almera in your pocket

Located in the southeast of Spain and looking out to the Mediterranean Sea. Clear skies, innumerable beaches and an exceptional gastronomy. Important natural reserves and an incredible archaeological patrimony. An open City and a meeting point between Western and Eastern cultures. A City full of sunlight.

Welcome to Almeria

AA

almera in your pocket

>
pg. 7

index
Prepare the visit
Information How to get around When to visit Guided tours Emergency Info Shopping hours Credit cards Health services How to get to Almeria How to get around Where to stay 7 8 8 9 9 11 11 11 12 12 13

pg. 17 Enjoy the city Art and culture Nature El Toyo Beaches Beauty and health Gastronomy Where to eat Fiestas, traditions & events Main Events Sports pg. 75 Discover the surroundings pg. 79 Maps 21 58 61 62 63 64 66 71 72 72

> Close up of Almerias Flag

AA
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Prepare the visit

296,21 Km2 Euro 186.651 inhabitants (INE 2007) Spanish Average yearly temperature 18.7 C Madrid 544 Km Sevilla 415 Km
7

Information

Area Currency Population Oficial language Climate From major cities

Granada 166 Km

EUROPE
SPAIN

ANDALUSIA

> Telephone code

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How to get around

Phoning to Spain: 00 34 + local phone number All calls to Almeria begin with the code 950.
> Tourism offices

City Council Tourism Office

Getting around in Almeria is very easy. The Old Quarter and the different neighbourhoods are all in walking distance. To reach areas that are out of walking distance, public transport is recommended.
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1, Constitucin Square, 04001 Almeria. Tel.: +34 950 210 538 +34 950 280 748 Open: Monday Friday: from 9 am - 2 pm and 4 pm -7pm - Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: from 9 am -2 pm

When to visit

The City Tourism Board also has several information points situated in different areas in Almeria: the Intermodal Station (bus and train), the Beach Promenade and in the Toyo neighbourhood.
8

The Junta de Andalucia Tourism Office (Andalusian Government)

Nicolas Salmern Park, corner with Martinez Campos Street, 04002 Almeria Tel.: 950 175 220 Open: Monday-Friday: 9 am - 7:30 pm Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 9:30 am to 3 pm (in Summer: 10 am - 2 pm)

With more than 3,000 hours of sunlight per year and an average temperature of 18.7C, Almeria has one of the most privileged climates in the Iberian Peninsula. This makes Almeria an ideal all year round destination. Our original and exact slogan explains this to our visitors Almeria, where the Sun holidays in Winter.

Patronato Provincial de Turismo de Almera (Provincial Tourism Board of Almeria)

Bendicho Square, 04011 Almeria. Tel.: +34 950 881 178 Open: Monday-Friday: 9 am - 2 pm

Almeria Airport

Nijar Road, Kilometre 9, 04130 Almeria. Tel.: +34 950 292 918

> Palm trees on the Citys Paseo Martimo

(sea promenade).

BA

Guided tours

Indalcongress

The size of the Old Quarter and the nearby neighbourhoods makes them ideal to be visited on foot. The sightseeing train is another interesting way to get to know the City.
> Guided Tours

35, Mediterrneo Avenue, 04007 Almeria. Tel.: 950 15 17 24 www.indalcongress.com indalcongress@indalcongress.com

Meditecon 2002

16, Hernn Corts Street, 04003 Almeria. Tel.: 950 25 61 31 www.meditecon.com - isabel@meditecon.com

Guided Tours are the best way to get to know the natural and cultural patrimony of the City throughout the year. The variety of itineraries will take the visitors to discover all the charms hidden in the streets, squares and in the unique sites of the City. Information: Tourism office 950 210 538
> siGhT-seeinG Train

Mundicongress

6, Doctor Gmez Ulla, Street, 04001 Almeria. Tel.: 950 24 30 77 www.mundicongress.com direccion@viajessolar.com

P&S Congresos

13, Doctor Gregorio Maran Street, 6th Floor Apt. 1, 04005 Almeria. - Tel.: 950 62 26 96 www.pscongresos.com info@pscongresos.com

Itinerary through the Old Quarter and the Port of Almeria. Information: Tourism Office: 950 210 538
Starting point Emilio Prez Square, next to Circular Square. Saturdays and Sundays. Mornings: 11 am, 12 am and 13 pm. Afternoons: 5 pm, 6 pm and 7 pm. (July y August: 6 pm, 7pm y 8 pm)
ACCESSIBLE FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

Thema Azafatas

55, Altamira Street, Ground floor, 04005 Almeria. - Tel.: 950 255 941 www.thema-azafatas.es info@thema-azafatas.es

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Emergency Info

> Tourism services companies

emergency telephone numbers

Emergency telephone number: ............................112 Ambulances: ...........................................950 268 994 Firedepartment: ............................ 950 271 534 / 080 Seamans home: ......................................950 235 181 Red Cross: ................................................950 257 166 Police Station: .........................................950 623 040 Health emergencies: ............................................061 Guardia Civil: ................................. 950 256 122 / 062 Guardia Civil (traffic): ..............................950 256 323 Polica Nacional (urban police force) : ......950 238 200 Local Police Force: ....................................950 621 206

Congresur 2001

4, Santos Zrate Street, 1st floor apt. 4, 04004 Almeria. - Tel.: 950 08 92 98 www.congresur.es info@congresur.es

Contraportada

40, Montserrat Avenue, 1st Stairway, 2nd floor, Apt. B, 04006 Almeria. - Tel.: 950 24 23 47 www.contraportada.net contraportada@contraportada.net

AA Guided tours organized by the

> MOORISH ALMERIA

Tourism Board of the City of Almeria

Catholic Kings in Almeria The History of Los Coloraos Saint Valentines in Almeria Legends and Traditions of Almeria That Almeria > THEATRICALLY REPRESENTED VISITS IN SUMMER (JULY AND AUGUST) Almeria and Los Coloraos Moorish Almeria. X Century Moorish Almeria. XI Century Catholic Kings in Almeria That Almeria (XIX Century and beginning of XX Century)

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The Medina. X Century Almeria San Cristobal Hill. XI Century Almeria The Alcazaba The Sea front.The Port > CHRISTIAN ALMERIA Temples in Almeria Barroque Legacy in Almeria > ALMERIA THROUGH THE CENTURIES: CENTURIES XVIII-XIX Stately and bourgeois Almeria The Iron Mining Boom Eliminating the Walls: Modern Era Almeria > XX CENTURY ALMERIA Almeria bourgeois The City of Guillermo Langle. The Civil War bomb shelters > CABO DE GATA > THE MILLARES > DISTINGUISHED PEOPLE OF ALMERIA > TAPAS SAFARI > BULLFIGHTING TRADITION. BULLRING > SPECIAL DATES TO VISIT Summer Evening Visits (July and August) Torregarcia Celebration in honour of La Virgen del Mar (Our Lady of the Sea) Holy Week in Almeria May Holy Crosses The Sea and the Tradition of the Saint John bonfires Almerias Fair > THEATRICALLY REPRESENTED VISITS Films made in Almeria Medieval Almeria

> Image taken from a Holy Week Procession.

civil protection
Local Government: ..................................950 210 000 Government Delegation: .........................950 01 0100 Civil Government: ....................................950 759 000 Government Subdelegation: ...................950 759 000 Sea Rescue Service: .................................950 271 726 950 275 477 BA

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Health services

Red Cross Hospital (public hospital)

196, Ronda Road. Tel.: 950 017 400 / 950 222 222 San Luis Square. Tel.: 950 017 600

Hospital Provincial (public hospital) Hospital Torrecrdenas (public hospital)

Torrecrdenas Paraje. Tel.: 950 016 000
hospital)

Shopping hours

Shopping hours begin between 9.30 am and 10 am and close at 20:30 am, with a break at lunch time. The big supermarkets usually close between 9 pm and 10 pm and do not close throughout the day. Banks usually open between 8 am and 8:30 am and close between 1:30 pm and 2 pm.
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Hospital Virgen del Mar (private

Virgen del Mar Square. Tel.: 950 290 099 / 950 217 100

Clnica Mediterrneo (private clinic)

Nueva Musa Street. Tel.: 950 621 631
service)

Credit cards

Urgencias Bola Azul (public urgency

Ronda Road. Tel.: 950 017 206 / 950 017 207

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emergency telephone numbers

4B ............................................................902 114 400 American Express .................................... 902 375 637 Diners Club ...............................................902 401 112 Mastercard ...............................................900 971 231 Tarjeta 6000 .............................................902 203 000 Visa ..........................................................900 991 124 Credit Card Protection Service ..................914 531 470

> View of La Rambla.

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How to get to Almeria

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How to get around

> By plane

The City is only a few minutes away from the Almeria International Airport which is connected to various Spanish and European destinations by regular and charter flights.
Almeria Airport
Nijar Road, Kilometre 9, 04130 Almeria. Tel.: 950 21 37 00 www.aena.es leiinfo@aena.es
> By Train and coach

Inside the City, moving around is easy, the distances are short and there is a great public transport service.
> By Bus

Surbs

Tel.: 950 62 47 35 www.surbus.com - surbus@surbus.com

> cyclinG

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The Intermodal Station (trains and buses) connects the City of Almeria with all the towns and cities of the Province and to different cities in Spain and Europe.
Intermodal Station
6, Estacin Square, 04006 Almeria. Tel.: 950 26 20 98
> By car

The following streets and promenades have bicycle lanes so you may ride through the City or admire the coast: Federico Garca Lorca Rambla, Amatisteros Rambla, Nicols Salmern Park, the Sea Promenade, Ribera Path to the University, La Caada to the University and the Boticario Park.
> Taxis

Tele Taxi

Tel.: 950 25 11 11

Radio Taxi

Tel.: 950 22 61 61
> car renTal companies

By car, Almeria is accessible on the Mediterranean coast by the A-7 and with the rest of Andalusia by the A-92.
> By ship

Atesa

The Port of Almeria is an important fishing port, export terminal and passenger hub, apart from being port of call for many cruise ships that sail on the Mediterranean Sea.
The Almeria Port Authority
Muelle de Levante Street, 04071 Almeria. Tel.: 950 23 60 33 www.apalmeria.com almeria@apalmeria.com

141, Nuestra Seora de Montserrat Avenue. 950 252 275 / Fax: 950 275 672 Airport: Nijar Road, kilometre 9, Almeria. 950 761 002 / Fax: 950 213 745 www.atesa.com

Telefurgo (van rentals) Almericar

Tel. 902 889 943 info@telefurgo.com - www.telefurgo.com 17, Rueda Lpez Street - Tel.: 950 234 966 www.almericar.com

Record Rent a Car S.A

La Mezquita Industrial Estate - warehouses 4 and 5. Tel.: 950 273 575 - www.recordrent.com

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Where to stay

> hoTels 4*

AC Almera

5, Flores Square, 04001 Almeria. Tel.: 950 23 49 99 www.ac-hotels.com - acalmeria@ac-hotels.com

Alcazaba Mar

Juegos de Argel Street El Toyo Urbanisation. 04131 Retamar (Almeria). Tel.: 950 20 91 60 www.azhoteles.com alcazabamar@azhoteles.com

Barcel Cabo de Gata

> The Intermodal Station Faade.

