We present you the most interesting places to visit in the Bajo Andarax region. Do not miss the places of interest in this area of Almeria.
Benahadux
Virgin of the Head Church
Built in the 18th century on an old Mudejar mosque, the church of
Benahadux was erected in May 1505 under the invocation of the Virgin of the Head and patronage of Saint Joseph.
This church consisted of only one nave, but in the 1940s two side naves were added and the cemetery was abolished.
Mediterranean Cultures Interpretation Center
Mediterranean Cultures Interp. Center
The Interpretation Center of the Ancient Cultures of the Mediterranean is a building of recent construction whose theme revolves around the cultural and archaeological heritage of the Bajo Andarax Region, with special attention to the municipality of
Benahadux.
The archaeological site of “El Chuche” (Iberian-Roman city of Urci) is the starting point for a journey that connects archeology, history and heritage, with the aim of teaching others about the Iberian culture of Almeria.
The Interpretation Center of the Ancient Cultures of the Mediterranean is a building of recent construction whose theme revolves around the cultural and archaeological heritage of the Bajo Andarax Region, with special attention to the municipality of
Benahadux.
The archaeological site of “El Chuche” (Iberian-Roman city of Urci) is the starting point for a journey that connects archeology, history and heritage, with the aim of teaching others about the Iberian culture of Almeria.
It is a modern building divided into two floors that spans architectural barriers with entrance and exit ramps, adapted bathrooms, and an elevator. Each of the floors, in turn, houses three exhibition rooms.
On the first floor there is the reception, an audiovisual projection room and an exhibition area where the theme is a journey of the first settlers (Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans) who came to Andalusia, along with the local Iberians. The area making consists of tour lasting up until the 8th century.
The second floor has three exhibition rooms. The first contains the excavations of “El Chuche” and the different ceramics found in it, as well as the recreation of an Iberian dwelling. The next room shows funerary and religious rites, and the third is dedicated to the friends of the museum, where we hold several exhibitions throughout the year.
Cerro de la Cruz Hermitage
The Cerro de la Cruz Hermitage is a construction that is located on the highest part of a hill of the same name and dates back to the 20th century.
It is a small structure of a plant painted in lime, with a hipped roof and topped with a Latin cross.
The fountain of
Benahadux, recently rehabilitated with marble, has a roof and a large rectangular glass.
The space around it forms a single area that is subdivided into two pools, one for washing and one for rinsing.
The water is supplied from the Saint Miguel spring (located three kilometers from the urban center).
The fountain of
Benahadux, recently rehabilitated with marble, has a roof and a large rectangular glass.
The space around it forms a single area that is subdivided into two pools, one for washing and one for rinsing. The water is supplied from the Saint Miguel spring (located three kilometers from the urban center).
It is a huge silhouette of a fighting bull originally conceived as a large road billboard, and is about 14 meters high.
It promotes the Jerez Veteran brandy of the Osborne Group.
The Osborne bull is one of the twenty advertising structures located in Andalusia.
It was installed in 1974 on the hill of Saint Michael.
It is a huge silhouette of a fighting bull originally conceived as a large road billboard, and is about 14 meters high. It promotes the Jerez Veteran brandy of the Osborne Group.
The Osborne bull is one of the twenty advertising structures located in Andalusia.
It was installed in 1974 on the hill of Saint Michael.
It evolved from a layout based on an original drawing by the designer Manuel Prieto Benitez (1912-1991), with changes that aimed to adapt to the system and the construction process. They were built in the workshops of the brothers Jose and Felix Tejada Prieto.
Gador
This is the most monumental church in the region, with only one tower and several burials.
The Church was first built with a Baroque style and finished its construction with a Neoclassical style.
The temple is shaped like an exempt building with four enrances, of which the main one stands out. It is composed of a tower and a doorway, with access to the central nave of the temple, along with an elevation of two bodies.
This is the most monumental church in the region, with only one tower and several burials.
The Church was first built with a Baroque style and finished its construction with a Neoclassical style.
The temple is shaped like an exempt building with four enrances, of which the main one stands out.
It is composed of a tower and a doorway, with access to the central nave of the temple, along with an elevation of two bodies.
