The city is divided by the Segura River which during the hot part of the summer becomes nothing more than a trickle. This a good place to take one of those leisurely walks as the banks are lined with trees offering shade from the hot sun. As you walk along the river you will come to the old quarter with its narrow streets that are filled with many different kinds of quaint shops including restaurants and bars. Walking further into the old quarter leads you to the Plaza del Cardinal Belluga and this is where you will find Murcia's most famous building the Cathedral. While you are in the square take notice of the city hall and the Palacio Episcopal which is the residency of the Bishop of Murcia. In the same area are several museums where you can explore the history of the city. The most important museum is the archaeological one as it shows the history and workings of the irrigation systems that have been and is still a vital part of life in the area. These were introduced by the Moors and improved by the Romans. This sophisticated irrigation system is probably more important than anything else the Moors left behind including their beliefs and their art, in other words, it has a lasting impact on the area. This also includes the Castle of Monteagudo and the Almudi Palace which are still a must visit on your holiday.
The cuisine of the area is well known if for nothing else its diversity which includes rich stews, rice dishes and oven roasts from the inland towns, to the fish and seafood delicacies of the coast, Murica has become a melting pot for the areas cuisine. To accompany the local cuisine, a glass of wine from the the region is a good choice as every year the local wines are becoming a strong competitor in the world of wine. Put all of this together and what you come up with is an area that has become world famous for its gastronomy. Some of the restaurants located here have become famous for their cuisine including the top class ''El Rincon de Pepe'' which is at the top of the list.
Murcia's ever present exuberance is probably due in most part to its university students that make this city a lively one. The small narrow winding medieval streets in the old quarter are often busy on weekend evenings, you can hear the hum of voices in many different languages indicating the mixture of students, locals and tourist making this a delightful mixture of cultures. Some people come here do to a little bit of shopping and sample the delicious tapas or just to explore the area while they people watch.
Murcia is a sophisticated and cosmopolitan town even more so than any other in this part of Spain. People come here from all over the world to enjoy the shopping and world renown cuisine while they soak up the friendly atmosphere. The historical attractions as well as the modern ones are not to be missed. All of this while you enjoy the facilities and comforts of the modern world with its old world hospitality
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