El Toyo Promenade, El Toyo Urbanisation. 04131 Retamar (Almeria). Tel.: 950 18 42 50 www.barcelo.com - cabodegata@barcelo.com

Cabogata Garden Alva Rent a Car Fualsa

22, Alfareros Rambla, 04003. Tel.: 950 237 747 - www.rentacaralvacar.com Tel.: 902 666 333 - www.fualsa.com

Juegos de Casablanca Avenue, El Toyo Urbanisation, 04131 Retamar (Almera) Tel.: 950 01 07 50 - www.gardenhotels.com cabogata@gardenhotels.com

Cabo de Gata Mar Garden

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Mapfre Avis

Tel.: 902 448 844 www.mapfre.com/automoviles Almeria. Intermodal Station Establishment 9. Tel.: 950 621 712 - www.avis.com

Juegos de Casablanca Avenue, El Toyo Urbanisation, 04131 Retamar (Almera) Tel.: 950 01 79 50 / 950 18 16 80 www.gardenhotels.com indalia@gardenhotels.com

Cabogata Plaza Suites

Autos Casado S.L Viajes Pars

13, Po Baroja Street, Ground floor. Tel.: 950 454 153 - www.autoscasado.com 1, Puerta del Mar Street, 04002 Almeria. Tel.: 950 620 575 - www.viajesparis.com

Juegos de Argel Street, El Toyo Urbanisation. 04131 Retamar (Almeria). - Tel.: 950 00 12 00 www.zthoteles.es - cabogata@zthotels.com

Catedral

Servirent & Servibus Rent a Car

8, La Catedral Square, 04002 Almeria. Tel.: 950 27 81 78 www.hotelcatedral.net reservas@hotelcatedral.net

8, Avin Street, 04009 Almeria. Tel.: 950 278 118 26, Horno Street, 04005 Almeria. Tel.: 950 270 327

Citymar Gran Hotel Almera

8, Reina Regente Avenue, 04001 Almeria. Tel.: 950 23 80 11 - www.citymar.com reservas.gha@grupocitymar.com

Clsicos RB

Elba Almera

55, Altamira Street, 04005 Almeria. Tel.: 649 101 773

Mediterrneo Avenue, 04009 Almeria. Tel.: 950 14 53 90 - www.hoteleselba.com elbaalmeria@hoteleselba.com

Husa Gran Fama

Mediterrneo Avenue, 04006 Almeria. Tel.: 950 14 50 39 www.husa.es - hgranfama@husa.es

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Costasol

Nh Ciudad de Almera

58, Paseo de Almeria, 04001 Almeria. Tel.: 950 23 40 11 www.hotelcostasol.com recepcin@hotelcostasol.com

Jardn de Medina Street, 04006 Almeria. Tel.: 950 18 25 00 www.nh-hotels.com nhciudaddealmeria@nh-hoteles.es

Torreluz

3, Flores Square, 04001 Almeria. Tel.: 950 23 43 99 www.torreluz.es - recepcion@torreluz.es

> Hotels 2*

Plaza Vieja Hotel & Lounge

4, Constitution Square. 04003 Almera Tel.: 950 28 20 96 www.plazaviejahl.com - reservas@plazaviejahl.com

Blanca Brisa

Tryp Indalo

310, Mediterrneo Avenue, 04009 Almeria. Tel.: 950 18 34 00 www.solmelia.com - tryp.indalo@solmelia.com

49, Las Jricas Street, 04150 Cabo de Gata (Almeria).- Tel: 950 37 00 01 www.blancabrisa.com contacto@blancabrisa.com

Complejo de Servicios El 21
Almeria-Murcia Highway, exit 471. 04130 Almera - Tel.: 950 20 74 20 hotel21almeria@yahoo.com

Vincci Mediterrneo

281, Mediterrneo Avenue, 04009 Almeria. Tel.: 950 62 42 72 www.vinccihoteles.com mediterraneo@vinccihoteles.com

> Hotels 3*

Embajador

Citymar Indlico

4, Calzada de Castro Street, 04006 Almeria. Tel.: 950 25 55 11 www.citymar.com reservas.embajador@grupocitymar.com

4, Dolores Rodrguez Sopea Street. 04004 Almeria. - Tel.: 950 23 11 11 www.citymar.com reservas.indalico@grupocitymar.com

La Perla HR

7, Carmen Square, 04003 Almeria. Tel.: 950 23 88 77 - www.laperlagithoteles.com laperla@githoteles.com

Las Salinas

Almadraba de Monteleva Street. 04150 Cabo de Gata (Almeria). - Tel.: 950 37 01 03 www.lasalinascabodegata.com elmolesl@cajamar.es

Hostal Las Dunas

58, Barrio Nuevo Street. 04150 Cabo de Gata (Almeria) - Tel.: 950 37 00 72 www.lasdunas.net - info@lasdunas.net

Los Arcos

Hostal Manolo Cruz

157, Nijar Road, 157, 04130 El Alquin (Almeria). Tel.: 950 29 76 03 - jjlc@cajamar.es

Sol Almera

Botica Retamar Promenade. 04131 Retamar (Almera) Tel.: 950 20 74 03

193, Ronda Road, 04006 Almeria. Tel.: 950 27 18 11 www.hotelsolalmeria.net - info@hotelsolalmeria.es

Torrecrdenas

Torreluz II

6, Flores Square, 04001 Almeria. Tel.: 950 23 43 99 www.torreluz.com - recepcion@torreluz.es

> Hotels 1*

13, Teruel Street. 04009 Almera Tel.: 950 14 27 06 www.pensiontorrecardenas.com pensiontorrecardenas@hotmail.com

Navas

3, Iglesia Street, 04150 Cabo de Gata (Almeria). Tel.: 950 37 01 02 - www.barnavas.com

> -apartHotels

Sevilla

25, Granada Street, 04003 Almeria. Tel.: 950 23 00 09 www.hotelsevillaalmeria.com reservas@hotelsevillaalmeria.net

> Hostals 2*

Apartahoteles Torreluz

6, Flores Square, Building, 04001 Almeria. Tel.: 950 23 43 99 www.torreluz.es - torreluz@torreluz.es

> YoutH Hostals

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Delfn Verde

2, Garca Caas Street, 04007 Almeria. Tel.: 950 26 79 27

> Hostals 1*

Almera Youth Hostal

Maribel

Isla de Fuenteventura Street, 04007 Almeria. Tel.: 950 17 51 36 almeria.itj@juntadeandalucia.es

> CampinGs

153, Federico Garcia Lorca Avenue. 04005 Almera - Tel.: 950 23 51 73 www.hostalmaribel.es - hostalmaribel@telefonica.net

Camping Cabo de Gata

Nixar

24, Antonio Vico Street, 04003 Almeria. Tel.: 950 23 72 55 - hostalnixar@hotmail.com

> GuestHouses

Cabo de Gata Road. 04150 Cabo de Gata (Almera) Tel.: 950 16 04 43 www.campingcabodegata.com info@campingcabodegata.com

Americano Estacin

6, Estacin Avenue, 04005 Almeria. Tel.: 950258011 - www.hostaldealmeria.com 37, Calzada de Castro Street, 04006 Almeria. Tel.: 950 26 72 39 hostalestacion@hotmail.com

Camping La Garrofa

National Road N.340, kilometre 435. 04002 Almera. Tel.: 950 23 57 70 www.lagarrofa.com info@lagarrofa.com

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> Panoramic view of the Alcazaba from the Fishing Port.

> San Cristbal Hill.

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Enjoy the city

Arts and Crafts School, the Bullring, the Central Market, the Train Station and especially the Mineral Loading Pier. The Bomb Shelters, restored in 2006, are another interesting visit. The Shelters are an underground gallery system, built to protect the civilian population from raids during the Civil War.
17

Almeria has an extensive legacy of monuments inherited from the succession of cultures and the riches of its history. From Moorish times: in the X Century, the Alcazaba and the remains of the Main Mosque (todays San Juan Church); in the XI Century, the City reached its maximum splendour of which the Aljibes (water cisterns) and the Jairan Wall built from the Alcazaba to Cerro San Cristobal (Hill behind the Alcazaba) are the most important remains. From Christian times, the Cathedral Fortress, the Churches of Santiago, San Pedro , San Sebastian, the Convent Church of Las Puras and the Convent Church of Las Claras among other temples. The City of Almeria, after a rich Moorish period, will not recuperate its splendour until the XVIII Century, reaching its maximum development at the end of the XIX Century. From this time, the

AA Weekend
Friday
> Morning

itinerary
poamor Street opposite to the XiX Century Palace of Los Marqueses de Cabra, present History archive of the City. Continuing up arraz Street, you will arrive at the rear Faade of the Town Council Building and to the Administration Vieja Square where the UNEd (Spanish Open University) is located in the former XiX Century Las Puras School and inside the Plaza Vieja (Constitution Square) where the Town Council is located, we have the Monument to Los Coloraos (The reds). Continuing to the City centre through Mariana Street, we arrive at the emblematic Tiendas Street and finally to the XVi Century Santiago Church (Temple in honour of Saint George). There is a pedestrian street full of bars next to the Temple where we can find the Xi Century Aljibes de Jairn (water cisterns). We continue on to the Paseo de Almeria and then turn left to Puerta de Purchena, what could be considered as the real City centre. in this Square, we can admire La Casa de las Mariposas, el Caillo del Agua, the Statue of Nicolas Salmeron y Alonso and we can also visit the Civil War Bomb Shelters ( Manuel Perez Garcia Square). Now, we take Granada Street with an interesting variety of shops to Vilches Street, where we can promenade through the market and admire the Bullring (polygonal base with 20 sides built in 1888, very lively during the Fair of almeria in august) To eat, you can visit the restaurants and tapa bars between La rambla and El Paseo, the Sea Promenade and the Zapillo neighbourhood.

