Murcia is the capital city of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia, located at the river Segura in south-eastern Spain. Its population is 433,850 (2008) ranking seventh in Spain, and the population of its metropolitan area is 743,326 ranking ninth between the largest metropolitan areas of the country. Since 1995, the mayor has been Miguel Ángel Cámara Botía (PP). Murcia is built nearly in the centre of a low-lying fertile plain known as the huerta (orchard or vineyard) of Murcia, which includes the valleys of the Segura and its right-hand tributary, the Guadalentín or river Sangonera. The Segura is one of the most highly polluted rivers in Europe. The Region is surrounded by the Sierra de Orihuela and Cresta de Gallo mountains. Despite the proximity of the sea, the climate is subject to great variations: the summer heat is severe while frosts are occasionally experienced in the capital during the winter. Precipitation in Murcia is scarce with less than 200 mm (7.9 inches) registered in the hydrological year October 2004 through September 2005. Murcia-San Javier Airport (MJV) is located on the edge of the Mar Menor close to the towns of San Javier and Santiago de la Ribera, 45 kilometres (28 mi) southeast of Murcia. The airport at Alicante is frequently used by travellers to Murcia as well. The Cathedral of the Diocese of Cartagena (based in Murcia) was built between 1394 and 1465 in Castilian Gothic style. Its tower was completed in 1792 and it shows a mixture of styles. The first two stories were built in Renaissance style (1521–1546) and the third one is Baroque. The bell pavilion has Rococo and Neoclassical influences. The main façade (1736–1754) is considered a masterpiece of the Spanish Baroque style. Other noteworthy buildings in the square in front of the Cathedral (Plaza Cardenal Belluga) are the colorful Bishop's Palace (18th century) and a controversial extension to the town hall by Rafael Moneo. The Glorieta, next to the Segura River, has traditionally been the center of th
Murcia is the capital city of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia, located at the river Segura in south-eastern Spain. Its population is 433,850 (2008) ranking seventh in Spain, and the population of its metropolitan area is 743,326 ranking ninth between the largest metropolitan areas of the country. Since 1995, the mayor has been Miguel Angel Cmara Bota (PP). Murcia is built nearly in the centre of a low-lying fertile plain known as the huerta (orchard or vineyard) of Murcia, which includes the valleys of the Segura and its right-hand tributary, the Guadalent or river Sangonera. The Segura is one of the most highly polluted rivers in Europe. The Region is surrounded by the Sierra de Orihuela and Cresta de Gallo mountains. Despite the proximity of the sea, the climate is subject to great variations: the summer heat is severe while frosts are occasionally experienced in the capital during the winter. Precipitation in Murcia is scarce with less than 200 mm (7.9 inches) registered in the hydrological year October 2004 through September 2005. Murcia-San Javier Airport (MJV) is located on the edge of the Mar Menor close to the towns of San Javier and Santiago de la Ribera, 45 kilometres (28 mi) southeast of Murcia. The airport at Alicante is frequently used by travellers to Murcia as well. The Cathedral of the Diocese of Cartagena (based in Murcia) was built between 1394 and 1465 in Castilian Gothic style. Its tower was completed in 1792 and it shows a mixture of styles. The first two stories were built in Renaissance style (1521-1546) and the third one is Baroque. The bell pavilion has Rococo and Neoclassical influences. The main fasade (1736-1754) is considered a masterpiece of the Spanish Baroque style. Other noteworthy buildings in the square in front of the Cathedral (Plaza Cardenal Belluga) are the colorful Bishop's Palace (18th century) and a controversial extension to the town hall by Rafael Moneo. The Glorieta, next to the Segura River, has traditio