The tower is located on the left side of the entrance. It has a quadrangular plan with a three-sided elevation and an upper top with a small dome.
This is a monument of religious interest built on the hill of "Cerro de la Cruz".
It is square with four columns in the corners that support the roof topped with a dome.
In May the day of the Cross is celebrated, and it is then that the monument is adorned, with people covering the cross of flowers. On the occasion of this festival, a party is held in the town square and sandwiches and punch are distributed.
This is a monument of religious interest built on the hill of "Cerro de la Cruz". It is square with four columns in the corners that support the roof topped with a dome.
In May the day of the Cross is celebrated, and it is then that the monument is adorned, with people covering the cross of flowers. On the occasion of this festival, a party is held in the town square and sandwiches and punch are distributed.
It has the appearance of fortress and is the largest farmhouse in the region. As well as being used as a feed factory made for fish, as a result of the Civil War it was temporarily used as a hospital.
It is a square construction with two heights, central patio, flat roofs and whitewashed walls, and has an orderly amount of large openings (doors, windows and balconies). It is marked by four towers, a feature from which its name derives.
It has the appearance of fortress and is the largest farmhouse in the region. As well as being used as a feed factory made for fish, as a result of the Civil War it was temporarily used as a hospital.
It is a square construction with two heights, central patio, flat roofs and whitewashed walls.
It has an orderly amount of large openings (doors, windows and balconies). It is marked by four towers, a feature from which its name derives.
Given the remarkable size of the building, in addition to being a house of residential size for the owners, it was used as housing for the service workers, and contained chambers and warehouses.
It dates back the late 19th and early 20th century. To the south of the enclosure there are several buildings of modern construction.
It contains the remains of an Arab fortress.
Pieces of the walled perimeter remain, standing out as part of the walls of one of its towers and built with mortar walls.
In its origins the construction presented 4 towers. Its frame was rectangular and regular at 32 x 52 meters, encompassing about 1000 m². It is an important archaeological site in which you can see remains with different phases of occupation.
It contains the remains of an Arab fortress.
Pieces of the walled perimeter remain, standing out as part of the walls of one of its towers and built with mortar walls.
In its origins the construction presented 4 towers.
Its frame was rectangular and regular at 32 x 52 meters, encompassing about 1000 m². It is an important archaeological site in which you can see remains with different phases of occupation.
There is evidence, although scarce, of a later occupation in Late Antiquity, and it was again occupied and fortified during the Middle Ages, with part of its defenses still visible. In the 13th century a wall was added to its southern side with projecting towers.
From the 16th century until 1926 it was the Positos house, an institution that depended on the Ministry of Agriculture. It highlighted the figure of the councilor, who was the person in charge of distributing sedes instead of money to the farmers. The farmers in return had to give 5% of the crop produced.
In 1926 the councilor Don Juan Sorbas asked for a loan of 30,000 pesetas to build on the Positos house. It would from that point on be known as Town Hall and the Market.
From the 16th century until 1926 it was the Positos house, an institution that depended on the Ministry of Agriculture.
It highlighted the figure of the councilor, who was the person in charge of distributing sedes instead of money to the farmers. The farmers in return had to give 5% of the crop produced.
In 1926 the councilor Don Juan Sorbas asked for a loan of 30,000 pesetas to build on the Positos house. It would from that point on be known as Town Hall and the Market.
It is also worth noting the particularity of the furniture and three paintings of the mayor’s office, as it has both age and value. The building consists of three floors, crowned in its central part by a clock. It has an entrance of Cantabrian style. Each floor exhibits four arches in each of its balconies. It has wooden railings, recently renovated and returning to their original style, as they had been replaced previously by iron railings.
Casa Don Mariano Interpretation Center
This Interpretation Center allows visitors to know the historical and cultural heritage of the entire Bajo Andarax region.
It is located in a unique building of almost 600 square meters. In the different rooms, which can be accessed through the central patio, are discussed topics of great historical importance, both for the town and for the entire Bajo Andarax region. We will be able to learn more about the ethnographic heritage, mining and the culture of water in the Bajo Andarax region.
