We present you the most interesting places to visit in the Los Velez region. Do not miss the places of interest in this area of Almeria.
Chirivel
Built in the 19th century, the Parish Church of Saint Isidoro is one of the must-sees in
Chirivel.
The church has a neoclassical and historicist style, which was unfortunately affected by renovations in the 70s, when elements of this style were removed, such as mouldings and framing. However, its structure consists of three naves, its north side tower and its bell tower, which still retain its original character and make it one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical structures of recent centuries.
Built in the 19th century, the Parish Church of Saint Isidoro is one of the must-sees in
Chirivel.
The church has a neoclassical and historicist style, which was unfortunately affected by renovations in the 70s, when elements of this style were removed, such as mouldings and framing.
However, its structure consists of three naves, its north side tower and its bell tower, which still retain its original character and make it one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical structures of recent centuries.
Its ancient air and the splendour of its architecture have been recovered thanks to work carried out in 2001 and the return of a restored image of the Virgin of Rosary, patroness saint of
Chirivel, which is now sheltered inside the temple.
El Villar Archaeological Site
The “El Villar” Archaeological Site was once a Roman town called Ad Morum, which was located at the foot of the Via Augusta. It is said that the origin of this town dates from the end of the 1st century AD when it reached its maximum splendour, but it then declined in the 2nd century and was finally abandoned in the 3rd or early 4th century.
It is about 13,000 square meters, perfectly divided, and was the site of numerous excavations and studies between 1983 and 1985.
The “El Villar” Archaeological Site was once a Roman town called Ad Morum, which was located at the foot of the Via Augusta. It is said that the origin of this town dates from the end of the 1st century AD when it reached its maximum splendour, but it then declined in the 2nd century and was finally abandoned in the 3rd or early 4th century.
It is about 13,000 square meters, perfectly divided, and was the site of numerous excavations and studies between 1983 and 1985.
Thanks to these excavations and the results of the studies, the deposit was declared an Archaeological Zone framed within the Assets of Cultural Interest.
In the midst of these studies, mosaics from the 2nd century AD were found, ceramic vessels, remains of an oven, and also pieces of marble that today adorn the
Museum of Almeria.
This is a space in which several places of interest are located in
Chirivel, and is found in the heart of town.
Always full of people, the Paseo is the geographical hub of the town, and contains the Town Hall, the main square, the main Library, the Chirivello Park, and a playground.
Due to its central location, the Paseo also has many places that border it, offering the opportunity for visitors to walk, eat, and enjoy this beautiful town.
Considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries of
Chirivel, the statue of Dionysus dates from the 2nd century BC, and was found in El Villar, just on the edge of the village.
The statue, which is attached to the figure of a feline, was found in an excellent state of preservation, so it is easy to appreciate the fine details of its construction. It became a symbol of
Chirivel and was acquired by the authorities, to be sheltered in the facilities of the
Archaeological Museum of Almeria.
Considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries of
Chirivel, the statue of Dionysus dates from the 2nd century BC, and was found in El Villar, just on the edge of the village.
The statue, which is attached to the figure of a feline, was found in an excellent state of preservation, so it is easy to appreciate the fine details of its construction.
However, the Museum was responsible for making a faithful and accurate copy of the statue, and installing it in the same place where it was found, known as the park of Chirivello.
Experts are sure that the finding indicates the presence of a Roman settlement, Ad Morum, but they also point out that it was probably a luxurious place, because the pieces found point to an expensive life, like fine statues and ornaments covered with gold leaf, among others.
So called because it was sent to be built by the owner of Cartagena Mines in 1906, the house is located in front of the Parish Church of Saint Isidro, which has given it a great cultural relevance.
It is a characteristic Art Deco house, due to its modernist style, which can be seen not only in the façade but especially inside. Its most striking aspects outside are the balconies, while inside, the forged staircase, the walls, and the ceilings are especially beautiful.
So called because it was sent to be built by the owner of Cartagena Mines in 1906, the house is located in front of the Parish Church of Saint Isidro, which has given it a great cultural relevance.
It is a characteristic Art Deco house, due to its modernist style, which can be seen not only in the façade but especially inside.
Its most striking aspects outside are the balconies, while inside, the forged staircase, the walls, and the ceilings are especially beautiful.
