The most important attractions of Almeria are its beaches, which you can see in detail in the beaches section, but if you also want to know more about the city of Almeria, we recommend that you make the following visits:
Muslim Almeria
It is, without a doubt, the most emblematic construction in the city of Almeria. With its 1430 meters of walled perimeter it is, after the Alhambra, the largest Muslim construction in Spain, which was built by Abderraman III in the 10th century, after the founding of the city.
It is a fortress consisting of three precincts; the first two are Muslim and the third Christian, which was built after the conquest of Almeria by the Catholic Monarchs in 1489.
It is, without a doubt, the most emblematic construction in the city of Almeria.
With its 1430 meters of walled perimeter it is, after the Alhambra, the largest Muslim construction in Spain, which was built by Abderraman III in the 10th century, after the founding of the city.
It is a fortress consisting of three precincts; the first two are Muslim and the third Christian, which was built after the conquest of Almeria by the Catholic Monarchs in 1489.
Wall of Jayran & Cerro de San Cristobal
Wall of Jayran
From the
Alcazaba, descending towards the north through the “La Hoya” ravine, there is a line of wall that reaches the Saint Cristobal Hill.
It was built in the time of King Jayran (1012-1028) during the 11th century.
On this hill, known in Muslim times as “Mount Laham”, there are seven towers. Three are of Muslim square design and four are Christian semicircular design, which were built by the templars of Alfonso VII.
From the
Alcazaba, descending towards the north through the “La Hoya” ravine, there is a line of wall that reaches the Saint Cristobal Hill.
It was built in the time of King Jayran (1012-1028) during the 11th century.
On this hill, known in Muslim times as “Mount Laham”, there are seven towers. Three are of Muslim square design and four are Christian semicircular design, which were built by the templars of Alfonso VII.
Also on the hill, which has stunning views of the city, is the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, made from
Macael marble in 1930.
Today it is a square located in the center of the city of Almeria, but formerly it was the most important gateway to the city: the Pechina Gate.
Its name was altered after the conquest of the Catholic Monarchs, who confused Pechina with Purchena.
The gate disappeared after the demolition of the wall in 1855, at which time the current square was constructed, and it was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1991.
Today it is a square located in the center of the city of Almeria, but formerly it was the most important gateway to the city: the Pechina Gate.
Its name was altered after the conquest of the Catholic Monarchs, who confused Pechina with Purchena.
The gate disappeared after the demolition of the wall in 1855, at which time the current square was constructed, and it was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1991.
There are numerous points of interest accessible from this emblematic city square: the
Arabic Wells, the Butterfly House, the street of shops and the
Civil War Shelters.
During his reign, Jayran (1012-1028) ordered the construction of the water system in Almeria, and it is now traditionally known as the Jayran Wells.
The volume of water stored at that time was 630,000 liters; enough to supply the city in a long siege, since it also had wells to supply the operation of ferris wheels and ditches.
Christian Almeria
Building of the cathedral began in 1524, after the earthquake that destroyed the first cathedral in 1522, which was located at the Old Main Mosque in Medina.
Its main characteristic is that of being a cathedral-fortress, because it was built both for religious worship and as a refuge for the population against the attacks of Berber pirates.
The "Puras" Convent Church
It is the oldest convent in Almeria (built in 1515) and represents one of the most important artistic constructions in the city, declared as a “Cultural Interest” in 1982.
Of the edification stands out the church, the cloister and the access zone with a 19th century cover.
The “Claras” Convent Church
Work on this Convent Church begin in the year 1719, and was completed in 1756, coinciding with the installation of the nuns. In the year 1837, the nuns were transferred to the
"Puras" Convent, since the Civil Government and the Provincial Delegation decided to settle here.
During the Spanish Civil War, the building suffered a fire, leaving only the church standing. This is the only original element, since the current convent was rebuilt during the postwar period.