The Cathedral Fortress

in the Cathedral Square, the Portal of the renaissance Cathedral Fortress can be admired as well as the Faade of the Episcopal Palace opposite the Cathedral. The Cathedral is only open during Mass. The entrance for guided tours inside the Cathedral is at a lateral street named after the great painter, Velazquez Street. Before beginning the tour of the Cathedral, our advice is to go to the corner of the Cathedral with Cubo Street to admire the emblem of the City of almeria the Sol de Portocarrero.
18

Leaving the Cathedral by the lateral door at Velazquez Street, turn right and go up the street, at the end of which you will be able to contemplate the lateral Portal of Los Perdones (the forgiveness) and continue to the XVi Century Las Puras (Religious Order) Church and Convent with its Mudejar (pertaining to Moors in Christian land) Tower situated on a typical street of Moorish descent crowned by the sight of the alcazaba overhead. Strolling up Jose angel Valente Street, where the poets house is located, we arrive at Cam-

> afternoon:
The Archaeological Museum located at ronda road will take you through the history of almeria from prehistoric settlements (argar and Los Millares) to roman and Moorish times. after the visit, we can walk down ronda
> Sight-seeing train takes you to the most

emblematic corners of the City.

> El Toyo Sea Balcony.

play golf or enjoy a spa. Taking the coastal road towards Murcia, we enter the Natural Park Cabo de Gata (declared Costal and Land Natural Park and Biosphere reserve by the UNESCO). you must see and visit Las Salinas, the beach and the Bird Observation Centre with more than 80 species including flamencos. To eat, you can reserve a paella in the fishermans neighbourhood of San Miguel de Cabo de Gata and enjoy beautiful fresh fish at the Salinas Beach, La Fabriquilla or at La almadraba de Moneleva.

> afternoon:
road to the Centro de arte Museo de almeria (almerias modern art museum), where temporary exhibitions are held. The Museum is next to a building built in 1927, which is an interesting example of bourgeois architecture. Opposite the Museum and the bourgeois Building, lies the Train Station built in 1893 as a great example of iron architecture.

Shopping in XIX Century Almeria

you can go shopping in the City Centre and at the same time get to know some of almerias past. Walking down El Paseo at the interSection with the pedestrian aguilar de Campoo Street, you can see the Main Faade of the XiX Century Central Market, an example of iron architecture. Proceeding down El Paseo, we arrive at Navarro rodrigo Street, where the Palacio de la Diputacion (Provincial Government Building) is located. This Palace encloses a splendid Patio de Luces (interior patio) where temporary art exhibitions take place. Following Navarro rodrigo Street, we arrive at Obispo Orber rambla where the 1855 Compaa de Maria Convent is located. We take Obispo Orbera towards the Federico Garcia Lorca Rambla an extensive park full of ponds, fountains and garden areas. Now we promenade down towards the sea to the Plaza de las Velas (Sails Square) where the Estatua de la Caridad (Charity Statue 1897) is located and on the opposite side of the street is the unique Casa de Gonzalez Montoya (1928) also known as La Casa Montaes (Mountain Chalet pertaining to an archi19

> Evening:
dinner with a flamenco flair at Pea Flamenca El Morato (typical cave at Morato Street, Tel.: 675 525 460) or Pea El Taranto (aljibe de Jairan at Tenor iribarne Street, 20 Tel.: 950 235 460).

SaTUrday
> Morning
discover the Sun of almeria at El Toyo and Retamar (highway in direction to Murcia). El Toyo was built for the 2005 Mediterranean Games celebrated in almeria. The area has great areas to promenade or to relax; you can

> Spanish Civil War Bomb Shelter.

20

tectural style from northern Spain). Now we finally arrive at the Nicolas Salmeron Park from where we can contemplate the Cable ingles (literally known as the English cable, the mineral Loading Pier built in 1904). The Cable ingles is linked to the Train Station through a railway bridge all the way to the almadrabillas beach.

> Evening:
dining out and enjoying the night life: restaurants and bars in the centre of Town (between Paseo de almeria and Garcia Lorca rambla).

na Street, you will come upon the Sanctuary of La Virgen del Mar (temple devoted to the Our Lady of the Seas), where the image of the Virgen, a Xiii-XiV Century Sculpture is kept. at the end of Gravina Street, we meet real Street and turn down towards the Port where we arrive at Fuente de los Peces (the fish fountain) at the Nicolas Salmeron Park. Turning right up to the end of San Luis Promenade, you will arrive at La reina Promenade, follow the street all the way up to almanzor Street and you will finally arrive at the foot of the alcazaba which is located on the hill dominating the Medina. To eat: Nicolas Salmeron Park, the Marina and the beach promenade.

SUNday
> Morning:
an inexcusable visit is to the Civil War Bomb Shelters located at Puerta Purchena at Manuel Perez Garcia Square. Bomb resistant subterranean galleries which conservation, dimensions and importance make them unique in Spain

> afternoon:
To have a coffee, we recommend the Paseo de almeria- La rambla area and the Sea Promenade. Visit to the City beaches

Booking: 950 268 696 refugios@aytoalmeria.es

Leaving the Shelters at Pablo Cazard Street, you will find the Arts Crafts School with a XViii Century Cloister. Continuing down Gravi-

> Evening:
Going for a walk and having dinner on the beach promenade or at the Old Quarter.

BA

Art and culture

> moorish almeria

> a BiT of hisTory

During the Moorish period, Almeria reached its maximum splendour, especially during the XI-XII Centuries, after the fall the Caliphate of Cordoba, becoming a very populated and civilized area. From this period, the Alcazaba is the most important legacy that has endured till today. After the fall of the City to the Catholic Kings on December 26 1489, Almeria fell into centuries of decline. Only in the XVIII Century did Almeria begin to prosper once again and especially at the middle and end of the XIX Century, as it had in Moorish times, due to the mining business and the cultivation of grapes which made the bourgeoisie prosper. Today, Almeria has a firm economy based on tourism and agriculture (extensive greenhousehorticulture production).

The Alcazaba The Alcazaba has 1,430 metres of walled perimetre; it is the second biggest Moorish construction after the Alhambra. In the X Century, Abderraman III ordered the Fortress to be built after founding the City. The Fortress is structured in three enclosures, the first two Moorish and the last one Christian. Works on the Christian enclosure began after the Catholic Kings conquered the City in 1489.
The Fortress is located on a hill overlooking the primitive urban nucleus, la Medina. In the First Enclosure of todays Alcazaba, there is an extensive garden area and Moorish Aljibes. The Great XI Century Palace of King Almotacn is located in the Second Enclosure. This area was made up of a public area, where today, you can find Aljibes (water cisterns) from the Caliphate period, a Christian arch which belonged to the residence of the first Christian governor, two reconstructed buildings, the Mudejar style
21

> Gate to the Alcazaba.

AA Al-mariyat

Bayyana
caiceria (silk market), the atarazanas (shipyards) and the Zoco (market) stood. al-Hawd and La Musalla were the religious and commercial neighbourhoods made up of independent nucleus separated by origin, creed and trade. in the years 1009-10, the Cordoba Caliphate Civil War began which resulted in almeria becoming an independent and thriving Taifas Kingdom. Jairan, at the death of Hixem ii of Cordoba, sieged and took the City and almeria seceded from Cordoba (the Caliphate disintegrated) thus creating one of the Kingdoms of Taifa. Jairan reinforced and extended the Walls of the City. almotacin (one of the successors of Jairan) surrounded himself with writers and poets in a small court of scholars. in the Xi Century, almeria was the most important international port in al-andalus. Silk of excellent quality and different varieties was the most exported product. almeria was famous for its textiles and for having many textile workshops. despite its splendour, almeria was not able to withstand the siege of the almoravides (orthodox Muslims, originating from the Sahara-Mauritania area) and later on, the Christian kingdoms attracted by the economic development invaded the City in 1147 under alfonso Vii. in 1157, the almohades (orthodox Muslims from the North of Morocco) conquered the City back into Moorish hands; these ten years of Christian domination produced an important economic downturn. in the Xiii Century, after the almohades, the Nazaries period began. The Nazari dynasty (last Moorish dynasty in the Peninsula) characterized itself by continuous internal disputes in which almeria was involved. Finally during the 1488 and 1489 campaigns, almeria falls under Castilian dominance.

There are remains of human settlements, as far back as the Bronze age, on the hill overlooking almeria where the alcazaba is located. Before roman times, there are remains of Phonetician origin. From roman times, there are many ceramic remains from the i Century to more elaborated pieces of fine pottery from late roman Era (V and Vi Centuries). This means that there were settlements around the bay of almeria, which depended on an interior urban nucleus (Urci) and served as its natural port before the City was founded in 955. We can see remains from this period in many parts of the City. The first reliable news referred to almeria go back to the iX Century, in which abd al-rahman commissions a group of yemmenies to defend the coast to impede Normand raids. Together with the indigenous population, a republic of sailors was formed in Pechina (small village in the north of the City) which thrived on commerce, especially with the North of africa. Pechina grew and acquired the characteristics of a true city which was named Bayyana and almeria was just a coastal neighbourhood inhabited by fishermen and merchants with a defensive tower to control the bay. The defensive tower was situated on the highest point of the hill where the alcazaba stands today, exactly in the third enclosure. The Tower gives name to the City, al-mariyat Bayyana the Tower of Pechina. after defeating a Mozarabe (Christians of roman and Visigoth descent) uprising, abd al- rahman iii (912-961), moved the Capital from Pechina to the area surrounding the Tower of Pechina and thus founded the City. The Main Mosque was built and a wall was erected linked to the Tower. The City was formed around a walled urban nucleus, La Medina, where the Main Mosque or aljama, the al-

22

> The Christian Enclosure in the Alcazaba.

23

chapel devoted to San Juan, public rest-rooms, among other facilities. The House of Government or Palace reception area was also located in the central part of the Enclosure. The private quarters of Kings Almotacins Palace were located at the top part of the Enclosure nearest to the Third Enclosure. The only Remains of the Palace are the private baths and the only wall to be standing is the so called Mirador or Ventana de la Odalisca (observation point or window to the harem). This Window contains a curious legend referring to a love story between a Christian prisoner and the Kings favourite concubine. Finally, the last Enclosure began to be built under the Catholic Kings after conquering the City. The Third Enclosure is a Christian castle inside a Moorish fortress. It is made up of a big courtyard

with three characteristic towers: La del Homenaje (of the homage), La Noria (waterwheel) and La Polvora (gun powder).
Almanzor Street, 04002 Almeria. Tel.: 950 175 500 Open: 1 November to 31 March, Tuesdays to Sundays, 9 pm to 6:30 pm; 1 April to 31 October 9 pm to 8:30 pm; Closed: 25 December and 1 January.

