The Cathedral of Santa María dominates the centre of Murcia and is the city's most important monument. Its main facade, built between 1736 and 1754, faces the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga and is one of Spain's finest examples of Baroque stonemasonry — columns, arches, and niches packed with sculpted saints, the whole thing resembling a giant altarpiece in stone.
Inside, the style shifts to Mediterranean Gothic, similar to Valencia's cathedral. The nave dates from the late fifteenth century, and the choir and main chapel (dedicated to Santa María de Gracia) are separated by magnificent wrought iron gates. Two side chapels stand out: the Gothic Capilla de los Vélez (1491-1505) and the Renaissance Capilla de los Junterones (1515-1529), both worth seeking out.
The bell tower took over 250 years to complete — started in 1519, finished in 1782 — and rises 90 metres. Climb to the top for sweeping views across the city and the surrounding huerta farmland.