Huercal de Almeria is located in the region of Bajo Andarax, within the metropolitan area of Almeria, a population of which it has historically been a part as a suburb or peripheral neighbourhood. At the beginning of the 19th century, Almeria was segregated, becoming an independent municipality.
The condition of Huercal de Almeria as a crossroads, given its strategic central location in an important and rich region, means that thousands of people pass through this town every day, crossing the Bajo Andarax region.
History of Huercal de Almeria
Its history is linked to that of the capital Almeria, of which it has formed a part as a neighbourhood since the time of the Visigoths. After the reconquest, it received the denomination of suburb of Almeria from the Catholic Monarchs, a condition that it maintained until the beginning of the 19th century. Currently, Huercal de Almeria is an important population centre, with a significant registered population, thanks to the important economic activity carried out in this municipality by many companies originating from the capital.
When to visit Huercal de Almeria
Its proximity to the sea means that temperatures are generally mild, with cool winters and moderately hot summers. The most recommended times to visit are spring and autumn, when average temperatures reach 18°C during the day.
What to visit in Huercal de Almeria
Although it is an eminently industrial town with modern architecture, there are several interesting places that you can visit in Huercal de Almeria. Standing out are the Cardenas Tower, from the 16th century, and the Ethnographic Interpretation Centre, as well as other buildings of great beauty.
St. Mary's Parish Church
The church of Huercal de Almeria dates from the beginning of the 16th century. Its construction is mentioned in documents from 1505 and it was erected as a parish on February 11, 1619.
Its construction is of Mudejar style. Its portal, located at the foot of the central nave, covers its glass with a semicircular arch with a wide threaded moulding that rests on two pilasters attached to the jambs and two half-columns with capitals; its tower is located to the right of the main gate. In its main chapel, we can find an impressive coffered ceiling.
Las Mascaranas Farmhouse
Considered one of the buildings with the greatest economic power and architectural presence in the Bajo Andarax region.
It was owned by the wealthy landowner Hermann Fischer and was built at the end of the 19th century.
Its restoration is a good example of the reuse of historical heritage for public use.
It is currently the seat of the Huercal de Almeria Town Hall.
Boleas Palace
Only the cover is preserved and it was located in the fertile plain, on the municipal boundary with the city of Almeria.
It was built in the 18th century by order of Bishop Molina y Rocha and, throughout its history, passed through the hands of multiple owners.
It was demolished in the 1980s. The cover was left intact and acquired by the Huercal de Almeria City Council to be placed at the entrance to the current public library.
Gastronomy of Huercal de Almeria
Huercal de Almeria cuisine is strongly related to that of other municipalities in the Bajo Andarax region.
Some of the typical dishes of the region are “pipirrana”, “gurullos” with rabbit, chard “esparragadas”, “ajoblanco”, cod stew, rice with “chapas”, “gazpachuelo” and pumpkin or meat “fritailla”.
Regarding sweets, some stand out such as fried “roscos”, rice pudding, “papaviejos” and “talvinas”, which is a kind of sweet porridge.
