We present you the most interesting places to visit in the Poniente of Almeria. Do not miss the places of interest in this region of Almeria.
Balanegra
This small and once discreet church is one of the sites that currently attracts large numbers of tourists, and has become one of the main attractions of
Balanegra.
This church was the first religious structure in Spain to join urban art. In 2013, this wonderful church added to its appeal with graffiti done by Nauni, an artist from
El Ejido, who spray-painted an image of Santiago Apostle, patron saint of the city and to whom the church is dedicated, on the main entrance.
This small and once discreet church is one of the sites that currently attracts large numbers of tourists, and has become one of the main attractions of
Balanegra.
This church was the first religious structure in Spain to join urban art.
In 2013, this wonderful church added to its appeal with graffiti done by Nauni, an artist from
El Ejido, who spray-painted an image of Santiago Apostle, patron saint of the city and to whom the church is dedicated, on the main entrance.
Some residents, more attached to the traditional Catholic culture, opposed the mural. However, most believe that it was worth it. Not only is it a true work of art, but this small gesture ended up reviving the charm of the classical church and put
Balanegra in the public arena of Spain, promoting tourism in the area.
It is the remains of a watchtower, which served as protection. But unlike other towers installed in Almeria, which have notably Arabic characteristics, the Tower of Alhamilla was sent to build by the Catholic Monarchs, after Christianity reconquered Almeria.
The intention of this tower was to serve as a lookout, to prevent a possible invasion by taking the inhabitants by surprise, causing them to lose ground again to the Moorish.
It is the remains of a watchtower, which served as protection.
But unlike other towers installed in Almeria, which have notably Arabic characteristics, the Tower of Alhamilla was sent to build by the Catholic Monarchs, after Christianity reconquered Almeria.
The intention of this tower was to serve as a lookout, to prevent a possible invasion by taking the inhabitants by surprise, causing them to lose ground again to the Moorish.
This place has become very popular after a restoration of the tower was carried out in 2008 to recover its splendour. During this restoration, a beautiful viewpoint was installed, which gives the impression of floating on the Mediterranean Sea and allows for a magnificent view of the coast of
Balanegra, but also of
El Ejido,
Berja, and
Adra.
The tower is accessed by stairs that have been built to facilitate visits to this place of great architectural and historical importance.
It is the only beach in the municipality of
Balanegra and is located in a semi-urban area where greenhouses abound.
It is a beach of 2,600 metres in length with an average width of 50 metres.
Enix
Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus
St. Jude Thaddeus Church
It is the Parish Church of
Enix, an imposing construction of mainly Mudejar architecture, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
This church has been dedicated to St. Jude Thaddeus and the Virgin of the Rosary, both patron saints of
Enix and around whom traditional festivals and pilgrimages are celebrated.
The interior of this church keeps a carved Florentine image of the Virgin of the Rosary, much appreciated by the inhabitants and admired by those who visit the church.
It is the Parish Church of
Enix, an imposing construction of mainly Mudejar architecture, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
This church has been dedicated to St. Jude Thaddeus and the Virgin of the Rosary, both patron saints of
Enix and around whom traditional festivals and pilgrimages are celebrated.
The interior of this church keeps a carved Florentine image of the Virgin of the Rosary, much appreciated by the inhabitants and admired by those who visit the church.
This temple was built during the prelature of Fray Juan de Portocarrero, and its shield still adorns the building.
In the 18th century, this church received a repair of the armour, because the previous one was in quite bad condition. It was then that the present Mudejar was installed.
The roofs were also repaired not long ago, to ensure that the historical and religious heritage of
Enix retains its beauty without altering the original characteristics too much.
This religious building is located in the village of El Marchal de Anton Lopez and was built in 1900, being dedicated to Saint Theresa.
Located in the heart of
Enix, the Constitution Square is one of the places that tourists must pass through when they are in the town.
Like most of the main squares of the different towns of Almeria, it is located right in the centre, next to the Church and the Town Hall. It is the place where many people gather to socialize, and around which they have built premises for the enjoyment of those who come to the square.
Located in the heart of
Enix, the Constitution Square is one of the places that tourists must pass through when they are in the town.
Like most of the main squares of the different towns of Almeria, it is located right in the centre, next to the Church and the Town Hall.
It is the place where many people gather to socialize, and around which they have built premises for the enjoyment of those who come to the square.
Very discreet and simple, it has a small central fountain adorned by a marble figure, which is maintained in optimal condition thanks to the care of its inhabitants, who ensure that their heritage remains as good as possible.
Wind Park
In
Enix there is a wind farm, which attracts the attention of those who pass by the place.
From the village of El Marchal de Anton Lopez, you can see the towers of the park, driven by the wind, crowning the top of the hill.
It is the first wind farm installed in Almeria, which is also at a fairly high point, and has led many hiking and biking routes to visit the site and enjoy the surrounding nature.
In
Enix there is a wind farm, which attracts the attention of those who pass by the place.
From the village of El Marchal de Anton Lopez, you can see the towers of the park, driven by the wind, crowning the top of the hill.
