Alhama de Almeria Travel Guide

Picture: Wikimedia Commons

Alhama de Almeria is located in the foothills of the Sierra de Gador, in a rugged landscape that descends to the bed of the Andarax river. The town preserves an urban framework characteristic of other towns in the surrounding area, with its narrow streets that are indicative of their Muslim origin. The vineyards that produce their famous grapes are abundant and lush, in contrast with their arid and semi-desert surroundings.

This municipality is also known as "the Eastern Gate of the Alpujarra", "The Watchtower of the Andarax Valley" and "The Balcony of the Seven Villages", due to the privileged geographic situation where it sits. It was always thought that its origin was in Muslim times, but the finding in 1984 of Roman archaeological remains, mainly the appearance of a marble statue with a female figure (the Lady of Alhama), indicates a further origin. Also, vestiges were found, under the municipal fonton, of a Roman villa. It is very possible that from that same time is the construction of the bridge called "La Puente", an emblematic architectural work of the town.

The name Alhama comes from the Arabic Al-Hamma which means "sacred water". It refers precisely to the hot waters and the thermal baths of great medicinal value that were and remain very appreciated by visitors to these lands.

Alhama de Almeria is also known as the birthplace of Don Nicolas Salmeron Alonso, President of the First Spanish Republic.