In one of the rooms is reproduced the studio of the painter Jose Francisco Diaz Molina (Gador 1860 - Madrid 1932).
This is an equestrian sculpture that represents the character of Don Quixote of La Mancha, with a spear in his hand. It is made of iron and placed on a granite base.
This sculpture has an approximate height of 3 meters and has been made by the House of Trades of
Gador.
The celebration of the 400th anniversary of the publication of the first part of The Ingenious Hidalgo Don Quixote of La Mancha, was used to inaugurate this sculpture.
This is an equestrian sculpture that represents the character of Don Quixote of La Mancha, with a spear in his hand. It is made of iron and placed on a granite base.
This sculpture has an approximate height of 3 meters and has been made by the House of Trades of
Gador.
The celebration of the 400th anniversary of the publication of the first part of The Ingenious Hidalgo Don Quixote of La Mancha, was used to inaugurate this sculpture.
It is located on the Diputation Avenue and it has been given the name of the Quixote roundabout.
Monument to the orange grower
This is a sculpture that represents a man standing by and picking oranges, dressed in typical work clothes, accompanied by a carrycot full of oranges.
This monument was inaugurated on February 28, 2004 and is located in Constitution Square.
It aims to be a tribute to all the workers in the field, and especially to those who have picked up the magnificent oranges from
Gador.
This is a sculpture that represents a man standing by and picking oranges, dressed in typical work clothes, accompanied by a carrycot full of oranges.
This monument was inaugurated on February 28, 2004 and is located in Constitution Square.
It aims to be a tribute to all the workers in the field, and especially to those who have picked up the magnificent oranges from
Gador.
This is a bronze sculpture of a man of gypsy race who is performing the task of tinsmith and lighter.
This statue represents Gador's recognition of the integration of the gypsy people and shows respect for their cultural particularities.
It will be located in the Eucaliptus Square.
This is a bronze sculpture of a man of gypsy race who is performing the task of tinsmith and lighter.
This statue represents Gador's recognition of the integration of the gypsy people and shows respect for their cultural particularities. It will be located in the Eucaliptus Square.
The sculpture is made by the Factories of Fademesa (San Fernando de Henares) and is a work of the sculptor Gonzalo de la Cera, which has been based on a historical photo.
Monument to the Constitution
This monument is erected in commemoration of the Spanish Constitution of 1978.
It is a work by Javier Galan and consists of three pieces: a lady, a child and a book in which you can read articles 2 and 14 of the spanish constitution.
The Spanish flag also rises there.
Huercal de Almeria
This is a church of the Mudejar style from the 16th century.
The Main Chapel is the most important and noble part of the whole construction, not only for the function it performs, but for the coffered ceiling that covers it.
This is a military structure located in
Huercal de Almeria, bordering the outskirts of the city of
Almeria.
It is a kind of coastal tower building that was built by Ivan Cardenas in the 16th century. It is currently in a good state of conservation, after a restoration was made in past years.
This tower is reflected in the coat of arms of of
Huercal de Almeria.
This is a military structure located in
Huercal de Almeria, bordering the outskirts of the city of
Almeria.
It is a kind of coastal tower building that was built by Ivan Cardenas in the 16th century. It is currently in a good state of conservation, after a restoration was made in past years.
This is one of the main buildings of
Huercal de Almeria.
It belonged to Hermann Fischer, son of Hermann Federico Fischer, owner of the Fisher house or “Cortijo del Gobernador” in
Almeria city, and since 2010 it is the seat of the City Council of
Huercal de Almeria.
The expressive force of the entrance was completed with the use of stonework pieces to highlight various elements.
This is one of the main buildings of
Huercal de Almeria.
It belonged to Hermann Fischer, son of Hermann Federico Fischer, owner of the Fisher house or “Cortijo del Gobernador” in
Almeria city, and since 2010 it is the seat of the City Council of
Huercal de Almeria.
The expressive force of the entrance was completed with the use of stonework pieces to highlight various elements.
This house is one of the best exponents of Almeria's eclecticism.
This construction occupies a high and dominant position on the crops, on the slope that marks the division between the dry and irrigated.