Musalla Neighbourhood When the Cordoba Caliphate disintegrated, Almeria became an independent Taifa. A period of important demographic and economic development followed due to the Cordoba Civil War, which provoked a huge amount of population to come to Almeria from Pechina in search of protection. There were also a great number of travellers passing by Almeria; at that time, there were more than 1,000 lodging houses in the Aljibe

neighbourhood (Al-Hawd), todays PescaderiaLa Chanca. The rapid growth of the population made the newcomers build their homes outside the Walls, therefore the Kings Jairan and Zuhayr expanded the Walls to the east to envelop the settlements and in this way, create the Musalla neighbourhood (the oratory). These Walls named after Jairan, begin in the First Enclosure, go through the Hoya ravine to the San Cristobal hill (this part of the Wall continues intact). From here, the Wall descends to Antonio Vico Street and Carmen to Puerta Purchena Square (before called Pechina), then the Wall
24

continued through Obispo Orbera Street to Javier Sanz Street and then to La Rambla towards the sea. The other Wall began in the fortress bulwark and went down Reina Street and divided the Medina from la Musalla. The Musalla was the main market place; it included todays Plaza Vieja, that was an area full of bazars and taverns. The most important streets were Real Street of Pechina (afterwards called Lenceria Street and todays Las Tiendas Street), Mar Street (todays Real Street), both were very important commercial areas.

> Jayran Wall.

> La Medina, at the foot of the Alcazaba.

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Jairan Wall and San Cristobal Hill From the Alcazaba descends the Wall towards the North across the Hoya ravine, this Wall continues to the San Cristobal Hill. This part of the Wall was built in the times of Jairan, XI Century (1012-1028). This is what remains of the Musalla Wall that continued down to Antonio Vico Street. On the Hill, known in Moorish times as Monte Laham there are 7 towers, three Moorish of square construction and four Christian of semi-circular structure. The Christian towers were built by the Templars who converted it into a fortress-chapel after they conquered the City commanded by Alfonso VII in 1147. This Hill has an incredible view on the City, and on its summit, there is an impressive statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus made of marble from Macael. The Statue that blesses the City and the

Mediterranean Sea was built in the XX Century (around 1930) and restored in the year 2000. The Almeria Wall Interpretation Centre The Almeria Wall Interpretation Centre situated on the corner of La Reina Street with Nicolas Salmeron Park contains remains of the Caliphate Wall that date back to the times the City was founded in the X Century and a fish-salting factory of Roman times.

Nicols Salmern Park corner La Reina Street. 04002 Almeria - Tel.: 950 250 286 Open Wednesday to Sunday 10h to 14h.
BUILDING ACCESSIBLE FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

La Medina La Medina was the first urban area of the City. Abderraman III Founded the City in 995 (X Century) and undertook the fortification of the

La Medina, and the construction of the Wall to defend the City, as well as the Main Mosque for prayer. The Wall extended from Mar Avenue to La Reina Street, then crossed diagonally from La Imagen Gate (at the beginning of La Reina Street) to La Sortida (Socorro Street), Pechina Path (Real de la Almedina Street) which belonged to the Medina of Caliphate times. Remains of the Wall still exist. Another principal street went along Cruces Bajas Street, to Santa Maria Street, to San Anton Street and finally to San Juan Street. The main streets had a minimum width (never exceeding 3m.) and were crossed by smaller narrower and winding streets. These smaller streets divided in smaller dead end alleys (as the one originated in Santa Maria Street). This complex organization of streets and alleys left no space for plazas and squares. The commercial quarter, formed by warehouses, markets and bazars was established around the Main Mosque. La Alcaiceria (luxury commercial area) was also situated around the Mosque. Las Atarazanas (shipyards) were located at Atarazanas Street. They occupied a large area in the southeast of the Medina. There were many smaller neighbourhoods surrounding La Medina with their own Mosque, for example todays San Anton Chapel was a neighbourhood mosque. The Aljibe neighbourhood (Al-Hawd) This Neighbourhood, todays Pescaderia-La Chanca, was the old Moorish Al-Hawd; it meant aljibe (water cistern). The name comes from an aljibe that existed in the Neighbourhood at the

26

> Interior view of an Arab Aljibe.

time. The Neighbourhood began at Mar Avenue all the way to the Caballar ravine. It was formed by fishermen, merchants and sailors of the western anchorage area. The Chanca neighbourhood started developing in 1850. Its name means establishment or fishing utensils warehouse, where the fishermen stored their fishing apparel. This Neighbourhood was the Jewish quarter, especially near San Roque church, till they were expelled by the Catholic Kings. Edrisi commented that the neighbourhood was densely inhabited with many baths, shops and taverns.

The Chanca has some magnificent viewpoints over the City: Barranco de Greppi and Cerillo del Hambre. To reach the two viewpoints, go up Cara Street and continue up one of the most typical streets: Hospicio Viejo Street. Aljibes rabes (Moorish water cisterns) Almeria in Moorish times did not have running water in the buildings therefore pillars and fountains had to be projected. We have information of the waterworks in Almeria thanks to al-Himyari and al-Udri. According to al-Himyari, Jairan during his reign ordered the construction of a water system; but al-Udri declared that it was built in Jairans successors reign, Zuhayr (1028-1038). In any case, the Aljibes are known as Jairans. The objective facts are that a water system was built from the fountains of the Alhadra to the higher part of the City, Puerta de Pechina (now Puerta de Purchena), where in the XI Century Taifa period, aljibes for public use were put in place. Of the Aljibes built, there are only remains of three communicated naves. The Aljibes measured 15 X 3.5 metres and were built with solid bricks and half barrel vault. These water cisterns are located at Tenor Iribarne Street. The total volume of water the Aljibes could store was 630,000 litres; this quantity was enough to supply the City during a long siege. There were also wells to supply waterwheels and waterways.
12, Tenor Iribarne Street, 04001 Almeria. Tel.: 950 273 039 Open: Monday to Friday 9 am to 2 pm and Saturdays 10 pm to 12:30 am.

San Juan Church (previous Main Mosque) The Church was built on the remains of the former Main Mosque of Almeria. The Mosque was erected in the X Century; after the Catholic Kings conquered the City in 1489, it was converted into the first Cathedral of the City. However, after the earthquake in 1522, only the primitive structure of the Mosque remained: the wall of the Quibla and the niche of the Mihrab, which belonged to the Oratory. The Mihrab Niche was rediscovered in the 1930s (XX Century) by Leopoldo Torres Balbas after remaining hidden since the construction of the San Juan Church. The interior style is XII Century Almohad. After the destruction of the Mosque, the Bishop Portocarrero ordered the Church to be built at the beginning of the XVII Century. During the Spanish Civil War, the Church suffered the consequences of the bombings as the Mudejar style roof was destroyed and only the outer walls remained. The Church was left abandoned in the middle of the Old Quarter. In 1979, the Church was rehabilitated in order to celebrate Mass once again. In 1991, the Church was restored by the Direction General de Bienes Culturales de la Consejeria de Medio Ambiente (Cultural and Patrimonial Department of the Government of Andalusia). The Quibla and the Mihrab of the original Mosque were recuperated and the Church received a new roof, replacing the prefabricated roof from the 1979 reconstruction. The XVII Century Faade of the Church, facing Cristo de la Buena Muerte Square, stands out due

27

to its rusticated stone masonry. The Pediment is decorated with the coat of arms of the Bishop Portocarrero by whose initiative the Temple was erected.
General Luque Street, 04002 Almeria. Tel.: 950 220 748 Open: Winter: 18 am to 6:30 am; Summer: 7 pm 7:30 pm.

Puerta de Pechina (Pechina Gate) Puerta de Pechina was the most important entrance to the City; it was located at Manuel Perez Garcia Square at the beginning of Tiendas Street. The Entrance was knocked down in 1855 to permit the modern City to expand.

Calle de las Tiendas (literally: street of shops) Typical street of Moorish heritage, it follows Camino de Pechina and ends at Puerta de Pechina.

> Faade of the Church of San Juan (previously the Main Mosque of the City).

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> chrisTian almeria

The Cathedral The Cathedral Square was designed in the XIX Century and has undergone remodelling several times, the last one in the year 2000. The XVI Century Faade of the Cathedral-Fortress with its Renaissance Portal presides the Square. The construction of the Cathedral began in 1524, after the 1522 earthquake destroyed the first Cathedral, situated on the site of the Main Mosque in the Medina. The prime characteristic of the Temple lies on the fact that it is a Cathedral-

fortress; it had religious and defensive functions to protect the population from barbary pirates. The Main Faade of the Cathedral denotes its defensive characteristic: strong walls and counterforts. The decoration lies mainly on the Portal: the coat of arms of Charles I of Spain and V of Germany and the bishop founder of the Cathedral, Fray Diego Fernandez de Villalan. The lateral Portal, Los Perdones on Velazquez Street, is also of Renaissance style although the decoration is not as rich. The interior is of Gothic style with a rectangular nave; The Sacristan and the masonry work of
> The Cathedral of Almeria.

29

the Choir are of Renaissance style from the artist Juan de Orea. The Retro-choir and the Cloister are XVIII Century Neoclassic. The Cloister is the best example of a Neoclassical cloister in Spain. The High Altar, modified in the XVII Century, is presided by a Tabernacle decorated as a retable with scenes of the life of the Virgen Mary and there are two antique XVI engravings of La Anunciacion and el Calvario de Cristo (the Annunciation and the Torment of Christ) in the middle of the ensemble. The most important chapels are situated behind the High Altar in the Girola: San Indalecio, El Cristo de la Escucha (Christ who listens) and la Virgen de la Piedad (Our Lady of Pity). In the Cathedral Plaza opposite the Cathedral stands the XIX Century Episcopal Palace. The Emblem of the City Sol de Portocarrero is on the corner of one of the Cathedrals towers at the Calle Cubo which belongs to the Chapel Santo Cristo de la Escucha.
Catedral Square, 04001 Almeria. Tel.: 950 23 48 48. Open: Monday to Friday 10h to 14h and 16h to 18h.
MONUMENT ACCESSIBLE FOR DISABLED

(an important local businessman who had earned fortune through the mining boom in eastern Almeria) bought the plot and urbanized the Square in 1855. The Square, an ample space flanked by straight streets (Castelar and San Francisco), became a wealthy residential area and part of the Citys eastern expansion. The San Pedro Church, a magnificent example of Neoclassical style in Almeria together with the Cathedrals Cloister, was built between XVIII and XIX Centuries on the ruins of the XVI San Francisco Convent. After the Desamortizacion, the Convent was converted into todays San Pedro Diocese. On the High Altar, there is an image of San Pedro were previously San Francisco stood. There is a big medallion of Saint Francis of Assisi and Santo Domingo de Guzman giving each other a hug with two angles representing the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity. The Church conserves an antique XVII Century Chapel, the only part of the Convent recovered. The Main Faade of the Church is very unique, it presents a Portal between two twin towers; the lateral Portal at Rodrigos Street is not as richly decorated. The XX Century Tower hanging over Rodrigos Street is of Historical style.
San Pedro Square, 04001 Almeria. Tel.: 950 230 803 Open: Monday to Friday from 12:30 am to 1 pm and from 7 pm to 7:30 pm.