It is the first wind farm installed in Almeria, which is also at a fairly high point, and has led many hiking and biking routes to visit the site and enjoy the surrounding nature.
The park is composed of 40 windmills, which in addition to attracting attention visually, are capable of producing 330 kilowatts of energy.
There are several hiking trails created to go up to the park and the area. At the point where the park is located, about 1,200 metres above sea level, you can see an incredible view of
Enix and its surroundings, especially the
Sierra de Gador.
It is a hill located on the sides of the town, from which you can fully observe
Enix and part of the
Sierra de Gador.
It is located at an altitude of 1,000 metres, which is why many have said that from this hill "you can touch the sky".
For the protection of the locals, a cross was placed at the highest point of the hill over a simple hermitage and a little rough, but that is part of the religious culture of the town.
It is a hill located on the sides of the town, from which you can fully observe
Enix and part of the
Sierra de Gador.
It is located at an altitude of 1,000 metres, which is why many have said that from this hill "you can touch the sky".
For the protection of the locals, a cross was placed at the highest point of the hill over a simple hermitage and a little rough, but that is part of the religious culture of the town.
On May 2nd and 3rd, a significant pilgrimage is celebrated around this cross for the locals, who gather around the chapel for the celebration.
The Hill of the Cross has been improved by the City Council, who built picnic areas, roads, and spaces so that the visit to this point of the city is as placid as possible and can enjoy its incredible landscape.
Its waters are very appreciated for consumption, and for a long time (even today) this fountain was a supply point (waters of
Enix).
Felix
Church of the Incarnation
The Parish Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation, dating back to the 14th century, was built on the remains of an old mosque built by the Muslims who inhabited the area.
The Church is in full entrance of
Felix, so it is the first site that catches the attention of tourists when they arrive.
The main nave of the church is rectangular in shape, and was converted into a temple invocation of Our Lady of the Incarnation by disposition of the Catholic Monarchs.
The Parish Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation, dating back to the 14th century, was built on the remains of an old mosque built by the Muslims who inhabited the area.
The Church is in full entrance of
Felix, so it is the first site that catches the attention of tourists when they arrive.
The main nave of the church is rectangular in shape, and was converted into a temple invocation of Our Lady of the Incarnation by disposition of the Catholic Monarchs.
Already in the 16th century, the church had suffered the inclement passage of time and was in an advanced state of deterioration, so it underwent its first restoration. During this a coffered ceiling of Mudejar style was installed, and it has remained part of the structure until the 19th century.
It is a church of great character and beauty, which is also a fundamental part of the traditional celebrations of the town.
It is a characteristic construction of the lower
Alpujarra of Almeria and is part of the Arab and Muslim legacy that remained throughout the area and in other towns of Almeria.
It is a small construction with a square base, with a large dome that gives it an air of solemnity, on which a cross rests. This structure, unlike most of the hermitages that are scattered throughout Almeria, is completely hollow, that is, what supports the dome are four main columns, but there are no walls and the interior of the chapel is empty.
It is a characteristic construction of the lower
Alpujarra of Almeria and is part of the Arab and Muslim legacy that remained throughout the area and in other towns of Almeria.
It is a small construction with a square base, with a large dome that gives it an air of solemnity, on which a cross rests.
This structure, unlike most of the hermitages that are scattered throughout Almeria, is completely hollow, that is, what supports the dome are four main columns, but there are no walls and the interior of the chapel is empty.
The cross that perches on the dome is a symbol of the triumph of Christians over Muslims, so this hermitage has a great religious and historical value for the inhabitants of
Felix. It is one of the favorite places to visit for tourists due to the pleasant walk to get to it and the unparalleled view of it offers.
Around the hermitage of Felix is an extraordinary viewpoint, which has added even more value to the area and is an invitation to visit.
The hermitage is a religious site of great importance and solemnity for the inhabitants of
Felix, and is a fantastic place to visit, due to its historical and religious importance. There is also an amazing view that can be seen from it.
That is why the City Council has made its efforts to ensure that the access to the hermitage is as simple as possible, and once on the site, both locals and tourists can feel comfortable and safe.
This is the remains of a fortress from the 11th century of which there are few vestiges, but from the viewpoint where it is located you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of
Felix, the coast and the
Sierra de Gador.
Saint Roque Hermitage Viewpoint
Saint Roque Viewpoint
From the viewpoint of the Saint Roque Hermitage you can enjoy magnificent views of the town, the area of Carcauz, the Poniente of Almeria and the peaks of the
Sierra de Gador.
Next to the Viewpoint Square is the hermitage of Saint Roque (now a theater) and the health center of the town.
The “Barranquillo” Stone Arch is located below the church square.
It is an arch of small dimensions, built entirely with stones, which surely required great effort.
It is a typical construction of Roman culture, used to bridge distances between two spaces, which formed the arch like bridge and in the upper area.
The “Barranquillo” Stone Arch is located below the church square. It is an arch of small dimensions, built entirely with stones, which surely required great effort.
