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Rioja, orange heart
Located in the valley of the Andarax river, just 13 kilometres from the capital of the province of Almeria, is the municipality of Rioja. Its 36 square kilometres of extension are scattered throughout neighbourhoods, among which La Plaza, El Marraque, La Fuente, El Abriojal, and La Ermita stand out. Its privileged position has made Rioja a place of human settlement dating back to prehistory and Roman times.
In economic terms, the lands of Rioja are used for different crops, with orange being the most widespread. In recent years, both industry and tourism are making their way by leaps and bounds in this beautiful municipality.
In the 20th century, during the Spanish Civil War, the church was destroyed, with only the tower surviving.
After several reconstructions, in 1969 it opened its doors as it is recognized today.
This centre is attached to a wide network that seeks to preserve and publicize the agricultural traditions of the Bajo Andarax region.
In economic terms, the lands of Rioja are used for different crops, with orange being the most widespread. In recent years, both industry and tourism are making their way by leaps and bounds in this beautiful municipality.
What to visit in Rioja
This town, although small, has several points of historical and cultural interest that you cannot miss if you travel to the province of Almeria. Among the most prominent are the following.Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
A place of protection for the patroness saint of Rioja, the Virgin of the Rosary, this church has a long and extensive history. The first building was erected in the early 16th century, when the church and its bell tower replaced an original mosque and minaret.In the 20th century, during the Spanish Civil War, the church was destroyed, with only the tower surviving.
Virgin of Carmel Hermitage
To the north, across the road, is the neighbourhood of La Ermita, an area that receives its name from the Hermitage of the Virgin of Carmel, which is located there. In this neighbourhood, there is also a beautiful square, a municipal theatre and various educational facilities.Andarax viewpoint
From the highest point of Rioja, we find a spectacular viewpoint that offers a sensational view. The panorama extends from the Andarax river to its plain, allowing you to see nearby towns such as Benahadux and Gador.Orange Interpretation Centre
In this building, the agricultural tradition of the entire region is presented. As its name indicates, special emphasis is placed on oranges and the importance this crop has had for the municipality.This centre is attached to a wide network that seeks to preserve and publicize the agricultural traditions of the Bajo Andarax region.
Festivities and celebrations of Rioja
As is tradition, each municipality has its own festivals and celebrations that are added to those present in the liturgical calendar. Thus, we find the following:Fat Thursday
This is the festivity that precedes Carnival Sunday. In this celebration, sausages are the main dish.Carnival
Celebrated in February or March, this takes place before the Christian Lent. Here, in Rioja, the streets are dressed in joy and celebration.Pilgrimage of Saint Isidore
This festival takes place on May 15, the day of Saint Isidore the Farmer, and runs until May 16.Day of the Virgin of the Rosary
The community gathers to honour the patroness saint of Rioja in procession every October 15.Activities in the province of Almeria
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