in the 13th century. The
Cathedral of Murcia was built between 1394 and 1465 in the Castilian
Gothic style. Its tower was completed in 1792 and shows a blend of architectural styles. The first two stories were built in the
Renaissance style (1521–1546), while the third is
Baroque. The bell pavilion exhibits both
Rococo and
Neoclassical influences. The main façade (1736–1754) is considered a masterpiece of the
Spanish Baroque style. Other buildings in the square shared by the cathedral (Plaza
Cardinal Belluga) are the colorful 'Bishop's Palace' (18th century) and a controversial extension to the town hall by
Rafael Moneo (built in 1999). The
Glorieta, which lies on the banks of the Segura River, has traditionally been the center of the town. It is a landscaped city square that was constructed during the 18th century. The
ayuntamiento (
city hall) of Murcia is located in this square. Pedestrian areas cover most of the old town of the city, which is centered around Platería and Trapería Streets. Trapería goes from the cathedral to the Plaza de Santo Domingo, formerly a bustling market square. Located in Trapería is the
Casino, a social club erected in 1847, with a sumptuous interior that includes a Moorish-style patio inspired by the royal chambers of the
Alhambra near Granada. The name
Platería refers to
plata (silver), as this street was the historical focus for the commerce of rare metals by Murcia's Jewish community. The other street,
Trapería, refers to
trapos, or cloths, as this was once the focus for the Jewish community's garment trade. Several bridges of different styles span the river Segura, from the
Puente de los Peligros, an 18th-century stone bridge with a Lady chapel on one of its sides; to modern bridges designed by
Santiago Calatrava or
Javier Manterola; through others such as the
Puente Nuevo (new bridge), an iron bridge of the early 20th century. Other places around Murcia include: •
Santa Clara monastery, a Gothic and Baroque monument where a museum with the Moorish palace's remains from the 13th century is locared, called
Alcázar Seguir. • The
Malecón boulevard, a former retaining wall for the
Río Segura's floods. •
Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta, Algezares (1694), 17th century sanctuary and adjacent
El Valle regional park: The construction began in 1694 and its architectural style is baroque with Murcian regional features. •
Los Jerónimos monastery (18th century). It was built during the first half of the century and is located in Guadalupe district, in the northwest quadrant of Murcia. •
Romea theatre (19th century). It was opened up by the queen Isabella II of Spain in 1862. Its façade has three bodies or levels. •
Circo theatre. • Almudí Palace (17th century), art gallery in a historic building with coats of arms on its
façade. On its interior there are
Tuscan columns, and since 1985 it hosts the city archives and periodic art exhibitions. • Monteagudo Castle (11th century): in the district with the same name, in the north of the municipality. •
Salzillo Museum, showcases the art of 18th-century baroque sculptor and Murcia native Francisco Salzillo. •
Centro Párraga, contemporary arts centre located in one of the pavilions of the old Artillery Headquarters of Murcia. It houses multiple exhibitions, performances and concerts throughout the year. •
Archaeological Museum of Murcia (MAM). It covers the rich Prehistory and History of Murcia, from the Palaeolithic to the Christian and Visigoth Period. •
San Juan de Dios church-museum, Baroque and Rococo circular church with the remains of the Moorish palace mosque from the 12th century in the basement, called
Alcázar Nasir. In the metropolitan area are also the
Azud de la Contraparada reservoir and the
Noria de La Ñora water wheel. ==Festivals==