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San Pedro Church The Square was designed in 1848 by order of the Civil Governor Eugenio Sartorius with gardens and a roundabout. The name of the Square has changed from San Francisco to San Pedro; in 1862 it was named Isabel II and de la Libertad in 1868. The San Pedro (or Sartorius as it was named at the middle of the Century) roundabout was built on the plot of the former Convent of San Francisco and its gardens. This land was expropriated from the Spanish Catholic Church by the Desamortizacion Law of 1835. Ramon Orozco

Esclavas del Santsimo Sacramento Convent The Convent was previously the old XVII Century San Pedro el Viejo Church before the 1837 Mendizabal Desamortizacin (Mendizabals expropriation of Catholic Church patrimony) then the Diocese moved to the old San Francisco

Convent. At the end of the XIX Century, the Building was reformed and inaugurated by the Jesuit Order at the beginning of the XX Century. After being damaged during the Civil War, the Convent was rebuilt. Today the Building is the closed Convent of Las Esclavas del Santisimo Sacramento Order. The last rehabilitation was done by Ramon de Torres. Its interior transmits peace of mind and the ceiling is of a Mudejar style.
San Pedro Street, 04001 Almeria.

Portals: the Main Portal overlooking the Square and a lateral Portal at Alcalde Muoz Street. The Tower of the Church has a characteristic polygonal shape. On the Main Portal, there is a representation of the martyrdom of San Sebastian by Ventura Rodriguez and J. Antonio Munar. On the sides of the Church there are very powerful counter-fortes, strong walls and a very characteristic dome at Murcia Street. The Faade of the Church is presided by a lateral tower.
San Sebastin Square, 04003 Almeria. Tel.: 950 231 195 Open: Monday to Friday from 10 am to 11 am.
MONUMENT ACCESSIBLE FOR DISABLED

San Sebastin Church The San Sebastian Square gives the name to the Temple located in the Square. From the XI Century, the Square was always one of the most popular areas of the City and a crossroad to the north-east and east of the Province. In Moorish times, the Square was on the outskirts of the Wall and presided by a mosque which in Christian times became the temple of San Sebastian. In the XVIII Century, it was part of the City expansion area and became a square. Today, there is a small Monument erected in honour of the Immaculate Conception which was restored after the 1936 Civil War. The Church standing in the Square was a mosque in Moorish times which became the temple of San Sebastian. In the XVII Century, the Diocese of San Sebastian de las Huertas was founded; it is named after the popular name given to the plot it was founded on San Sebastian de las Gertas (Gertas local phonetic variation of Huertas {plot of land}). The Church was blessed in 1679 by the Bishop D. Antonio de Ibarra; his coat of arms decorates the lateral Portal. The Temple, predominantly Baroque was built between the XVII and XVIII Centuries. The Temple has two

> The San Sebastian Church.

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Santo Domingo Church, the Sanctuary of La Virgen del Mar (Our Lady of the Sea) The La Virgen del Mar Square, designed in the middle of the XIX Century, is a tranquil spot located in the Old Quarter. The Square is presided by the Faade of the Sanctuary La Virgen del Mar (Our Lady of the Seas), popularly known as the Temple of the Patron. The Dominican Order is in charge of the Temple which is also known as the Santo Domingo Church. This Order founded Santo Domingo el Real Convent in the XVI Century occupying the land where the School of Arts and Patrons Sanctuary are now located. The XII-XIV Century polychromed Image of the Virgen del Mar lies in the interior of the Temple. The Image was found next to a Atalaya (defensive tower) on the Torregarca beach in 1502. The Square is furnished with gardens and fountains and the bust of Father Vallarin. This Dominican Father lived most of his life in Almeria and distinguished himself by his dedication to the rehabilitation of the Sanctuary after the Civil War. The Church, which has two XIX Century Portals, was hugely damaged during the Civil War. The Sanctuary had to be restored due to a terrible fire. The interior of The Sanctuary is of Baroque style, decorated by Jesus de Perceval. We must highlight the Chapel which holds the original Image of the Patron, Our Lady of the Sea.
Virgen del Mar Square, 04001 Almeria. Tel.: 950 237 948 Open: Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 12 am and from 6 pm to 9 pm.
MONUMENT ACCESSIBLE FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
> Church of Santo Domingo or Temple of the Patron.

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Santa Mara Magdalena Royal Hospital and Chapel (called the Provincial Hospital) El Hospital Provincial is one of the most antique buildings conserved to this day. The Hospital was built by the initiative of the Bishop Fray Diego Fernandez de Villalan between the years 1547 and 1557; Juan de Orea also participated in the work. At the end of the XVIII Century, the ecclesiastical administration of the Hospital was changed to a board of administration controlled by both civilian and ecclesiastical authorities. In 1777, the newly constituted Board of Adminis-

tration took on some important works on the building. The XVI Century Courtyard was redone during the works taken on in the Hospital at the end of the XVIII Century. The Main Faade, overlooking Hospital Street, has a Neoclassic Portal built in 1778. The Portal is framed between two Jonic Pillars that sustain an Entablature inscribed with the name of the Hospital and the date. The Portal is crowned by a balcony with a curved moulding with the Royal Coat of Arms in its centre. The Ensemble is an example of the transition between Baroque and Neoclassic Periods.
Hospital Street, 04002 Almeria Tel.: 619 103 222 Open: from Monday to Friday from 10:30 am to 13:30 pm.

Compaa de Mara Church Convent Restauracion Period (Spanish political period between the end of the 1800s and the beginning of the 1900s) in Almeria meant a new implementation of religious architecture with an important number works taken on. Among the building projects erected, the Compaa de Mara Church Convent built by initiative of the Diocese Prelate Jose Maria Orbera y Canton. The origin of the building was conceived by the Bishop Orbera, he wished to create a school of free tuition, in order to do that he asked the Town Council for 8,851 metres of land in the Reducto area. Once he was conceded his petition, he turned it down as he had found a better plot between Belen Rambla and Pescaderia Prom33

> Retable of Santiago Church.

enade (todays Obispo Orbera) which was being built at that time. This change of location modified substantially the terms of the project as the previously chosen area at the west of the City was mainly a workers neighbourhood, therefore free tuition was needed, in contrast to the final area chosen in the bourgeois east expansion area of the City. The Architect was Enrique Lopez Rull, the works started in 1882 and the School was inaugurated in 1885. The Nave is of rectangular shape and the Main Faade overlooks Obispo Orbera Rambla. The central part of the plot is occupied by the Church, the Convent and the School are on the sides of the Church. The architectural styles are Medieval Historicism with Gothic and Romanesque roots. Las Puras Church Convent The Closed Convent of the Order of Franciscan Sisters (also known as Real Monasterio) represents one of the most important artistic ensembles of the City, declared of Spanish Cultural Interest in 1982. The construction took place in 1515 (the oldest in Almeria) when the Convent was founded. The site was on a plot of Moorish houses donated by Gutierrez de Cardenas, the first Christian Governor of the City. The styles represented go from the Mudejar to the Baroque including abundant reforms and transformations. In 31 May 1498, Gutierrez de Cardenas in Alcala de Henares in his Last Will and Testament ordered a convent to Saint Clair to be founded. In 1503 at the death of Gutierrez de Cardenas, King Fernando the Catholic acceded to this, but his wife (King Fernando remarried after his wife and

Queen, Isabel of Castile died) Teresa Enriquez modified the Governors Will by giving the Convent to the Order of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (Las Puras). This Convent was built on what were originally three houses with a plot and a tower each. The Gutierrez de Cardenas family possessed the land in the Musalla neighbourhood which coincide with todays Cervantes Street, Eusebio Arrieta Street, Sanchez Toca Street and San Fernando Square (todays Administracion Vieja Square). The Plot covered the whole block leaving out the Diocesan School which has ceased to exist. The Convent is made up of the Church, Cloister and the access area to Cervantes Street with a XIX Century Portal and the Cloister situated behind it. The Main Faade of the Church Convent dating from the XVIII Century is characterized by its sober style and its Baroque Portal and XVII Century Mudejar Tower. The Church is a boxed style nave with a beautiful interior; XVIII Century Baroque decoration highlighted in the High Altar.
> The Faade of Las Puras Church Convent.

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In the Cloister, there are remains of Gothic style Portal in the cemetery and four salomonic retables covered with paradise birds that were reformed in the XVIII and XIX Centuries. One of the chapels of the Church is named after the founder of the Convent Santa Beatriz. This is the Chapel Mausoleum of the Family of Jesus de Perceval. The Cratcula (barred window) is situated under the choir, it is an old oratorio from where the nuns acceded to be given communion through an annexed door. The Church is decorated with paintings of the Virgen Mary except the Angustias which is of a different theme; the paintings are of the XVIII Century painter from Lorca, Antonio Garcia.
Cervantes Street (entrance to the Convent) and General Castaos Street, corner to Jos ngel Valente Street (entrance to Church). 04003 Almeria. Tel.: 950 238 906 Open: Monday to Sunday from 4 pm to 6 pm.

pearance of the Main Faade of the Convent and adoption of the same architectural style of the Square. The Convent has gone through different vicissitudes: the first transformation in 1811 when Jovellanos Street was inaugurated facing the Convents garden in 1837, the Desamortizacion Law converted the Convent into the Civil Government and the Local Provincial Government Building, therefore the nuns had to move to Las Puras Convent; and the Convent being set afire in tragic circumstances during the Civil War where

> The Portal of Las Claras Church Convent.

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Las Claras Church Convent El Real Monasterio of Santa Clara (Royal Monastery of Saint Clair) first appeared in the Last Will and Testament of Jeronimo Briceo de Mendoza in 1590. The works began in 1719 and only finished in 1756 due to economic difficulties. Once the works were finished, the nuns occupied the Convent. The plot originally occupied the Constitution Square, Mariana Street and Marin Street to the interSection with Lectoral Sirvent Street. The inauguration of Jovellanos Street in the garden area of the Convent gave way to the creation of a new faade (main one) and the elimination of the garden area and the Convent infirmary. The modification of the Constitution Square between 1824 and 1846 provoked the disap-

only the Church remained intact. The Convent had to be rebuilt during the post-war The Portal of the Main Faade at Jovellanos Street has an semi-circular arch with entwined mouldings framed between two half columns over a plinth that hold a entablature crowned by a curved moulding which holds the vaulted niche with the image of Saint Clair. The lateral Portal at Mariana Street has a more sober style.
Jovellanos Street, 04003 Almeria Tel.: 950 234 692 Open: Monday to Sunday from 6 pm to 6:30 pm. Summer: Monday to Sunday from 6:30 pm to 19 pm.
MONUMENT ACCESSIBLE FOR DISABLED

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Santiago Church The Church, founded by the Catholic Kings in 1494, was included in the diocese division of the City, implemented in order to Christianize the inhabitants. The Building, designed by Juan de Orea under Bishop Fray Diego Fernandez de Villalan, was built between 1553 and 1559. The Temple in its first phase is of Mudejar style (Mudejar pertains to Muslims that continued living in Christian conquered land) due to the political urgency of the construction of the Church to consolidate Christianity. This made the quality of the construction of the first phase to be relatively poor. The interior of the Church contained Mudejar style wood-works on the ceiling. But all in all, the Church has a Renaissance structure. The Church was seriously damaged during the Civil War, the Mudejar wood-works and other artistic treasures were destroyed. The Temple was declared a XVI Century Spanish Artistic and Historic Monument. The Temple has two Portals , the

> Santiago Church.

