Murcia City

Murcia

Murcia City was founded by Abd ar-Rahman II in 825AD as part of the Caliphate of Córdoba. Following the Reconquest, King Alfonso X (the Wise) spent long periods of time here in the late 13th century and granted the city many privileges. Murcia prospered through the 15th century as its famous irrigation system in the huerta (orchards) neared completion and the trades, which today give their name to the streets of the historic quarter, flourished.

The city’s commercial high point came in the 18th century. During this time, great urban and administrative changes took place encouraged by Murcianos close to the Spanish royal court and holding responsible positions. Among those luminaries were the powerful cleric Cardenal Belluga and the Count of Floridablanca.

Political instability took its toll in the 19th century when the city fell into a partial decline, but the region’s solid economic base, with agriculture, minerals and – increasingly – tourism saw another age of prosperity in the 20th century.

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