-1893), a young dancer holding a book in her left hand and a pen in her right. Her foot rests on a globe, synonymous with universal knowledge.
- Allegory of Poetry by Augustin Moreau-Vauthier, another young dance holds Aphrodite’s lyre in her right hand and a sprig of almond tree in blossom in the right, symbolizing renovation and harmony.
- Allegory of Agriculture (anonymous), a young country girl and a “putti”, the girl sowing seeds with the support of the angel, who brings innocence and purity.
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.
Address
Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, LorcaTel: 968 441914
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites, and historic buildings, around which the modern city has built its tourism industry. Among these are Lorca Castle, the Jewish quarter of the castle and synagogue, Plaza de España, Colegiata de San Patricio, Museo de Arqueologico Municipal, Iglesia de San Francisco, Casa Huerto Ruano, Palacio de Guevara, Iglesia de San Mateo, Pósito de los Panaderos, Convento Virgen de las Huertas, Antiguo Convento de la Merced, Iglesia del Carmen and the Teatro Guerra.
Unfortunately Lorca has also been prone to natural disaster, suffering a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as two earthquakes measuring 5.3 and 5.5 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011, claiming 9 lives. Since this earthquake the city has been rebuilding, winning recognition for its Lorca, Open for Restoration initiative, which used the restoration of the city as a tourist attraction whilst it rebuilt its historical buildings, some of which are currently still not open.
The tourist office relocated for 14 years to Calle San Patricio, near the church, but has now returned to its former premises alongside the Palacio de Guevara in the Plaza Concha Sandoval, or Plaza de la Bordadora (click for map).
Lorca also has an area of coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only along difficult tracks or by boat!
However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of processions in which the Whites (Paso Blanco) and Blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca tourist office:
Every day of the year apart from 1st and 6th January and 25th December, 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30 (except Sunday afternoons).
These opening times are often extended and other information points created during the Semana Santa celebrations.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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