Work on this Convent Church begin in the year 1719, and was completed in 1756, coinciding with the installation of the nuns. In the year 1837, the nuns were transferred to the
"Puras" Convent, since the Civil Government and the Provincial Delegation decided to settle here.
During the Spanish Civil War, the building suffered a fire, leaving only the church standing.
This is the only original element, since the current convent was rebuilt during the postwar period.
St. John Church was built on the remains of the Old Mosque of Almeria, built by Abderraman III in 965 AD. After the conquest of Almeria by the Catholic Monarchs in 1489, it became the first cathedral in Almeria.
However, the earthquake of 1522 completely destroyed it, and in the 17th century, work on the current St. John Church began on what remained standing of the Old Great Mosque. During the Spanish Civil War it suffered the effects of bombing, and it was not restored until 1979.
St. John Church was built on the remains of the Old Mosque of Almeria, built by Abderraman III in 965 AD. After the conquest of Almeria by the Catholic Monarchs in 1489, it became the first cathedral in Almeria.
However, the earthquake of 1522 completely destroyed it, and in the 17th century, work on the current St. John Church began on what remained standing of the Old Great Mosque.
During the Spanish Civil War it suffered the effects of bombing, and it was not restored until 1979.
It is an outstanding example of Neo-classical architecture in Almeria. The Church was built between the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century on the ruins of the St. Francis Convent (from the 16th century), which was demolished as a result of the 1790 earthquake.
Its main facade, which is very distinctive, is characterized by a framed portico between two twin towers. The Church still preserves a chapel of the old Saint Francis Convent, where the Virgin of Rocio is located.
It is an outstanding example of Neo-classical architecture in Almeria. The Church was built between the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century on the ruins of the St. Francis Convent (from the 16th century), which was demolished as a result of the 1790 earthquake. Its main facade, which is very distinctive, is characterized by a framed portico between two twin towers.
The Church still preserves a chapel of the old Saint Francis Convent, where the Virgin of Rocio is located.
The Santiago Church was founded by the Catholic Monarchs in the year 1494, only 5 years after the conquest of the city. It was later moved to its current location, next to the old Saint Lucia Hermitage. The new temple was built between 1553 and 1559 in a Mudejar style, then was converted to Gothic style during the Renaissance. The church suffered serious damage during the Spanish Civil War, which destroyed the Mudejar armor and other valuable treasures. In 1931 it was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument of the 16th century.
The Santiago Church was founded by the Catholic Monarchs in the year 1494, only 5 years after the conquest of the city. It was later moved to its current location, next to the old Saint Lucia Hermitage.
The new temple was built between 1553 and 1559 in a Mudejar style, then was converted to Gothic style during the Renaissance.
The church suffered serious damage during the Spanish Civil War, which destroyed the Mudejar armor and other valuable treasures. In 1931 it was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument of the 16th century.
The church takes its name from the square in which it resides. In the 11th century, this square was one of the most popular places in all of Almeria; a true crossroads for all the residents' activities.
The church was a mosque in the time of Muslim Almeria, and in Christian Almeria, it became the St. Sebastian Hermitage.
The current temple has two roofs and was built in the 17th and 18th centuries, with a predominantly baroque style.
The church takes its name from the square in which it resides. In the 11th century, this square was one of the most popular places in all of Almeria; a true crossroads for all the residents' activities.
The church was a mosque in the time of Muslim Almeria, and in Christian Almeria, it became the St. Sebastian Hermitage.
The current temple has two roofs and was built in the 17th and 18th centuries, with a predominantly baroque style.
It was built between 1547 and 1557, and is one of the oldest civil buildings currently preserved. Its distinctive main facade is located in the Hospital street, which has a neoclassical design. Inside the building is the Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene.
The building has been declared as “Cultural Interest” and from an architectural point of view, it is a compendium of styles that summarize the evolution of the architecture of Almeria.
It was built between 1547 and 1557, and is one of the oldest civil buildings currently preserved.
Its distinctive main facade is located in the Hospital street, which has a neoclassical design.
Inside the building is the Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene.
