In Lorquí, water tells the story of the landscape and people’s work: the Río Segura runs through the town between reed beds, watering extensive orchards and contrasting with the nearby pale hills. Historic waterwheels and irrigation channels also lead to the Huerta’s traditional fruit and vegetable farming. Lorquí can therefore be explored from two perspectives: through its cultural landscape and through the town’s history.
Town Centre, Huerta and River Landscape
The town centre stands on a promontory overlooking the Vega. Its character is shaped by narrow streets laid out in a Moorish style. Cabezo de la Ermita is the highest point in the town centre, making it a prominent feature of the local topography. The Río Segura, the orchards and the pale hills complete this picture of the surrounding landscape.
The Ruta Lorquí Histórico begins in the town’s streets and is a way to explore the area. It invites you to walk uphill from Plaza del Ayuntamiento to Cabezos de Escipión and de la Ermita. The route also includes a visit to the Templo Parroquial de Santiago Apóstol and viewpoints overlooking the town centre and the Huerta.
Waterwheels and Architectural History
Noria del Rapao connects an engineering detail with the Huerta’s former irrigation system: it has 112 scoops and 156 paddles, and once irrigated more than 300 tahúllas. It has been documented since the 18th century, though it may be older. It is designated as an asset of special cultural interest. Its figures, history and historical function each tell a different part of the same story of water.
A second example is Noria del Marqués de Corvera, a restored waterwheel made of iron and wood, with a diameter of around 4.5 metres. While the information about Noria del Rapao describes its former irrigation capacity, the materials and approximate size of Noria del Marqués de Corvera give an idea of its design. The Ruta del Río Segura y Huerta de Lorquí explores the wider context, illustrating traditional fruit and vegetable farming through waterwheels and irrigation channels.
Church, Sculptures and Cave Dwellings
The Templo Parroquial de Santiago Apóstol was built by Pedro Gilabert between 1765 and 1799. The church houses three works attributed to Francisco Salzillo: Saint Joseph, Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno and La Dolorosa. Lorquí is also home to the only Nazareno by Salzillo in the Región de Murcia. If you would like to see the sculptures, check the visiting arrangements in advance.
The cave dwellings are also part of Lorquí’s cultural heritage. They are protected by the public administration for their historical, artistic and ethnological value. Some have been converted into small museums, including the cave belonging to the “Los Tablachos” family. As visiting arrangements for individual cave dwellings may vary, it is advisable to check whether they are accessible before your visit.
Routes and Cultural Perspectives
There are different routes for exploring Lorquí through its landscape and irrigation history. The Sendero Azul from Lorquí to Los Palacios is a linear route through the Huerta that runs parallel to the Río Segura. It is suitable for pedestrians and cyclists, and can be started at either end. Check the route conditions before setting out.
The Ruta Mapa Sonoro de Lorquí offers a different perspective: it connects sounds with the town’s spaces, culture and traditions to create an acoustic portrait. Semana Santa has a centuries-old history and includes processions, the Santo Desenclavamiento and sculptures by Salzillo. These themes add cultural perspectives to the town’s history and story of water; depending on your interests, you can focus on historic buildings, traditions or the Huerta.
Discover more destinations: Moratalla, Aljucer, Totana, La Palma, La Parra, Bolnuevo, El Sabinar, La Tercia.
For the wider travel overview: Murcia.