The Millenary Sabina is a millenary tree, located within the Sierra Maria-Los Velez Natural Park.
About 20 meters high, it is estimated that its age is between 600 and 1,000 years, and is a must see in
Chirivel.
It is said that due to its antiquity, it has been able to develop a defence system that allows it to resist the most extreme climates without suffering major damages.
The Millenary Sabina is a millenary tree, located within the Sierra Maria-Los Velez Natural Park.
About 20 meters high, it is estimated that its age is between 600 and 1,000 years, and is a must see in
Chirivel.
It is said that due to its antiquity, it has been able to develop a defence system that allows it to resist the most extreme climates without suffering major damages.
Its evergreen leaves hardly change in intensity during the stronger summers, but do become a little more opaque.
The community of
Chirivel, as well as the neighbouring towns, show great respect for the natural treasures found in the Sierra, but they show a greater respect for this millenary tree that has aroused the curiosity and admiration of locals and visitors.
Church of Saint Anthony (El Contador)
Church of Saint Anthony
The Parish Church of Saint Anthony of Padua was built in the year 1900. It is a building of the popular historicist style and was built on an old hermitage of the early 1700.
Its size and its white colour are perfectly integrated into the architecture of El Contador, a village of great agricultural and livestock wealth.
Maria
Church of the Incarnation
The Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation was built in the 16th century, in the same location that had an old mosque of Arab origin, and is declared a Historical and Artistic Heritage of the town.
An earthquake caused one of the towers to be completely destroyed, so the restorations that have been made have slightly changed some of its original elements.
The Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation was built in the 16th century, in the same location that had an old mosque of Arab origin, and is declared a Historical and Artistic Heritage of the town. An earthquake caused one of the towers to be completely destroyed, so the restorations that have been made have slightly changed some of its original elements.
Very prized for tourists, the church is visited for both its architectural and its religious value. One of the most striking elements is the baptismal font, which was made with a single piece of solid marble, as well as the choir and the main altar.
Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Head
Virgin of the Head Sanctuary
Considered one of the most beautiful and must-see sites in the region, the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Head, known as the Hermitage of the the Virgin of the Head, was built in the 16th century. It was built next to a fountain, where according to legend, the Virgin appeared to a shepherd.
In
Maria there is a great devotion for the Virgin of the Head, to whom the inhabitants take offerings regularly. The Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Head is usually filled with locals and tourists at the end of April, when celebrations in honor of the Virgin are celebrated.
Considered one of the most beautiful and must-see sites in the region, the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Head, known as the Hermitage of the the Virgin of the Head, was built in the 16th century.
It was built next to a fountain, where according to legend, the Virgin appeared to a shepherd.
In
Maria there is a great devotion for the Virgin of the Head, to whom the inhabitants take offerings regularly. The Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Head is usually filled with locals and tourists at the end of April, when celebrations in honor of the Virgin are celebrated.
This historic building was built in the 18th century. With the passage of time, the building suffered the ravages of weather over the years. However, it has undergone two major renovations, which have allowed it to recover.
It is worth visiting as a reference of ancient architecture, and to observe the work of remodeling and recovery that has allowed this old building to stand and continue to be operational.
This historic building was built in the 18th century.
With the passage of time, the building suffered the ravages of weather over the years.
However, it has undergone two major renovations, which have allowed it to recover.
It is worth visiting as a reference of ancient architecture, and to observe the work of remodeling and recovery that has allowed this old building to stand and continue to be operational.
This is a building considered neoclassical, and was built to be used as a barn in the mid-18th century. This was also the place where the villagers went to pay tribute to the Marquis.
Today, after experiencing several renovations and recoveries of its areas, the House of Tercia is used as Municipal Library, Historical Archive and Archaeological Museum. It also helps to contain in its spaces the exhibition room baptized Tercia I.
This is a building considered neoclassical, and was built to be used as a barn in the mid-18th century.
This was also the place where the villagers went to pay tribute to the Marquis.
Today, after experiencing several renovations and recoveries of its areas, the House of Tercia is used as Municipal Library, Historical Archive and Archaeological Museum. It also helps to contain in its spaces the exhibition room baptized Tercia I.
A second wing was installed next to this space, in which the Tercia II exhibition room and a glass room were inaugurated. It contains jars that are exposed and half-buried in the ground, and their spaces can also be used as an exhibition space for local artists.