The building has been declared as “Cultural Interest” and from an architectural point of view, it is a compendium of styles that summarize the evolution of the architecture of Almeria.
The church is run by the Order of the Dominican, which is why it is also known as the Saint Dominic Church.
The church suffered serious damage due to a fire during the Spanish Civil War, and was restored later.
Noteworthy is the image of the Virgin of the Sea, which appeared on the
Torre Garcia Beach on December 21, 1502 and was officially proclaimed patroness saint of Almeria in the year 1806.
The church is run by the Order of the Dominican, which is why it is also known as the Saint Dominic Church.
The church suffered serious damage due to a fire during the Spanish Civil War, and was restored later.
Noteworthy is the image of the Virgin of the Sea, which appeared on the
Torre Garcia Beach on December 21, 1502 and was officially proclaimed patroness saint of Almeria in the year 1806.
Contemporary Almeria
Also called the “Old Square”, it is the oldest square in the city. In the Muslim era it was an irregular square and constituted the main souk.
It gained its final appearance in the mid-19th century, with colonnades on the ground floor and two-storey houses.
The square is overooked by the Town Hall building, which is of eclectic style, built between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th.
Also called the “Old Square”, it is the oldest square in the city.
In the Muslim era it was an irregular square and constituted the main souk.
It gained its final appearance in the mid-19th century, with colonnades on the ground floor and two-storey houses.
The square is overooked by the Town Hall building, which is of eclectic style, built between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th.
School of Arts and Crafts
The building was the Provincial Institute of Secondary Education during the second half of the 19th century and much of the 20th century, being the highest educational institution in the city.
The central patio of the school, that belongs to the old Saint Dominic Convent, dates from the 18th century, and is currently an exceptional setting for important exhibitions and cultural activities in Almeria life. The cloister was restored in the 18th century, and the third floor is of recent construction.
The building was the Provincial Institute of Secondary Education during the second half of the 19th century and much of the 20th century, being the highest educational institution in the city. The central patio of the school, that belongs to the old Saint Dominic Convent, dates from the 18th century, and is currently an exceptional setting for important exhibitions and cultural activities in Almeria life.
The cloister was restored in the 18th century, and the third floor is of recent construction.
This square is located in the old suburb of “La Musalla”, in the heart of the old town, under the protection of the
Cathedral. It was one of the favorite places of residence for the aristocracy during the 16th to 18th centuries.
The oldest house in the city is in the square: "The Puche´s House", built in the 18th century.
The Puche family was a noble family that arrived in Almeria with the first Christian settlers in the year 1494.
This square is located in the old suburb of “La Musalla”, in the heart of the old town, under the protection of the
Cathedral. It was one of the favorite places of residence for the aristocracy during the 16th to 18th centuries.
The oldest house in the city is in the square: "The Puche´s House", built in the 18th century.
The Puche family was a noble family that arrived in Almeria with the first Christian settlers in the year 1494.
In the center of the square is the bust of the poet Celia Viñas, who worked as a teacher in Almeria during the postwar years, enriching the literary work of Almeria.
In Nicolas Salmeron Park is the Marina Square, which serves as a separation between the Old Park (to the west) of the 19th century and the New Park built in 1940, in honor of the President of the First Republic, D. Nicolas Salmeron, who was born in
Alhama de Almeria.
The Park was completely restored in the last years of the 20th century.
Together with the
Purchena Gate, it is currently the meeting point of the people of Almeria for commercial visits, business management in the surrounding cafes, or simply a space for their morning walk.
Along the Paseo of Almeria, and at the
Purchena Gate, you can see examples of homes of the Almeria bourgeoisie from the late 19th and early 20th century, among which is the "House of Butterflies" in the heart of the
Purchena Gate.
Together with the
Purchena Gate, it is currently the meeting point of the people of Almeria for commercial visits, business management in the surrounding cafes, or simply a space for their morning walk.