The most important work of the central building is the wide terrace naturally made by earth movements and the construction of retaining walls.
This house is one of the best exponents of Almeria's eclecticism.
This construction occupies a high and dominant position on the crops, on the slope that marks the division between the dry and irrigated.
The most important work of the central building is the wide terrace naturally made by earth movements and the construction of retaining walls.
The orientation of the entrance is south and east, since it provides greater insolation in all seasons, and prevents the pernicious effects of the north and west winds. The exterior visual of the mansion is perfectly surrounded by a fence and a cast iron grate.
This is the entrance of the library door, although it belonged to the main entrance of the Boleas Palace in the 18th century. It is located near the river and was demolished in the year 2000. The entrance is of Baroque style and built with quarry stone. The shield is framed by an oval semicircle, and below you will find a royal crown.
In the 19th century it was passed on to the Jover family, formed of influential merchants and politicians from Almeria. It later ended up in the hands of the politician Ramon Ledesma Hernandez.
This is the entrance of the library door, although it belonged to the main entrance of the Boleas Palace in the 18th century. It is located near the river and was demolished in the year 2000.
The entrance is of Baroque style and built with quarry stone. The shield is framed by an oval semicircle, and below you will find a royal crown.
In the 19th century it was passed on to the Jover family, formed of influential merchants and politicians from Almeria. It later ended up in the hands of the politician Ramon Ledesma Hernandez.
Ethnographic Interpretation Center
It is located on the ground floor of the Moreno Farmhouse and the museography was made by Rodolfo Caparros, focusing on three areas mainly:
The first one analyzes the historical circumstances that produced the birth of an urban bourgeoisie in
Almeria, and its connections with the agricultural and export businesses; the second deals with the extension of the irrigation of the 19th century and the third discusses the contemporary process of disembarkation of the capital’s urban strcuture over the territory.
It is located on the ground floor of the Moreno Farmhouse and the museography was made by Rodolfo Caparros, focusing on three areas mainly:
The first one analyzes the historical circumstances that produced the birth of an urban bourgeoisie in
Almeria, and its connections with the agricultural and export businesses.
The second deals with the extension of the irrigation of the 19th century and the third discusses the contemporary process of disembarkation of the capital’s urban strcuture over the territory.
Pechina
The exterior of the church is of rectilinear forms, with buttresses on both sides of the central nave and it is devoid of decoration.
In the 18th century, the main chapel and the dome were remodelled in the Baroque style. The current bell dates from 1884, called "San Indalecio". The picture featured on the dome of the presbytery dates from 1918, and is by Antonio Bedmar Iribarne (painter of manners). The painting represents the appearance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to Sor Margarita de Alacoque.
The exterior of the church is of rectilinear forms, with buttresses on both sides of the central nave and it is devoid of decoration.
In the 18th century, the main chapel and the dome were remodelled in the Baroque style. The current bell dates from 1884, called "San Indalecio". The picture featured on the dome of the presbytery dates from 1918, and is by Antonio Bedmar Iribarne (painter of manners).
The painting represents the appearance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to Sor Margarita de Alacoque.
Archaeological site of Bayyana
Starting in the year 885, it was developed as an urban centre and became one of the most important commercial spaces of Al-Andalus, until 992 when its decline began due to the development of the port and suburb of
Pechina, known as Mariyyat Bayyana.
In 995, it became the capital of the Cora, which made the population of Bayyana move to it and transformed it into a simple dependent town of
Almeria.
Starting in the year 885, it was developed as an urban centre and became one of the most important commercial spaces of Al-Andalus, until 992 when its decline began due to the development of the port and suburb of
Pechina, known as Mariyyat Bayyana.
In 995, it became the capital of the Cora, which made the population of Bayyana move to it and transformed it into a simple dependent town of
Almeria.
This Hispano-Arabic site offers great possibilities for studying the knowledge of Islamic urbanism, as it is one of the few examples of a Muslim city.
It is located in the Paraje Marchal de las Herrerias, and its excavations show the existence of two neighbourhoods of Arab origin, one to the north and one to the south. Both neighbourhoods present a residential area and housing with similar characteristics in distribution, materials, construction techniques, and necropolis.
