Oria, north of Almanzora

This is located in the northern part of the Almanzora Valley region, bordering, to the northwest, the province of Granada, at an altitude of 1,022 metres above sea level, which, on clear days, can be seen despite its relative remoteness. The first documented settlements date back to around 3,000 BC and are related to copper mining.

The municipality of Oria is divided into six singular population entities that group together thirty-five population centres, the most important of which is Oria, together with Los Cerricos, El Frax, El Negro, El Margen and La Rambla de Oria.

The climate in Oria

The climate in Oria is classified as Mediterranean, although, due to its altitude, in winter the temperatures drop below zero degrees, which gives rise to beautiful pictures of the village under a blanket of snow. Another characteristic of the climate in Oria is the winds, which blow frequently throughout the winter.

Temperatures, which are cool in winter, gradually rise during the spring and in the summer months reach an average of 27 degrees Celsius. One can enjoy the cool nights, as temperatures drop at dusk.

What to visit

One of the most important religious sites in this town is the Virgin of Mercy Basilica, which was built at the end of the 18th century. Its construction began in 1767 by order of the 10th Marquis of Los Velez and was completed in 1779 under his son's marquisate. This Baroque-style basilica was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1999. Recently restored inside, with special attention paid to its paintings, this basilica is one of the most representative buildings of the Baroque style in Almeria.
  Nor should we forget the remains of the castle, several watchtowers and the citadel, all from the Arab period.

Gastronomy

Oria's gastronomy includes tomato and pepper fritters, “migas”, “remojon” and wheat stew. Also of note among the stews is the cod stew, typical at Holy Week.