Along the Paseo of Almeria, and at the
Purchena Gate, you can see examples of homes of the Almeria bourgeoisie from the late 19th and early 20th century.
Among them, located in the heart of the
Purchena Gate, the "House of Butterflies” stands out.
The first stone of the Bullring was laid on August 13, 1887, with construction completed in the year 1888.
It has a capacity for 9,054 spectators and replaced the previous bullring, with its eclectic architecture.
One of the bullfighting traditions of Almeria is to bring food to the square and enjoy it after the fight of the third bull.
The first stone of the Bullring was laid on August 13, 1887, with construction completed in the year 1888. It has a capacity for 9,054 spectators and replaced the previous bullring, with its eclectic architecture.
One of the bullfighting traditions of Almeria is to bring food to the square and enjoy it after the fight of the third bull.
The mineral loading platform called the "English Cable" was originally owned by the British mining company «The Alquife Mines and Railway Company Limited», which obtained the concession in 1901, immediately undertaking construction in 1902.
It is a masterpiece of iron architecture and a fine example of early 20th century engineering. It was declared as “Cultural Interest” for its historical, symbolic and aesthetic values in 1998.
The mineral loading platform called the "English Cable" was originally owned by the British mining company «The Alquife Mines and Railway Company Limited», which obtained the concession in 1901, immediately undertaking construction in 1902.
It is a masterpiece of iron architecture and a fine example of early 20th century engineering.
It was declared as “Cultural Interest” for its historical, symbolic and aesthetic values in 1998.
The birth of the railroad in Almeria is essentially linked to the extraction of iron ore from the mountains of the interior.
The old central building of the station is a beautiful example of the iron architecture; characteristic of the industrial and functional buildings of the second half of the 19th century.
The Central Market was built in 1893 and is one of the most beautiful examples of Almeria's industrial architecture, combining stone, brick, iron and glass.
The Central Market has remained practically intact until the present day, and in 1982, an important restoration was carried out.
The main floor has a great view of the interior.
The Central Market was built in 1893 and is one of the most beautiful examples of Almeria's industrial architecture, combining stone, brick, iron and glass.
The Central Market has remained practically intact until the present day, and in 1982, an important restoration was carried out. The main floor has a great view of the interior.
Museums
The Archaeological Museum is located in a recently reconstructed modern building, which houses interesting collections of valuable works from prehistory to the Muslim period.
This museum was awarded the European Museum of the Year award in 2008, and inside it, in addition to the continuous exhibition, other activities such as conferences, traveling exhibitions and festivals are carried out.
Heritage Interpretation Center
It is located in the historic center in
Constitution Square, and is structured in an informative ground floor and other three floors centered, respectively, in the Muslim Almeria; the Christian and Contemporary Almeria; and the present day Almeria. The entrance to the museum is free and in it you can discover and appreciate the history of the city of Almeria.
On its upper terrace there is a viewpoint where you can enjoy beautiful views of the “
Old Square”, the Port of Almeria and the impressive
Alcazaba of Almeria.
It is located in the historic center in
Constitution Square, and is structured in an informative ground floor and other three floors centered, respectively, in the Muslim Almeria; the Christian and Contemporary Almeria; and the present day Almeria. The entrance to the museum is free and in it you can discover and appreciate the history of the city of Almeria.
On its upper terrace there is a viewpoint where you can enjoy beautiful views of the “
Old Square”, the Port of Almeria and the impressive
Alcazaba of Almeria.
Andalusian Center of Photography
Center of Photography
Little information is known about the origins of the building that is distributed around a central rectangular patio, suggests that it was built between the 16th and 18th centuries.
The Andalusian Center of Photography was born from the commemoration of the V Centennial of the Discovery of America, created between the years 1990 and 1992. This initiative led international artists of great prestige to travel to Almeria to exhibit their photographs within seventy exhibitions.
Little information is known about the origins of the building that is distributed around a central rectangular patio, suggests that it was built between the 16th and 18th centuries.
The Andalusian Center of Photography was born from the commemoration of the V Centennial of the Discovery of America, created between the years 1990 and 1992.