Umbria de la Virgen Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden
The Umbria de la Virgen Botanical Garden is located in the Sierra Maria-Los Velez Natural Park, on the northern slope of Sierra Maria and at the foot of the peak of La Burrica.
This Botanical Garden belongs to the Andalusian Network of Botanical Gardens in Natural Spaces, and has been given an ecological criteria. This is to encourage knowledge of the area and a conservation and exhibition of the plants and fungi that make up the Mediterranean Mountains of Andalusia.
The Umbria de la Virgen Botanical Garden is located in the Sierra Maria-Los Velez Natural Park, on the northern slope of Sierra Maria and at the foot of the peak of La Burrica. This Botanical Garden belongs to the Andalusian Network of Botanical Gardens in Natural Spaces, and has been given an ecological criteria. This is to encourage knowledge of the area and a conservation and exhibition of the plants and fungi that make up the Mediterranean Mountains of Andalusia.
The Umbria de la Virgen Botanical Garden is a space dedicated to the conservation of endangered flora, both rare and endemic.
Velez-Blanco
The Velez-Blanco Castle was built on the orders of Pedro Fajardo y Chacon, “Adelantado” of
Velez-Blanco. This was after he was named Marquis of Los Velez by the Catholic Monarchs in 1506.
It is a worthy representation of the Renaissance and a symbol of the rupture of the nobility of the medieval era, which gave an opening to the modernity of the time. The Court of Honor of this castle is one of its most striking points, as it is considered one of the masterpieces of the Spanish Renaissance in its infancy.
The Velez-Blanco Castle was built on the orders of Pedro Fajardo y Chacon, “Adelantado” of
Velez-Blanco. This was after he was named Marquis of Los Velez by the Catholic Monarchs in 1506.
It is a worthy representation of the Renaissance and a symbol of the rupture of the nobility of the medieval era, which gave an opening to the modernity of the time.
The Court of Honor of this castle is one of its most striking points, as it is considered one of the masterpieces of the Spanish Renaissance in its infancy.
It was built with the vision of a fortress from the outside, but with an internal layout to make it look like a palace. Particularly striking are the friezes and engravings on the walls and columns. There are images such as The Column of Hercules, which offers elegance, history and great architectural value.
Church of Santiago Apostle
Its period of construction lasted from the second decade of the 16th century until almost the end of the same century, due to the numerous lawsuits between the first Marquis of Los Velez and the bishops of Almeria on the financing of the work.
The main altar was dedicated to Santiago Apostle, with a wooden altarpiece designed by Juan de Orea, master of the
Cathedral of Almeria.
Its period of construction lasted from the second decade of the 16th century until almost the end of the same century, due to the numerous lawsuits between the first Marquis of Los Velez and the bishops of Almeria on the financing of the work. The main altar was dedicated to Santiago Apostle, with a wooden altarpiece designed by Juan de Orea, master of the
Cathedral of Almeria.
The looting of the early Civil War severely affected the artistic heritage of the temple, currently being the majority of contemporary works. There are notable exceptions, such as the tables of Saint Monica and the Immaculate Conception, commissioned by the sisters of the third Marquis in 1578 for the Hermitage of the Conception.
The Church of Saint Mary Magdalena is a temple of Mudejar style that was built before the year 1515 on the ruins of an old mosque. It is located in the hill of the Castle, it only conserves remains of the walls and the tower.
In 1834 the tombstone of Juan de Monrreal was found among the ruins, who was the first vicar of the Velez who died in 1515. In this church were also the graves of the first two Marquises of Los Velez, Don Pedro and Don Luis Fajardo.
The Church of Saint Mary Magdalena is a temple of Mudejar style that was built before the year 1515 on the ruins of an old mosque.
It is located in the hill of the Castle, it only conserves remains of the walls and the tower.
In 1834 the tombstone of Juan de Monrreal was found among the ruins, who was the first vicar of the Velez who died in 1515. In this church were also the graves of the first two Marquises of Los Velez, Don Pedro and Don Luis Fajardo.
This convent was built in 1599 at the request of Don Luis Fajardo Requesens, the fourth Marquis of Los Velez. This was in order to fulfill the vow promised after recovering from a serious illness.