Main Portal overlooking Hernan Cortes Street, crowned by the Church Tower and a Lateral Portal (due to its beauty, it is considered as the Main one ) decorated in Renaissance style with a relief of Santiago Matamoros (St. James the Moor slayer).
Tiendas Street, 04003 Almeria Tel.: 950 237 120 Open: Mondays to Fridays from 9:30 am to 12 am and from de 6 pm to 7 pm.
MONUMENT ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED PEOPLE

San Roque Church The Church, blessed in 1893, is located in the Old Aljibe neighbourhood (todays Pescaderia-

La Chanca). The structure of the Church has clear Neoclassical influences in a general Classical eclecticism. The Tower, in the centre of the Faade, follows the Civilian architecture of the time, of which the Town Council building is an example. This model will influence subsequent temples From this small Church you can accede down to Malaga Road through an elegant stairway. The Church has been renovated from the ground up several times, since it was built over the old mosque that belonged to the neighbourhood. From the moment it was founded, the Temple was dedicated to San Roque protector against the plague. The Church was redesigned at the end of the XIX Century and in the year 1900, the Diocese was founded. The Church suffered the consequences of the 1936-1939 Civil War.
3, Corbeta Street, 04002 Almeria. Tel.: 950 275 108

San Anton Chapel (Chapel in honor of Saint Anthony) The Chapel, previously a mosque, gives name to one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Almeria. Each year in January rabicos (pigtails) are auctioned and bonfires are lit in honour of San Anton. In 1877, the Bishop Orbera organized a small convent in the houses adjacent to the Chapel to home the nuns of the Santa Clara Convent that were expelled due to State expropriation of the Convent. The nuns lived there until 1899. The Chapel continued being a public place of prayer and in 1908, a Grotto to Our Lady of Lourdes was inaugurated and quickly became very popular. After being severely damaged during the Civil War, the Diocese of San Juan Evangelista was established
San Antn Street. 04002 Almeria.

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> San Roque Church.

> The old Railway Station.

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> iron archiTecTure in almeria

Train Station The arrival of the train to Almeria is essentially linked to the extraction of iron ore from the mountains of the interior. A cheap way of transport was needed to transport the mineral from the mines in Alquife (Province of Granada) and Sierra de los Filabres mountains (Province of Almeria) to the Port of Almeria. The AlmeriaGuadix railway was inaugurated in 1895, and afterwards continued to Linares. This linked Almeria to the rest of Spain by rail. The Old Train Station Central building is a beautiful example of Iron Architectural style used in industrial and functional buildings in the second

half of the XIX Century. Iron was used instead of traditional materials (stone and brick) because of its capacity to support great weights and cover large areas. Glass was used to cover walls and ceilings as it was very light and very appropriate for light-weight and open-plan constructions. The Main Faade, facing the Estacion Square, is a divided in three parts. The Main Entrance, built with the two typical materials of the time: iron and glass, has a huge monumental glass Portal over the Entrance making it at the time, worthy to receive the people of Almeria who travelled in such a modern way of transport. The lateral wings are made of stone covered by brick and glazed ceramics.

El Cable Ingls The Mineral Loading Pier called Cable Ingles (literally the English Cable) is located on the Almadrabillas beach next to the Levante dock and is linked by a railway bridge to the Train Station. The Pier was built and owned by an English mining company The Alquife Mines Railway Limited, which obtained the mining concession in 1901 and immediately started the building process. The Pier is a masterpiece of the Iron Architecture of the beginning of the XX Century. Building the Cable Ingles was possible due to the existence of the Port and the Railway. The Project was eclectic but it introduced an all new architectural style,

using new materials such as iron in the construction of the Mineral Loading Pier. The Cable Ingles lies on a beach next to the Port and is linked to the Train Station through a railway bridge. The Cable Ingles is made up of two parts: the rails that link the Train Station to the Pier and the Loading Pier itself where the trains unloaded directly onto the ships holds. The railway linkage to the Pier is built on semi-circular stone arches fastened to the rails by huge iron beams. In 1998 the Cable Ingles was declared Bien de Interes Cultural (of Spanish Cultural Interest) for its historic, symbolic and aesthetic values
Playa de las Almadrabillas (Almadrabillas beach). 04001 Almeria.
> A night view of el Cable Ingles.

39

Central Market Building The construction of a public market had been on the drawing board for some time. At the beginning of the 1840s, the Market was to be built in the Old Quarter to therefore conserve the existing market at the Constitution Square. In the second half of the XIX Century, the City expanded towards the new bourgeois Levante area (the east, El Paseo) and in doing so, the Citys

project to build the Market in the Old Quarter was cancelled. In the El Paseo Prolongation Project taken on by the architect Jose Marin Baldo, there was a plot reserved in centre of the expansion area for a public market and fish stalls. From then on, several projects were forwarded but non implemented until 1892 that Antonio Martinez Perez was finally adjudicated the project.

40

AA Monument to Tolerance
Next to the Cable ingles in the almadrabillas Park lies the Monument dedicated to the people of almeria who were victim of the Nazi Holocaust. The author is M angeles Lazaro Guil. The Monument was inaugurated in 1999 by the initiative of the last person from almeria who survived a concentration camp: antonio Muoz Zamora; antonio saved his life thanks to another Spaniard, who filled in his admission file to the gas chamber with the word exterminated. The Monument remembers the 252 persons from almeria imprisoned in the Mauthausen and Gusen concentration camps of which 142 did not survive. The Monument has 142 cement columns for each deceased person; the Columns surround a central sculpture which represents the forced labour that the prisoners were subject to.

The future Market had an ideal location in the middle of the bourgeois expansion area between Obispo Orbera Street and El Paseo. The Main Faade of the Market faces El Paseo through the pedestrian Aguilar de Campoo Street. The Market, restored in 1982, has been conserved intact to our days. The Market Project was based on the Iron Architecture of the time as this material was used in most of the structure. The Base and the Pavilion of the Main Faade were made with masonry and brick and stone-work. The roof structure is made of metal and roller blinds and glass cover the walls. On the Principal Portal at Aguilar de Campoo Street, there is a female statue carrying a basket of fruit symbolizing abundance.
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> almeria ThrouGh The cenTuries

> Sol de Portocarrero, the Citys emblem on the

Fortified Tower at Calle Cubo.

Bendicho Square The Square, born under the protection of the Cathedral, is situated in the middle of the Old Quarter (the old Musalla neighbourhood). The Square was one of the favourite residential areas of the aristocracy from the XVI to XVIII Centuries. From this Square, the merlons and fortified towers of the Cathedral can be contemplated. These elements belong to the Cathedrals ambulatory, where on the exterior wall the high relief of the City emblem Sol de Portocarrero overlooks pass-byers. The Square is named after Juan F. Juan Leon Biendicho y Quelty who was born in Malaga in 1809; he changed his residence to Almeria when he married Doa Dolores Puche. From the XVIII Century, The oldest house in

the City La Casa de los Puche is situated in the Square; an old noble family that arrived in Almeria with the first Christian settlers in 1494. The House structured in two floors, the first floor for house workers and the second floor where the owners lived. The Faade includes a Portal with a semi-circular arch over which the family coat of arms lies. The Balcony placed directly over the Portal has a very beautifully decorated railing. Next to the Casa de los Puche on the same side of the street lies the XIX Century Casa de la Musica which has been restored and now is the Patronato Provincial de Turismo (Provincial Tourism Board) Building.

The bust of the poet Celia Vias presides the centre of the Square. Celia Vias teacher and literate, promoted literature in Almeria in postwar Spain. In the last days of the XX Century, Ronda Beato Diego Ventaja (Ronda as synonym to Street), was opened to the public. This Street begins in the Square and goes along the southern side of the Cathedral permitting pedestrians to admire the powerful walls of the Cathedral. Constitucin Square (Plaza Vieja) The oldest Square of the City is a very unique and intimate place. Activities such as games, fiestas, bullfights, processions and other types of parades have been held there.
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The Watch on the Town Council Building

The Clock on Town Council plays the popular melody of el Fandanguillo of almeria every quarter of an hour and at each oclock the complete song.

In Moorish times, the Square had an irregular structure and was the main marketplace of the City. In Christian times, it will be known as Juego de las Caas (game of canes). In the middle of the XIX Century the Square obtains its final lay out two-storey homes and arcades. The Square is slightly trapezoid and maintains the characteristics of XIX Century closed squares. The Square is presided by the Town Council Building. The Building, finalized between the XIX and XX Centuries, has an eclectic style. The Faade is divided in three parts: the arcades with the semi-circular arches; the Main Front more elaborate, including balconies; and the third tier with attic flats. In the upper centre part of the Faade, stands a Tower with a semi-circular dome where the clock and Emblem of the Town Council lie. In the middle of the Square stands the Monu-

ment to the Martyrs of Liberty. An Obelisk dedicated to 24 liberals who landed on the beaches of Almeria dressed in red (this is why they are called Los Coloraos (The Reds)), to proclaim liberty and the constitution against the despotism of Fernando VII. They were executed by firing squad in 24 August 1824. The first Monument, from 1868-1870 was located in Cadiz Square (todays Purchena Square) and in 1900 it was moved to the Plaza Vieja until it was destroyed in 1943. The first Monument was made of stone and todays Monument, rebuilt by donations from the citizens of Almeria, is made of marble. It has a great pedestal from which a column

rises and becomes a beautiful Corinthian style capital, ending in a bronze sphere surrounded by spines or sunrays. This characteristic Monument is known as the Monument or the Pingurucho a los Coloraos (column in honour of the reds). In the northern part of the Square lies el Convento de las Claras rebuilt after suffering a fire during the Spanish Civil War. Culture Casino The Culture Casino is of todays Central Government Delegation Building. Originally a XIX Century bourgeois Palace was declared Spanish Historic Monument in 1982. The Monument is an example of the Historical architectural style of the time.
> Pingurucho or the Column in honour of > The interior of the Cultural Casino.