Bayyana Interpretation Center
The Bayyana Interpretation Center delves into the region of the Bajo Andarax of the Islamic period, specifically in the Emirate of Cordoba, 9th-10th centuries, the historical moment in which the city of Bayyana was created, along with
Pechina and original core of the city of
Almeria.
Along the tour led by the Interpretation Center, you will come to know different aspects of the city of Bayyana and its inhabitants.
The Bayyana Interpretation Center delves into the region of the Bajo Andarax of the Islamic period, specifically in the Emirate of Cordoba, 9th-10th centuries, the historical moment in which the city of Bayyana was created, along with
Pechina and original core of the city of
Almeria.
Along the tour led by the Interpretation Center, you will come to know different aspects of the city of Bayyana and its inhabitants.
It is a spring of thermal waters with a stable flow, which emerges at a temperature of 57º C, through a water pipe in the square of Los Baños neighbourhood.
This water has healing properties due to it being sulphated-bicarbonated, sodic, chlorinated, and magnesic, without smell or taste, although it also contains Radon. For this reason, the water is used on the one hand in beverages, since it is beneficial for the digestive system and on the other hand, it is also used in treatments, as it removes fats, removes dead skin, and regenerates the skin.
It is a spring of thermal waters with a stable flow, which emerges at a temperature of 57º C, through a water pipe in the square of Los Baños neighbourhood.
This water has healing properties due to it being sulphated-bicarbonated, sodic, chlorinated, and magnesic, without smell or taste, although it also contains Radon.
For this reason, the water is used on the one hand in beverages, since it is beneficial for the digestive system and on the other hand, it is also used in treatments, as it removes fats, removes dead skin, and regenerates the skin.
Rioja
Our Lady of the Rosary Church
According to an ecclesiastical decree of May 26, 1505, the Parochial Church of Saint Mary in
Rioja was created, together with
Gador, Quiciliana, and Mondujar.
This temple was built by taking advantage of the mosque and its minaret, which were transformed into a Christian church and bell tower.
This first church has a Mudejar architectural style, with wood used as the main material, especially in the roof.
According to an ecclesiastical decree of May 26, 1505, the Parochial Church of Saint Mary in
Rioja was created, together with
Gador, Quiciliana, and Mondujar.
This temple was built by taking advantage of the mosque and its minaret, which were transformed into a Christian church and bell tower.
This first church has a Mudejar architectural style, with wood used as the main material, especially in the roof.
It is interesting to note how, during the rebellion of the Moorish, the churches of our region were burned, except for the
Rioja, possibly because the Moorish population still used it as a mosque.
At the beginning of the 17th century it was repaired, conserving the roof and the rest of the building with lime, tiles, and bricks. Many years later, during the Civil War, the building burned and disappeared, except for the tower that has survived to this day as a silent witness to the history of the village. In October 1956, the church was rebuilt with a vault and a choir. In 1963, it was damaged again and closed until 1969, when it was rebuilt as it appears today.
This viewpoint stands out for its panoramic views of the region, from the fertile plain to the Andarax River. Likewise, the villages of
Gador and
Benahadux can be seen.
The location is remarkable as an important archaeological site belonging to the Neolithic period, and more specifically, to the so-called Culture of Almeria.
It has two informative panels that showcase a tour through the history of the region.
This viewpoint stands out for its panoramic views of the region, from the fertile plain to the Andarax River. Likewise, the villages of
Gador and
Benahadux can be seen.
The location is remarkable as an important archaeological site belonging to the Neolithic period, and more specifically, to the so-called Culture of Almeria.
It has two informative panels that showcase a tour through the history of the region.
Orange Interpretation Center
This Interpretation Center is part of the network of Interpretation Centers that have been built under the Tourist Plan of the Bajo Andarax.
It is a new building built on the site that occupied the former house of the municipality’s doctor.
In the Interpretation Center, the whole agricultural and environmental tradition of the Bajo Andarax is exposed and interpreted throughout the area’s history.
This Interpretation Center is part of the network of Interpretation Centers that have been built under the Tourist Plan of the Bajo Andarax.