Its construction was completed in the second decade of the 17th century, at which time it began to operate and came to have 36 friars. The convent is in fairly good condition and you can see paintings and sculptures that were part of the building. The entrance suffered some deterioration during the Spanish Civil War.
This convent was built in 1599 at the request of Don Luis Fajardo Requesens, the fourth Marquis of Los Velez. This was in order to fulfill the vow promised after recovering from a serious illness.
Its construction was completed in the second decade of the 17th century, at which time it began to operate and came to have 36 friars.
The convent is in fairly good condition and you can see paintings and sculptures that were part of the building. The entrance suffered some deterioration during the Spanish Civil War.
Hermitage of the Conception
It was erected in 1577 by order of Doña Francisca and Doña Mencia Fajardo, sisters of the third Marquis of Los Velez.
It was the burial place of its founders: Don Diego Fajardo and his wife Doña Juana de Guevara, along with two of his three children. The first Franciscan friars lived in cells built next to this hermitage. For more than two and a half centuries it was the seat of the School of Christ, then a store of aromatic plants and, since 2006, a gallery and an art studio. The cover with the shields and a commemorative inscription stand out.
It was erected in 1577 by order of Doña Francisca and Doña Mencia Fajardo, sisters of the third Marquis of Los Velez.
It was the burial place of its founders: Don Diego Fajardo and his wife Doña Juana de Guevara, along with two of his three children. The first Franciscan friars lived in cells built next to this hermitage.
For more than two and a half centuries it was the seat of the School of Christ, then a store of aromatic plants and, since 2006, a gallery and an art studio. The cover with the shields and a commemorative inscription stand out.
Almacen del Trigo Visitors Center
The Almacen del Trigo Visitor Center is located in the urban center of Velez-Blanco, in the building that houses the Tourist Office.
In addition to tourist information, during the tour of the exhibition the visitor will know relevant aspects of the Sierra Maria-Los Velez Natural Park.
Fountain of the Five Pipes
This is one of the sites with historical importance, due to its proximity to the Velez-Blanco Castle and for being located in the heart of the municipality.
The first Marquis of Los Velez ordered its construction and on his foot is a tombstone with a Latin inscription, which when translated means "Whoever drinks from this fountain, will never forget its taste.” It is a symbol for mythical immortality.
The Letreros Cave received its name due to the cave paintings found inside. This cave and its signs have been categorized as an archaeological treasure, which has aroused the interest of people all around the world. They visit the area with the intention of being able to observe these paintings, which date from 5,000 B.C.
Due to the historical wealth of these paintings, the cave was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998. It became orksf the group of orks called Rock Art of the Mediterranean Arc as well.
The Letreros Cave received its name due to the cave paintings found inside. This cave and its signs have been categorized as an archaeological treasure, which has aroused the interest of people all around the world. They visit the area with the intention of being able to observe these paintings, which date from 5,000 B.C.
Due to the historical wealth of these paintings, the cave was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998. It became orksf the group of orks called Rock Art of the Mediterranean Arc as well.
Among the drawings found along the walls of the cave, you can find men and women, animal figures, and the figure of the
Indalo: a representation of a man holding a bow, which has become the most representative symbol of Almeria.
Next to the Letreros Cave is the Ambrosio Cave, which is a worthy example of Palaeolithic rock art, and has been appointed to the Historical Heritage of Humanity due to its high historical value.
This cave is located north of
Velez-Blanco and is crossed by a stream, which according to experts is what allowed the settlement of its first settlers. They are also the creators of the cave paintings that today have given the cave so much fame.
Next to the Letreros Cave is the Ambrosio Cave, which is a worthy example of Palaeolithic rock art, and has been appointed to the Historical Heritage of Humanity due to its high historical value. This cave is located north of
Velez-Blanco and is crossed by a stream, which according to experts is what allowed the settlement of its first settlers. They are also the creators of the cave paintings that today have given the cave so much fame.
This cave has also been famous for housing materials that allowed for lives for the first settlers. These found materials were mainly tips of spears and arrows.
The 18 paintings of Ambrosio's cave were discovered in 1992, in the middle of which is a figure of a painted, red horse that stands out.
The local, regional and national authorities have been in charge of protecting the caves after the discovery of their paintings, giving it a museum like quality. They can be enjoyed without affecting the heritage of history that is found there.
