Albanchez is a beautiful town located in the Almanzora Valley region.
This territory was conquered in 1436 by troops from Murcia, who founded Albanchez, under the jurisdiction of the kingdom of Granada. Later, the Catholic kings conquered Granada and gave this land to the Marquis of Los Velez, who became their leader. These events occurred between 1491 and 1492, ending the capitulations of Granada.
It is a municipality that has had an agricultural tradition since the 16th century, thanks to some 50 families who lived in the territory at that time.
Later, in the 19th century, the population increased to about 2,000 inhabitants and there was a diversification of the economy thanks to textile production, the realization of canvases, and mills that produced oil and flour.
Agriculture continues to be the predominant economic activity in Albanchez. However, this activity is complemented by the exploitation of quarries a few kilometres from the centre of town, which are responsible for the production of marble.
Tourist attractions
Despite being a small town, it is a picturesque and interesting place, as it has beautiful, historical places that are over a century old.
Church of the Incarnation
This is a building full of history and of great relevance within the Almeria province, thanks to its Baroque structures, which are some of the best-preserved in the province.
The Church of the Incarnation was opened to the public in the 15th century. Its structure was enlarged in 1716 and contains an oil painting of the Virgin of the Incarnation, which is of great religious, symbolic, and artistic value, dating from 1808. Without a doubt, it is a site worth visiting by tourists to the province of Almeria.
Also noteworthy are the Saint Roch Hermitage, the Cross of Calvary, the municipal laundry, and the monument to the farmer.
Roman aqueduct
This impressive stone monument is one of the greatest attractions of Albanchez. In addition, it is one of the largest hydraulic bridges in all of Andalusia.
It measures 17 meters high and 47 meters wide, and is made up of five semi-circular arches. It is a work that will make you feel for a moment as though you are in the vast Roman Empire. The aqueduct was originally built to serve as irrigation for the hundreds of hectares destined for agricultural production.
It is a structure well preserved by the municipal authorities, who are in charge of remodelling from time to time. Likewise, it can be visited at any time of the year, completely free.
Los Caños Fountain
This fountain has great significance for the population of Albanchez because it was the closest source of water and the meeting point for the inhabitants during the 18th century.
A major restructuring was carried out in 1880 to help those affected by the floods in the province of Almeria.
Later, extensions were made in 1950 and it became an essential point to visit. It is also part of the Las Aguas Trail (PR-A 355).