This initiative led international artists of great prestige to travel to Almeria to exhibit their photographs within seventy exhibitions.
Shelters of the Spanish Civil War
Shelters of the Civil War
Building of the shelters began in February 1937, ending in 1938. They consisted of 4.5 km of underground galleries, from which almost 1 kilometer has been recovered for public exhibition, which follows the main artery of the city: the
“Paseo” of Almeria.
After the Spanish Civil War, the shelters were not used again and the galleries remained unused until December 2006, when the refurbishment carried out by the Almeria City Council and its subsequent opening to the public was completed.
Building of the shelters began in February 1937, ending in 1938.
They consisted of 4.5 km of underground galleries, from which almost 1 kilometer has been recovered for public exhibition, which follows the main artery of the city: the
“Paseo” of Almeria.
After the Spanish Civil War, the shelters were not used again and the galleries remained unused until December 2006, when the refurbishment carried out by the Almeria City Council and its subsequent opening to the public was completed.
Currently they have recreated various spaces: a storeroom, a private shelter, an operating room, etc. At present they are the largest shelters in Europe that are open to the public.
It is an old farmhouse from 1866 where the years of splendor of the world of cinema in Almeria are remembered. The house has been restored with respect for its original structure, making special mention of John Lennon (The Beatles), who lived there for a brief period while filming in Almeria the movie "How I Won the War" (1966).
The house fell into neglect in the 70s, until the City Council of Almeria acquired the property in 1991 and restored it to be used as a Cinema House.
It is an old farmhouse from 1866 where the years of splendor of the world of cinema in Almeria are remembered. The house has been restored with respect for its original structure, making special mention of John Lennon (The Beatles), who lived there for a brief period while filming in Almeria the movie "How I Won the War" (1966).
The house fell into neglect in the 70s, until the City Council of Almeria acquired the property in 1991 and restored it to be used as a Cinema House.
The Spanish Guitar Museum "Antonio de Torres", who is considered the father of the contemporary guitar, is a center for exhibitions and information on one of the most popular musical instruments in the world: the guitar.
It is located in the historic center of Almeria and has three spaces that are divided into eleven exhibition spaces.
The so-called "Casa Vasca" or "Casa Montoya", was donated by Doña Francisca Diaz Torres (popularly known as Doña Pakyta) to the City Council of Almeria.
This house, which is an example of regional architecture and located at the end of the
“Paseo” of Almeria, became part of the municipal patrimony in May 2014, which began the work of adaptation to host the first headquarters of the Almeria Museum of Art. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide panoramic view of Almeria art, from the 1880s to the 1970s.
The so-called "Casa Vasca" or "Casa Montoya", was donated by Doña Francisca Diaz Torres (popularly known as Doña Pakyta) to the City Council of Almeria. This house, which is an example of regional architecture and located at the end of the
“Paseo” of Almeria, became part of the municipal patrimony in May 2014, which began the work of adaptation to host the first headquarters of the Almeria Museum of Art.
Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide panoramic view of Almeria art, from the 1880s to the 1970s.
The intellectual narrator and essayist Jose Angel Valente was one of the most renowned poets during the second half of the 20th century. He lived in large cities such as Madrid, Paris, Oxford and Geneva, but ended up choosing Almeria as his place of residence during the last fifteen years of his life, since he felt what he defined in his own words as "the irrevocable call of light".
The Poet House, through its different spaces and thematic areas, guides visitors to take a tour of the life and work of Jose Angel Valente.
The intellectual narrator and essayist Jose Angel Valente was one of the most renowned poets during the second half of the 20th century. He lived in large cities such as Madrid, Paris, Oxford and Geneva, but ended up choosing Almeria as his place of residence during the last fifteen years of his life, since he felt what he defined in his own words as "the irrevocable call of light".
The Poet House, through its different spaces and thematic areas, guides visitors to take a tour of the life and work of Jose Angel Valente.