Velez-Rubio
Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation
Church of the Incarnation
The Parochial Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation is a living example of the passage of the Spanish ecclesiastical architecture from the Baroque to the Neoclassic. Its vibrant structure imposes on any other construction of
Velez-Rubio, so it is impossible not to be attracted to its interior, dominated by the beauty of its exterior.
Built between 1573 and 1768, the Church has the Marquis of Los Velez’s house shield in its main portico, and two towers over 30 meters high, which give it an imposing and striking air.
The Parochial Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation is a living example of the passage of the Spanish ecclesiastical architecture from the Baroque to the Neoclassic.
Its vibrant structure imposes on any other construction of
Velez-Rubio, so it is impossible not to be attracted to its interior, dominated by the beauty of its exterior.
Built between 1573 and 1768, the Church has the Marquis of Los Velez’s house shield in its main portico, and two towers over 30 meters high, which give it an imposing and striking air.
Inside the church you can see its distribution of three naves, as well as a beautiful dome of large dimensions, and an organ made by the French artist Guillermo D'Enoyer. This organ is one of the most appreciated pieces of the church, because it was built with red pine wood, untreated, and represents one of the best-preserved religious musical instruments in Almeria.
Those who visit
Velez-Rubio cannot leave the area without first enjoying the paintings, the carving, the acoustics, and the details of the Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation.
The square is located next to the Church of the Incarnation and frequently visited and always busy, whose elements have been arranged to magnify the image of the church.
Thus, the arrangement of lights, seats, and streets, seem to lay a path for arrival at the main course: the ecclesiastical structure.
The square usually receives many visits during the day and night, but it is advisable to visit it at both times.
The square is located next to the Church of the Incarnation and frequently visited and always busy, whose elements have been arranged to magnify the image of the church.
Thus, the arrangement of lights, seats, and streets, seem to lay a path for arrival at the main course: the ecclesiastical structure.
The square usually receives many visits during the day and night, but it is advisable to visit it at both times.
During the day you can find activities of cultural interest, and at night you can enjoy the beautiful image of the church’s facade, lit from the square.
This important museum is located in what used to be the old Royal Hospital, a brick and plaster building, built in 1765 and perfectly restored between 1988 and 1991.
In the museum you can see pieces found mainly in the area of Los Velez, as well as other samples from archaeological excavations and donations, which are of ethnological interest.
This important museum is located in what used to be the old Royal Hospital, a brick and plaster building, built in 1765 and perfectly restored between 1988 and 1991. In the museum you can see pieces found mainly in the area of Los Velez, as well as other samples from archaeological excavations and donations, which are of ethnological interest.
It tries to tell, in an orderly way, the history of the world and of Spain, including elements such as context, prehistory, colonization, and modernity, but without forgetting a special space for the ethnology of Los Velez.
The castle was part of the defensive system of the border between the Christian kingdom and the Nasrid kingdom.
It used to be the fortress of Velad Al-Ahamar and it was built on the highest point of the hill, to give it a privileged position that allowed defenders to see the approach of any enemy and to make access difficult, since the roads are steep and narrow.
The castle was part of the defensive system of the border between the Christian kingdom and the Nasrid kingdom. It used to be the fortress of Velad Al-Ahamar and it was built on the highest point of the hill, to give it a privileged position that allowed defenders to see the approach of any enemy and to make access difficult, since the roads are steep and narrow.
It began to be abandoned at the beginning of the 16th century, precisely for the same reasons that made it so safe: difficulty of access, as well as the entry of food and water.
The Meson Park is a relatively new urban space in
Velez-Rubio, which was built around the Meson reservoir, a site where water was dammed to be used mainly for irrigation.
It is an artificial pond, similar to a pool, in which the waters that were previously unaccounted losses are collected.
Later, around the water dam part of the project the Desert Botanical Garden was built, a beautiful green area to keep the water recovery program company.
The Meson Park is a relatively new urban space in
Velez-Rubio, which was built around the Meson reservoir, a site where water was dammed to be used mainly for irrigation.
It is an artificial pond, similar to a pool, in which the waters that were previously unaccounted losses are collected.
Later, around the water dam part of the project the Desert Botanical Garden was built, a beautiful green area to keep the water recovery program company.