It is a typical construction of Roman culture, used to bridge distances between two spaces, which formed the arch like bridge and in the upper area.
The inhabitants of
Felix assure that this arch was built to be able to unite the orange groves that existed in the sector, as it was a bit complicated to access at the time.
La Mojonera
The Church of the Virgin of the Fuentesanta is a work of the architect Manuel Jimenez Barea. It was built in honour of the Virgin of the Fuentesanta, patroness saint of
La Mojonera, and has within its facilities a painting of the saint by the artist Luis Cañadas.
This painting, which is arranged at the main altar, is one of the most striking elements of the church and the reason why many come to visit it, both for religious and artistic reasons.
The Church of the Virgin of the Fuentesanta is a work of the architect Manuel Jimenez Barea.
It was built in honour of the Virgin of the Fuentesanta, patroness saint of
La Mojonera, and has within its facilities a painting of the saint by the artist Luis Cañadas.
This painting, which is arranged at the main altar, is one of the most striking elements of the church and the reason why many come to visit it, both for religious and artistic reasons.
It is not an old building, as in the case of most churches in the municipalities of Almeria. However, you cannot deny its beauty, which makes it one of the favourite places for tourists.
On the other hand, this church is the centre of many traditions of the area, inherited from their ancestors and the connection with the
Felix municipality, on which they previously depended.
Unlike other towns in the province of Almeria,
La Mojonera is a recently created municipality that does not have an extensive historical heritage.
One of the new constructions worth visiting is the Town Hall, which, together with the Constitution Square and the Church, are relatively new and built with materials of our time and updated designs.
It maintains the formula of representing the three most important powers for the old societies in the heart of the town: church (parochial temple), state (town hall) and town (square).
Vícar
The Church-Fortress of Saint Benito, could be the most interesting building that
Vicar has, although it is certainly not the only one.
It is a religious-war structure, built in Mudejar style in 1559, during the mandate of Antonio Corrionero, the Bishop of Almeria.
The building is located in the “Villa de Vicar” which is the capital of the municipality, an area with
Alpujarra characteristics, located in the
Sierra de Gador.
The Church-Fortress of Saint Benito, could be the most interesting building that
Vicar has, although it is certainly not the only one.
It is a religious-war structure, built in Mudejar style in 1559, during the mandate of Antonio Corrionero, the Bishop of Almeria.
The building is located in the “Villa de Vicar” which is the capital of the municipality, an area with
Alpujarra characteristics, located in the
Sierra de Gador.
Perhaps what has suffered most deterioration of the entire structure is the tower as it was the center of attacks during the invasions. It is estimated that the greatest damage suffered by the tower was due to the Rebellion of the Moorish, which took place in the
Alpujarras, in the year 1569.
In 1647, this temple was restored and Mudejar elements were included in all its areas, adding great beauty and increasing its architectural value.
As for the images that it has inside, the church of Vicar has a carved Christ of Health, which is one of the patron saints of the city. They are honoured with traditional festivals that are held in the month of September.
This is a natural ravine located within the territory of
Vicar, famous for showcasing several Roman aqueducts, and ditches of Arab origin.
In this ravine there are three aqueducts that, at a certain moment, were of vital importance for the subsistence of the town, and are known as: the Aqueduct of the Twenty Eyes, the Aqueduct of the “Poyos” and the Aqueduct “por rematar”. The aqueducts of the Carcauz Ravine are of Roman origin and the most interesting thing is that each one is connected by “ramblas”, but the three were built with different types of stones.
This is a natural ravine located within the territory of
Vicar, famous for showcasing several Roman aqueducts, and ditches of Arab origin.
In this ravine there are three aqueducts that, at a certain moment, were of vital importance for the subsistence of the town, and are known as: the Aqueduct of the Twenty Eyes, the Aqueduct of the “Poyos” and the Aqueduct “por rematar”.
The aqueducts of the Carcauz Ravine are of Roman origin and the most interesting thing is that each one is connected by “ramblas”, but the three were built with different types of stones.
The Aqueduct of the Twenty Eyes is the best known and considered the most important, to the point the other two are often overlooked. It is named after the “Aqueduct of Carcauz”, because it is the aqueduct that is closest to the town and the easiest to access.
It is one of the most picturesque places in
Vicar, it is a contemporary building whose construction was posible by the architects Jose Eulogio Diaz and Salvador Cruz.
His particular beauty has made him worthy of several awards, including being the image of
Vicar in TV shows, commercials and official photographs.
Also in
Vicar, you can appreciate the City of Vicar Auditorium Theater, a structure of great beauty that is often visited by locals and tourists alike.
It is one of the most picturesque places in
Vicar, it is a contemporary building whose construction was posible by the architects Jose Eulogio Diaz and Salvador Cruz.
His particular beauty has made him worthy of several awards, including being the image of
Vicar in TV shows, commercials and official photographs.
Also in
Vicar, you can appreciate the City of Vicar Auditorium Theater, a structure of great beauty that is often visited by locals and tourists alike.