It is a new building built on the site that occupied the former house of the municipality’s doctor.
In the Interpretation Center, the whole agricultural and environmental tradition of the Bajo Andarax is exposed and interpreted throughout the area’s history.
The agricultural history of the region is reviewed through the different types of cultivation and irrigation that have developed in it, making known the historical importance that the orange has had in this municipality and throughout the region.
From this enclave, we can observe magnificent views of the fertile plain of Bajo Andarax.
Santa Fe de Mondujar
Our Lady of the Rosary Church
It is a temple of Mudejar style, built in the middle of the 16th century.
It consists of three naves in a basilical plan, with a main chapel, differentiated from the central nave by a main arch and a high choir at its feet.
In the year 1675, it was endowed with a Mudejar roof in its central nave, with ripple armour and simple ornamental details. At the same time the presbytery was built with its vaulted edge.
It is a temple of Mudejar style, built in the middle of the 16th century. It consists of three naves in a basilical plan, with a main chapel, differentiated from the central nave by a main arch and a high choir at its feet.
In the year 1675, it was endowed with a Mudejar roof in its central nave, with ripple armour and simple ornamental details.
At the same time the presbytery was built with its vaulted edge.
In the 18th century the extension of its lateral naves connected to the central nave by means of arches, the cover through which they are accessed and the bell tower was built later.
Its last restoration was in the year 1995.
It was built in 1893, along with the Almeria-Linares railway line, to connect
Almeria with the rest of Spain.
It was designed in the studies of engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel.
He made some of the last advances in the use of the forged iron with this project, combined with already classic constructions like stone masonry, which is reflected in its ten pilasters. It has a height of 35 m and a length of approximately 400 m.
It was built in 1893, along with the Almeria-Linares railway line, to connect
Almeria with the rest of Spain. It was designed in the studies of engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel. He made some of the last advances in the use of the forged iron with this project, combined with already classic constructions like stone masonry, which is reflected in its ten pilasters. It has a height of 35 m and a length of approximately 400 m.
In 1998 its last reform took place, adapting it to the passage of vehicles of all tonnage, widening the track and removing the iron rails.
The old train station was built between 1890 and 1893.
By the station began to pass in 1911 the first electric train in Spain, for which a small power plant was built under the adjacent bridge (Eiffel Bridge).
From this viewpoint you have a fantastic view of the bridges of
Santa Fe de Mondujar.
It was built in the year 2005.
The Millares Archaeological Site
The Millares deposit is the highest historical exponent of the Bajo Andarax.
Declared in 1931 as a historical-artistic monument,
the Millares is a site of the Copper Age, which was a cultural period between 3,200 and 2,200 BC.
The site has a village, a necropolis, and thirteen defensive forts. Its defense system is impressive, consisting of four lines of wall, one of them of 310 meters in length; the longest of its time.
The Millares deposit is the highest historical exponent of the Bajo Andarax.
Declared in 1931 as a historical-artistic monument,
the Millares is a site of the Copper Age, which was a cultural period between 3,200 and 2,200 BC.
The site has a village, a necropolis, and thirteen defensive forts. Its defense system is impressive, consisting of four lines of wall, one of them of 310 meters in length; the longest of its time.
Currently, the site has a visitor reception center and guided tours can be requested.
More info This fortress tower from the Nasrid period (13th to 15th centuries) served as a refuge and protection for the few neighbors of this Mondujar village, the original nucleus.
This strong tower is linked to the testimony of the passage of the Catholic Monarchs to Granada after the capture of
Almeria on December 26, 1489 and marks the birth of Santa Fe itself.
The Catholic Monarchs spent the night in this farmhouse and named it
Santa Fe de Mondujar.
This fortress tower from the Nasrid period (13th to 15th centuries) served as a refuge and protection for the few neighbors of this Mondujar village, the original nucleus.
This strong tower is linked to the testimony of the passage of the Catholic Monarchs to Granada after the capture of
Almeria on December 26, 1489 and marks the birth of Santa Fe itself.
The May Cross Hermitage, located in front of the town of
Santa Fe de Mondujar, gives its name to the neighborhood where it is located.
