What to see in Macael
Marble Interpretation Center
It is a place of great tourist interest in Macael.
It fulfills the triple function of an interpretation center, a tourist office and a visitor reception center.
It was created to offer locals and visitors the opportunity to understand the culture and importance of the marble in Macael and the strong influence it has had on each aspect of its birth, development, and life in general.
It fulfills the triple function of an interpretation center, a tourist office and a visitor reception center.
It was created to offer locals and visitors the opportunity to understand the culture and importance of the marble in Macael and the strong influence it has had on each aspect of its birth, development, and life in general.
In addition to this, the centre exhibits different pieces and elements that make the visit striking and ensure its return.
Macael quarries
The Macael marble quarries are located very close to the urban center.
The marble from these quarries has been used since ancient times, being during Roman times when they began to be exploited on a larger scale.
Already during the Muslim era there is a significant increase in the extraction of this valuable material that lasts to this days.
The marble from these quarries has been used since ancient times, being during Roman times when they began to be exploited on a larger scale.
Already during the Muslim era there is a significant increase in the extraction of this valuable material that lasts to this days.
You can enjoy the beauty of the quarries from its two viewpoints, the Cosentino Viewpoint and the Quarries Viewpoint.
Church of the Rosary
The Parochial Church of Saint Mary of the Rosary was inaugurated in 1609, in a Mudejar style. It was built by the Bishop of Almeria, Fray Juan de Portocarrero, and from this period the tower and the episcopal coat of arms are preserved.
The tower, of majestic aspect and in a good state of conservation, is crowned by the bell tower. Its decoration is made of alternating bricks with masonry drawers, arches and geometric drawings perfected by the brick projecting from its walls.
The tower, of majestic aspect and in a good state of conservation, is crowned by the bell tower. Its decoration is made of alternating bricks with masonry drawers, arches and geometric drawings perfected by the brick projecting from its walls.
The Lion's fountain
Honouring its marble culture, Macael installed this beautiful piece in the Constitution Square, made of course with marble from the area, which is a replica of the Fountain of the “Patio de Los Leones” that is located in the Alhambra in Granada.
The Fountain, another site of high tourist interest that receives a large rotation of visitors annually, is made up of 12 lions, different from each other both in size and in details.
The Fountain, another site of high tourist interest that receives a large rotation of visitors annually, is made up of 12 lions, different from each other both in size and in details.
A unique piece that tells his feet with marble plates in which you can read the translation into Spanish of the 12 verses of the poet Ibn Zamrak, describing the same fountain.
Undoubtedly a must see in Macael.
The world's largest mortar
While marble is the hallmark of the town of Macael, one of its most representative monuments and a must-see site is the biggest mortar in the world, certified by the World Guinness Record.
This incredible piece of sculpture, of course, made of marble from the area, has become a trendy place.
The mortar, with dimensions of 3.29 meters in height and 3.07 meters in width, weighs approximately 30.9 tons.
This incredible piece of sculpture, of course, made of marble from the area, has become a trendy place.
The mortar, with dimensions of 3.29 meters in height and 3.07 meters in width, weighs approximately 30.9 tons.
Monument to the stonemason
It is a commemorative sculpture sculpted on a "mass" of white marble, which proudly expresses the bust of a stonemason worker.
Virgin of the Rosary Viewpoint
This viewpoint is located on the top of a small mound, crowned by the Virgin of the Rosary, a sculpture prepared by D. Jose Sabiote Fernandez, in the purest and white marble of Macael.
Cosentino Quarry Viewpoint
Some of the quarries that were used since ancient times to exploit the marble of Macael and transform it are still working.
When you visit the Marble Interpretation Center, you can plan together with the specific tour guides for a possible visit to the most significant quarries that are available for that purpose.
When you visit the Marble Interpretation Center, you can plan together with the specific tour guides for a possible visit to the most significant quarries that are available for that purpose.
From this viewpoint, the difficulty of exploitation can be observed, as well as the technical sophistication and machinery necessary for extraction.
Quarries Viewpoint
It is a path-viewpoint from where we can enjoy the impressive landscape of the Macael quarries, the largest marble reserve in the entire Spanish territory.
We will contemplate the quarries furthest from the urban area such as those of El Pozo, Cerro Pelao, los Azules and Rambla Orica. In addition, it has spectacular panoramic views of the Sierra de las Estancias and the Almanzora Valley.
We will contemplate the quarries furthest from the urban area such as those of El Pozo, Cerro Pelao, los Azules and Rambla Orica. In addition, it has spectacular panoramic views of the Sierra de las Estancias and the Almanzora Valley.
Old Macael
The population of Macael was, until the 16th century, in the center of the quarry exploitation area, in the so-called “Cerro de Macael Viejo”. From this steep population center there was a privileged defensive position and the quarries were exploited.
The archaeological site of Old Macael has uncovered remains from different eras, from the Neolithic era (4,500 BC) to the Christian era, with special relevance from the Roman and Islamic eras.
The archaeological site of Old Macael has uncovered remains from different eras, from the Neolithic era (4,500 BC) to the Christian era, with special relevance from the Roman and Islamic eras.
What to visit in the Almanzora Valley
