Virgin of Mercy Basilica (Oria - Almeria)

What to see in Oria

 
 

Virgin of Mercy Basilica


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The Basilica Church of Our Lady of Mercy resembles a Velezian temple, although smaller and with a slightly more simplified decoration.

It is estimated that it was built at the end of the 18th century, with a late Baroque style that attracts from the beginning its beautiful façade.

At first glance, you can see great sobriety, represented in the pillars and pediments, abstinence that breaks with the game in the use of different building materials.
 
It was built in bricks, but not with the traditional bricks that were used in many of the ecclesiastical constructions of other enclosures that are in Almeria, but with a distinctive brick, shorter and less wide.

The church has a Mudejar style of building, with a cross-shaped floor plan and three naves, separated by arches and thick pillars.
 
 

Saint Gregory Hermitage


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It is said that the Hermitage of Saint Gregory was the first parish church built after the town was recovered by Don Juan de Austria for the crown.

Saint Gregory is the patron saint of Oria, so this hermitage is a much-visited site, both by the inhabitants of Oria and other neighbouring towns, to honour the patron.

Also, the chapel is the centre where traditional activities are held in his honour, and which is attended by many people.
 
Within its facilities rests the image of the patron saint, who during the festivities in his honour is taken in procession to the parish church and then returned to the site to which it belongs, the Hermitage.
 
 

Old Hermitage


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Old Hermitage (Oria - Almeria)
 
The Old Hermitage was built on the remains of the old mosque, in the 16th century.
 
 

Castle of Oria


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Castle of Oria (Oria - Almeria)
 
The Castle of Oria is a strong construction, or what remains of it. Although it is partially in ruins, it has a vital architectural and historical importance, because it is part of the Arab legacy in the area.

In 2008, projects were carried out to convert this place, which was already a major tourist attraction, into a potential visitor element, so that luminaires were installed to allow visibility at night, as well as roads, to facilitate access.
 
It was declared a Monument of Cultural Interest and is part of the Andalusian Historical Heritage since 1949. It is a place that can be visited freely, and it becomes an ideal visit to share with the family.
 
 

The Castle Viewpoint


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Although the Castle of Oria does not have a restoration project, due to its advanced state of deterioration, the initiative has been to create alternatives that allow visitors to have easier access and a better view of the defensive building.

Thus, a route has been created that allows tourists to arrive more easily to the ruins of the castle, but also appreciate the surroundings, offering a privileged view of the context of the fortification.
 
Thus, a viewpoint and a park were born, which visits the castle a full and fun experience, easy to access and with an unparalleled view.

This project allowed the installation of two platforms on the site where the today extinct towers of the castle were raised, so that the person who climbs on them, can have a better view of the ruins of the castle and also offers a fantastic angle for photographs, one of the favourite practices of the visitors of this tourist and historical point of Oria.
 
 

Watchtowers

Based on the same idea behind the erection of towers in the whole towns of Almeria, the existence of watchtowers was used in antiquity so that the watchmen could see any imminent danger of invasion and attacks, giving notice to other towers or the castle, so that they could repel said attacks.

From the Arab period, several watchtowers are conserved. The best preserved are those located in the “Rambla de Oria” and the Villar neighbourhood.
 
To get to the tower, you need to practice a bit of hiking, travelling along a dirt road of approximately 300 meters, which is on the road to the castle. There you can appreciate the ruins of this tower, built by the Muslims, and which was declared an Andalusian Cultural Heritage in 1949.
 

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