The Coloraos at Plaza Vieja.

The Culture Casino, founded by Joaquin de Vilches in 1840, was definitively taken to El Paseo after considering alternative possibilities. El Culture Casino was established in what was the home of Emilio Perez Ibaez, who had been an important member of the local bourgeoisie in the Restauracion (political period in which the Bourbon Family were again on the Throne 18741931). The Project was implemented by Enrique Lopez Rull a very important architect of the time. In the 1920s, different reforms were made in the Building; being the most important the works on the Dancing Hall and the Moorish decoration of the Arabe Hall. The Casino was a place of cultural activities and round tables of conversation over City novelties, local industry and agriculture. Nevertheless, People also relaxed playing games, billiards and chess. The Building was partially burnt down in the Civil War due to bomb raids and being abandoned. In 1940, the Building was restored but between

43

1950 and 1960 it was once again abandoned until the Junta de Andalucia (Government of Andalusia) acquired the Building through an embargo due to tax debts. The Faade of the Monument is of Historical style with a typical bourgeois stone base structure, that holds a semi-basement and monumental Portal crowned by a balcony with Classicists influences. The Building includes an ample entrance way for horse carriages and an artistic stairway hand-rail.
Paseo de Almera.

Old Bus Station Built in 1952 and designed by the architect Guillermo Langle Rubio.
44

from the functional building models implemented during the II Spanish Republic developed by Guillermo Langle. The Local Municipal Police Station at Santos Zarate Street is a good example. The Main Faade is a pavilion with a continuous window, forming long friezes and a marquee in the entrance with two columns. The Entrance has a concave form so it adapts to Barcelona Square. This contrasts with the circular forms of the lateral shapes in the lobby that give the Building such a creative freedom that the Junta de Andalucia declared the Station of Cultural Interest.
Barcelona Square.

The Bus Station was essential for the City as communications by rail were very scarce; therefore links to the towns in the Province and cities of bordering provinces were necessarily addressed by road. The Building is a good example of the Architectural Rationalism of Almeria which comes back

Careaga Square Irregular urban spaces in the Old Quarter gave way to the creation of squares during the XVIII and XIX Centuries. These squares were usually in the neighbourhoods of the more privileged as for example Carreaga Square, which is similar to a peaceful interior courtyard. The Square is named after the Family Carreaga

> The old Bus Station.

that owned a house and land in the area. Juan Ochoa Ortiz de Carreaga arrived with four war vessels to intervene in the War of Granada (uprising of the Moors against the Crown of Castile) and finally set up his home in Almeria. Don Miguel Avis-Venegas y Careaga Marn Benavides was named Marquee of Torre Alta Y Vizconde de Careaga by the Carlos II. This illustrious family was formed by the blood of Christian conquerors and Moorish princes. The famous Calle del Arco (Arch street) takes its name from the Arch of Careaga that communicated the Marquees house to the stables. The Home of the Marquees La Casa de los Marqueses de Torre Alta located in the Square was designed in 1847; it is structured in two tiers. It is a typical Neoclassical Bourgeois construction with Ogive arches as an outstanding and new element in Almeria. Puerta de Purchena and Paseo de Almeria All the City urban expansion in Puerta Purchena and the Paseo was undertaken in the XIX Century. Puerta Purchena, the neurological centre of the City, is situated between Carmen Square and Manuel Perez Garcia Square. Puerta Pechina, todays Puerta Purchena, was the principal gateway of the City that led to Pechina. The name Puerta Purchena was wrongly applied by the Christians as it should have been named Puerta de Pechina. The Gate and the most part of the Walls were torn down in 1855. The original Puerta Pechina Gate was framed by two fortified towers. El Paseo de Almeria, together with Puerta Pur-

chena, is the Citys meeting point where people go shopping, do and talk business in the different cafs or simply go for a morning walk. Puerta Purchena was considered as an outer-wall part of the City and once implemented the urban expansion of the second half of the XIX Century; it became an essential urban area. The bourgeois expansion towards Levante (the east) in the second half of the XIX Century after the walls were removed converted El Paseo and Puerta Purchena into the privileged areas of the City. This Bourgeois expansion came in close correlation with the mining development and the commerce of grapes Walking along Puerta Purchena and El Paseo we can contemplate many examples of XIX and beginning of the XX Century bourgeois buildings. There are individual homes and apartment buildings of which la Casa de las Mariposas (the butterfly house) in Puerta Purchena is a magnifi> Puerta de Purchena with a close up of the

45

Statue of Nicolas Salmeron.

cent example. This Building is known as Casa de los Rapallo (home of the Rapallo family) after its owner or Casa de las Mariposas due to its decoration. The Building was designed by the architect Trinidad Cuartara Casinello. The Port and the Nicolas Salmeron Park There are no remains of the important X Century Port of Almeria. In the times of Abderraman III (X Century), Almeria was the base of Caliphate fleet and axe of important commercial ties. Through its Port, Almeria was in contact with all the Mediterranean. In the XIX Century, the construction of the Port was a real necessity and a key factor in the development of the City. The works began on the jetty in 23 May 1847, in what was just an open beach. The exportation of grapes and afterwards iron ore were the two most important reason in the building of the Port. The lead foundry owned by the Herederia family in Pescaderia accelerated the construction of the dock in poniente (west side of Almeria); while the Junta de Obras del Puerto (Ports Governing

Body) took the initiative to build a pier in Levante (east side of the City) and the dock would be finished in 1906. One of the most important products exported through the Port was iron ore, of course due to the great importance of the Cable Ingles. This Loading Pier represents the architecture of its time, Iron Architecture, and the importance of mining in the XIX. Today, the Port is divided in three areas: Muelle de Poniente (western dock) or fishing port; the Commercial Pier, where the ships dock and the Marina where the Cable Ingles stands. In honour of the visit of Queen Isabel to Almeria, the Royal Steps in the dock of Levante were built. From here, there is a beautiful panoramic view of the City and the waterfront. La Fuente de los Peces (Fish Fountain) in todays Marina Square is where the New Park built in 1940 in honour of Nicolas Salmeron, President of the I Spanish Republic (born in Almeria) begins and the Old Park towards Poniente ends. The Park was completely restored in the final years of the XX Century. Nicolas Salmeron Park has two fountains dedicated to sailors and to those beautiful mammals: the dolphins. The end of the Park
> A Panoramic view of Almeria at night.

46

> Almerias lighthouse.

> Fuente de los Peces (fish fountain) in Nicolas

Salmeron Park.

facing the Port gives way to La Rambla (Federico Garcia Lorca Avenue) which has been recently urbanized (end of the XX and beginning of the XXI Century). This new Urban Space has given the City an all new modern look. The Palace of the Vizcondes del Castillo de Almansa (todays Provincial Historical Archive) The arrival in the second half of the XIX Century of Academicists theories in Spain had an important impact on building precepts in Almeria. The popular and Baroque characteristics of local architecture, which were very often intertwined, were substituted by a new aesthetic intellectual trend: Historicism. This moment of transition is best seen on the Faade of the Palace of the Vizcondes del Castillo de Almansa. This Aristocratic Title was bestowed upon the Almansa Family from Almeria in 1773.

The Palace is one of the most important examples of Domestic Architecture in the City. This Palace was built approximately between 1773 and 1780. The Faade, with entablature in upper area, is of two floors: the first floor is characterized by regular open spaces and the second floor with balconies decorated with curved and split mouldings, where the family coat of arms is displayed Following Infanta Street, we come upon the Provisional Archaeological Museum with the monumental Portal of Casa de Don Francisco Jover y Tovar, designed by the Municipal architect Trinidad Cuartara Casinello in 1894. The Palace of the Vizcondes del Castillo de Almansa and the home of Francisco Jover y Tovar, mayor and chronicler, now belong to the Historical Provincial Archive.
Campomanes Street.

47

48

> Plaza de Toros (bullring).

Plaza de Toros (bullring) The Old Plaza de Toros was situated between Murcia Street and Granada Street (where the Malecon de los Jardinillos stands today) and the Circus, near La Rambla; it was built in 1849. At the end of the Century, the local bourgeoisie had grown and therefore the Old Plaza was not big or comfortable enough for this growing social class. A legal person was created with shares taken on by the main representatives of the local Bourgeoisie in order to buy a plot (Huerta de los Lopez, at the end of Calvario Street) and erect a new Bullring. In public ceremony with the local authorities, the first stone was placed in 13 August 1887.

The Project, directed by the Municipal architects: Enrique Lopez Rull and Trinidad Casinello, was concluded in July 1888. The total capacity of the Bullring was of 9,054 spectators. The layout of the Bullring is eclectic: the base is polygonal with 20 sides, three of them protrude forming monumental entrance portals: the Sun Entrance, the Main Entrance and the Shade Entrance. Over the Main Entrance there is an arch with a symbol of a bull head and the different instruments used in the Fiesta. The Moorish influence is felt in the in Moorish arches (also known as Horseshoe arches) of the second tier.
Vilches Avenue.

Apolo Theatre With the surge of the Bourgeoisie, more places of leisure and culture were demanded, therefore theatres such as the Apolo were built. The Apolo, built in 1881, substituted the Calderon Theatre located at Obispo Orbera and Juan Lirola Streets. From 1880 to 1900, the Apolo was the Citys main theatre; there were plays, Zarzuela (popular Spanish opera) and Opera. Opera was very popular among the citizens of Almeria and an essential part of the cultural life of the second half of XIX Century. The Apolo was remodelled several times in the XX Century for different uses, such as cinema and finally it was definitively closed. It was not until 1993 that the Theatre was rebuilt, conserving
> Apolo Theatre.

its semi-circular arches, protrusions and oculus characteristic of the Historicist style faades. The Apolo is today property of the City Council of Almeria.
Obispo Orber Rambla.

Spanish Open University Building (previously the Purisima School) The only school that survived the Desamortizacion law (expropriation of the Catholic Churchs patrimony) was the School run by the Purisima Order. Religious orders undertook teaching as a business after a good part of their patrimony was taken by the State. With starting a school in mind, a building was erected on a plot belonging to the Order, to the south of San Fernando Square ( Administracion Vieja Square). This Building has reached our days with a few a few reforms.
The Initial Project belonged to the architect Trinidad Cuartara Casinello and the works were directed by the Architect Ortiz de Villajos; building began in 1885 and the School was inaugurated in 1885. On the Faade, there are Neo-gothic and Medieval elements: pointed and splayed arches with thin columns in the frames. The Building has a very characteristic courtyard and is todays Spanish Open University delegation for Almeria. School of Arts and Crafts The Building was used as the provincial secondary school during the second half of the XIX Century and a good part of the XX Century. The School was the principal educative institution of the City. The School substituted the Colegio de Humanidades (School of Humanities) which was located in the Convent of Santo Domingo since

49

1840. The Building underwent several reforms which affected the interior division and the three faades. The Faade situated to the south (General Tamayo Street ) was restored in 1889 as it was in ruinous state since 1889. The composition of the Building is similar to the original layout of the Puras School with the same open spaces, splayed arches and columns on frames. This contrasts with the second floor which is completely different, full of eclectic Classicists elements. The School Courtyard belongs to the old XVIII Century Santo Domingo Convent and today used for art exhibitions and cultural activities. The Cloister was restored in the XVIII Century and the third floor is of recent construction.
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Open: September to June: Monday to Friday from 8 am to 10 pm; July: from 9 am to 2 pm; August: closed.

