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Lorca cheeses win prizes at the World Cheese awards!
Cheeseries in Purias and Zarcilla come home from Switzerland loaded with prizes and awards
Two Lorca cheese producers have recently been awarded notable recognition at the 37th edition of the World Cheese Awards, which was held in the Swiss city of Berne from 13th to 15th November.
The winner of the overall World Champion Cheese this year was the classic Le Gruyère AOP Vorderfultigen Spezial produced by Bergkäserei Vorderfultigen, with judges noting its crystalline texture and its “brothy, umami” flavour, but Lorca can hold its head high after La Zarcillera (based in the village of Zarcilla de Ramos) finished in the top ten with its “Hechizo” cheese. The cheesery was also awarded “Super Gold” status and was recognized as the finest goat cheese in the world.
Meanwhile, El Roano (based in Purias) achieved four awards: a Super Gold for its cured cheese (using goats’ milk), two golds and a silver for its Queso Oro de Leche Cruda and a silver medal for the Queso Curado de Trufa.
These were the conclusions reached after the judges tasted a total of 5,244 cheeses from 46 countries, and if such a prestigious event recognizes the quality of Lorca’s cheese we can only recommend that you give it a try!!
Images: quesoselroano.eu, lazarazillera.com
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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