What to see in Velez-Blanco
Velez-Blanco Castle
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.
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.
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 Saint James the Greater
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 Saint James the Greater, with a wooden altarpiece designed by Juan de Orea, master of the Cathedral of Almeria.
The main altar was dedicated to Saint James the Greater, with a wooden altarpiece designed by Juan de Orea, master of the Cathedral of Almeria.
Church of the Magdalene
The Church of Saint Mary Magdalene 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.
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.
Convent of Saint Aloysius
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Letreros Cave
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 BC.
Due to the historical wealth of these paintings, the cave was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998.
Due to the historical wealth of these paintings, the cave was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998.
Ambrosio Cave
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 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.
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.
What to visit in Los Velez