It is a square construction, with open walls with arches on its four sides, which supported a dome that has now been transformed into a hipped roof, and crowned with a cross. It is a place of devotion and promises.
From the hermitage you can enjoy excellent views over the orange grove and the bed of the Andarax River.
The May Cross Hermitage, located in front of the town of
Santa Fe de Mondujar, gives its name to the neighborhood where it is located.
It is a square construction, with open walls with arches on its four sides, which supported a dome that has now been transformed into a hipped roof, and crowned with a cross.
It is a place of devotion and promises. From the hermitage you can enjoy excellent views over the orange grove and the bed of the Andarax River.
Virgin of Carmen Hermitage
It is located at the entrance to the town and shows the qubba hermitage model, with a square plan and a half-orange vault as the roof (the square and the circle, the earth and the sky, as elementary geometric shapes).
This hermitage dates back to the 19th century and was built by the workers who were digging the mine to channel the waters of the “La Calderona” fountain, in gratitude for the lack of accidents during the works. In 1891 the railway construction company donated the image of the Virgin of Carmen in gratitude for there being no deaths during the construction of the tunnel.
It is located at the entrance to the town and shows the qubba hermitage model, with a square plan and a half-orange vault as the roof (the square and the circle, the earth and the sky, as elementary geometric shapes). This hermitage dates back to the 19th century and was built by the workers who were digging the mine to channel the waters of the “La Calderona” fountain, in gratitude for the lack of accidents during the works.
In 1891 the railway construction company donated the image of the Virgin of Carmen in gratitude for there being no deaths during the construction of the tunnel.
However, in 1936 the image was burned, but a neighbour recovered the cross, while the current image was donated by the miners of Rio Tinto.
The festival of the Virgin of Carmen is celebrated on July 16, where neighbors walk to her, bringing food and sweets typical of home, who are willing to spend the night. Once there, a mass is celebrated, the image is processed around, and the festival begins.
Viator
Our Lady of Anguishes Church
Dedicated to the Virgin of Anguishes, on its facade is the titular image in an ornate niche above the main entrance door.
Initially designed as a hermitage in the year 1766, long before the current growth of the population, it was then expanded to become the current parish church.
Inside is the altar of the Virgin of Anguishes, patroness of the town since 1766.
Dedicated to the Virgin of Anguishes, on its facade is the titular image in an ornate niche above the main entrance door.
Initially designed as a hermitage in the year 1766, long before the current growth of the population, it was then expanded to become the current parish church.
Inside is the altar of the Virgin of Anguishes, patroness of the town since 1766.
Paleontological Interpretation Center
This interpretation center is commonly known as the "Whale Museum". This is due to the fossil specimen of the Pliocene whale that was found in the municipality of
Viator in 1984, in Monte Palmo de Salas. Certain parts of the whale, such as the head and fins, were not found during the course of the excavation.
The exhibition space has 4 rooms in different themes, but under the basic concept "What the fossils of Almeria tell us", in addition to an audiovisual projection room.
This interpretation center is commonly known as the "Whale Museum". This is due to the fossil specimen of the Pliocene whale that was found in the municipality of
Viator in 1984, in Monte Palmo de Salas.
Certain parts of the whale, such as the head and fins, were not found during the course of the excavation.
The exhibition space has 4 rooms in different themes, but under the basic concept "What the fossils of Almeria tell us", in addition to an audiovisual projection room.
Virgin of Carmen Hermitage
Recently built, it was inaugurated on July 15, 2009 with a more modern design, which does not correspond to the old hermitage located just next door.
This new Virgin of Carmen Hermitage has moved a few meters from its original location. The old hermitage, now closed, offered only the vision of the Virgin through a small window.
On July 15 in the evening, on the eve of Carmen's day, a popular festival is celebrated in front of the hermitage.
Recently built, it was inaugurated on July 15, 2009 with a more modern design, which does not correspond to the old hermitage located just next door.
This new Virgin of Carmen Hermitage has moved a few meters from its original location. The old hermitage, now closed, offered only the vision of the Virgin through a small window.
On July 15 in the evening, on the eve of Carmen's day, a popular festival is celebrated in front of the hermitage.
