Macael (Almeria)

Macael Travel Guide

 

Coat of arms of Macael (Almeria)

Macael
 
 
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Coordinates: 37.333333°, -2.3°

Distance to Almeria: 75 km

Elevation: 554 m

Population: 5,381 inhabitants (2023)

Demonym: Macaelero (a)
 

The richness of marble distinguishes Macael in Spain and throughout the world. This municipality is located at the foot of the Sierra de los Filabres and on the banks of the Laroya river, occupying an area of 44 km². It stands out for being one of the towns with the largest population and activity in the region.

The history of Macael is strongly linked to that of its main product, marble, which is why it is known as the city of white gold. Since ancient times, its quarries have produced this precious rock, highly appreciated throughout the world for its purity. There is no exact information about the first civilizations settled in Macael, but some remains suggest the presence of Phoenicians and Romans. The data indicates that the development of the region began strongly during the Muslim occupation. Since then there has been an extraction of marble to build important monuments in various regions. The marble extraction and processing industry has developed on a large scale in Macael, whose economy is practically dependent on it, although the boom in tourism in the region is notable.

Numerous monuments and buildings are part of the rich artistic and historical heritage of Macael, with highlights being the world's largest mortar, the lion's fountain, the Monument to the Stonemason, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Constitution Square and the Monument to the Virgin of the Rosary. The Marble Interpretation Centre shows the visitor, in a didactic way, the history and evolution of the town, emphasizing the development of the marble industry throughout history.
 
   
Location


  Localities in the Almanzora Valley