Palace of the Marqueses de Cabra (todays Municipal Historic Archive) The Palace belonged to the Marqueses de Cabra (Family from Cordoba), it is one of the best examples of aristocratic buildings in the Neoclassic Period. The Building is one of the most monumental and purest examples of middle of the XIX Century Classicism which has been restored. The Palace out stands for its size and the Historicist elements on the Portal and half Tuscan columns
Campoamor Square.

1 Pablo Cazard Square, 04001 Almeria. Tel.: 950 156 158

Diputacin Provincial (old Palace and home belonging to Juan Lirola) The Building, housing the Diputacion Provincial (Provincial Government), is a bourgeois house

> Interior courtyard of the Arts and Crafts School.

belonging to Don Juan Lirola, a very influential liberal politician. The Building was enlarged in 1884 by the architect Trinidad Cuartara Cassinello. The first project was studied to be on the corner of Reyes Catolicos and Navarro Rodrigo Streets. The Building, of great relevance, is a two tier building. The Faade at Reyes Catolicos Street is of highly finished ashlar masonry, stone laid in straight courses. In the second Tier, the Faade is of red brick, with clear light-coloured masonry on windows and balconies with mouldings with reliefs of female heads in the centre. On the corner of Navarro Rodrigo and Reyes Catolicos Streets, a windowed balcony with a beautiful railing (decorated with curve and geometric elements) held by powerful cantilevers. In the interior of the Building, there is a wonderful Patio de luces (a mixture between a light well and an interior courtyard) where exhibitions and official acts are conducted. The Building is of an Eclectic tendency.
Navarro Rodrigo Street.

mixed gender School, until 1966 when Nicolas Salmeron High School was built as a male only institution in Ciudad Jardin (neighbourhood in the beach area). The female students entrance was at La Rambla and they occupied the third floor of the Building and used the terrace as playground and gymnasium. The male students used the first two floors, the patio and the gym. The Building became part of a long cultural tradition: it was an important library and the first Archaeological Museum of Almeria with two exhibition halls. The School was named after Celia Vias, an important poet who also promoted the general cultural life of the City in post-war Spain. The Building is an example of Historicism style architecture, more specifically Neoacademicism which is reflected on its main Faade: very monumental with Classicist elements such as great pilasters, high base, big portal and open spaces and a monumental stairway that accesses the first floor.
Javier Sanz Street.
51

Celia Vias High School The first High School in Almeria was founded in 1849 in todays Arts and Crafts School. The Building in that time was too small for the number of students and the growing educative needs of the time, therefore the Director of the School, Francisco Saiz Sanz moved the School to todays location at Javier Sanz Street, the old Arts and Crafts School. The Building, erected in 1911, played an important part in the education of a great quantity of citizens of the City. At the beginning, it was a

Crculo Mercantil (local Mercantile Association) and Cervantes Theatre The Circulo Mercantil was founded between 1887 and 1899, the Association shared the Building with the Ateneo (bourgeois cultural association) at San Pedro Square. Afterwards both Associations would take on separate locations. The President of the Circulo Mercantil in the second half of the XIX Century was Ramon Orozco, who belonged to an important and successful family dedicated to the mining business in the second half of the XIX Century in Almeria. In

1990, the Association moved to Principe Promenade and in 1904 to San Pedro again Square. Finally in 1920, the Circulo Mercantil established itself in what is todays location in the Cervantes Theatre at The Paseo. The Association organizes all kinds of cultural activities (literature, painting exhibitions, carnival balls and New Years Eve celebrations). The interiors were decorated in 1920. The Circulo Mercantil had a great impact on the economy of the City as it debated and addressed all the issues pertaining to the development of Almeria: railways, port and technical improvements in mining and agriculture. The Cervantes Theatre Faade overlooking El Paseo is dated from the end of the XIX and beginning of the XX Centuries. The Faade is clearly of Monumental style with elements such as big semi-circular arches, balconies with balustrade, stylized forms of Modernist and Naturalist inspiration such as sunflower shaped lamps. The Faade also includes figurative designs and elements such as lyres, masks and a relief of Cervantes. The Cervantes Theatre is one of the longest projects to implement that Almeria has had in modern times (end of the XIX Century). The works started in 1866 together with the license permission from the Town Council. After a promising beginning, the construction stopped in 1898, when the architect Enrique Rull designed the final blueprints of what is the Building today. Works were not renewed until 1910 and finally the Theatre was inaugurated in 1921.
Paseo de Almeria.

Centro de Arte Museo de Almeria (Modern Art Museum of Almeria) The Building which was previously the old preventorium Nio Jesus, is made up of two different constructions: a one family chalet belonging to Jose Batles from 1927 and reformed in 1943 and the galleries and premises promoted by the National Anti-tuberculosis Patronage in 1944. In this way, the Chalet reached the end of Nuestra Seora de Montserrat Avenue. The Galleries, opened towards the garden, held the dormitories of the boys in the first floor and the dormitories of the girls in the upper floor. The Chalet was the administrative centre and clinic of the Preventorium. The Building was closed in 1966.

52

> City Town Council Building, previously

Almerias old Preventorium.

Only the Chalet remains, which is of regional traditional style from the architect Guillermo Langle Rubio. An annex to the Building was added to house the Centro de Artes Museo de Almeria. The Museum, inaugurated in 1998, belongs to the Cultural Department of the Town Council.
Carlos Cano, Square, 04001 Almeria. Tel.: 950 269 680 Open: Mondays from 18h to 21h, Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11 am to 2 pm and 6pm to 9 pm, Sundays y holidays from 11 am to 2 pm.
BUILDING ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED PEOPLE

Plaza de las Flores (The Flowers Square) This Square, which used to be a flower market, is surrounded by a hotel complex and its name originates in a flower market that used to take place there. The Square is presided by a unique Neo-baroque bourgeois multifamily building designed by Guillermo Langle Rubio and finished 1926.
La Casa del Cine (The Home of Cinema) The Building is a cortijo (typical local rural house) from 1866. It is a typical bourgeois home built on the outskirts of the City. The Town Council restored the Building and converted it into a cinema museum, in this way paying homage to the splendour of the cinema industry in Almeria. John Lennon lived some months in this Cortijo. The interior is a museum: a great home for cinema.
2, Camino Romero Street, 04009 Almeria. Open: Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm and from 4 pm to 7 pm.

Spanish Civil War Bomb Shelters Underground galleries, nine metres below the surface, designed by the architect Guillermo Langle Rubio, in order to save human lives from the bombing raids that took place. The City has recovered close to 1 km of the 4.5 kilometres of galleries. The kilometre of Galleries recovered coincides with El Paseo. The Galleries have recreated some of the interior spaces of the time: food storage room, the refuge belonging to Guillermo Langle and a surgery room. The Shelters began to be designed in 1936 and the construction took place in 1937 and finished in 1938. The Galleries were restored by the Town Council and now have become the biggest shelters open to the public in Europe.
Manuel Prez Garca Square, 04001 Almeria. Tel.: 950 268 696 refugios@aytoalmeria.es (Booking at a ticket office by telephone is essential; groups may book by email.) Open: Tuesdays to Thursdays from 10 am to 2 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 9 pm.
MONUMENT ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED PEOPLE 53

> Spanish Civil War

Bomb Shelter food storeroom.

AA Almeria: 52 bomb raids, 754 bombs

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) marked the history of the Country deeply and although almeria did not live the War directly (it was the last City to be in republican hands), the City did suffer air and sea bombardments: 52 raids aimed at military, strategic and even civilian objectives The most terrible raid happened in 31 May 1937, when a German fleet opened fire on the City: 40 dead, 150 injured and 200 buildings destroyed. due to the raids, the citizens of almeria decided to collaborate together to build underground bomb shelters to protect themselves from the raids. Almeria became a real Guernica but without a historic or political revision over the matter.

54

AA space for life A

From October 1936 to Spring 1938, the municipal architect Guillermo Langle, the civil Engineer Jose Fornieles and the mining Engineer Carlos Fernandez directed the construction of 4.5 kilometres of nine metres deep subterranean galleries with 67 entrances for a total capacity of 34,144 people (almeria had 50,000 inhabitants at that time). The rest of the population took shelter in the iron mineral depots of the Compaia andaluza de Minas (andalusian mine company) and in the caves in La Chanca neighbourhood. Langle had it all thought out. The ventilation tubes made of asbestos had a diameter of 100 millimetres and were located next to the entrances. They were resistant enough to resist hand grenades. He studied the entrances and exits so that there would not be any avalanches of people and the same structure of the entrances would also act as a screen against possible hand grenade explosions. Langle used two copper wires for the lighting system and built a storeroom for supplies, in case they were needed, and also an operating room for the wounded. Once the War was over, Kiosks were built to block the entrances to the Bomb Shelters. Langle designed these kiosks following a rational archectural design. These Kiosks are now part of the street furniture of the City and are located in Urrutia Square, Conde Ofalia Square and Virgen del Mar Square, this last one has been greatly reformed. The Bomb Shelters would not be used again, but the Galleries sit there asleep crossing the City as if they were the backbone of the City.

> museums and

exhiBiTions cenTres

Archaeological Museum of Almeria The Museum, located in Ronda Road, is a modern style building of recent construction, It contains important works from prehistoric to Moorish times.
9, Ronda Road, 04006 Almeria. Tel.: 950 175 510 Open: Monday closed. Tuesday from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Wednesdays to Saturdays from 9 am to 8:30 pm, and Sundays from 9 am to 2:30 pm.
BUILDING ACCESSIBLE FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum) Museum with a very functional architectural structure that houses temporary exhibitions of all artistic genders and its facilities are also used for conferences, symposiums and others. It was inaugurated in 2009 and belongs to the Town Council.
Ronda del Beato Diego Ventaja Street, 04002 Almeria Tel.: 950 274 358 Open: Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm and from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
BUILDING ACCESSIBLE FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

Centro de Arte Museo de Almeria (Modern Art Museum of Almeria) Located on the premises of a regional style chalet, clearly in context with the Train Station, it was built in 1927 designed by the architect Guillermo Langle Rubio. The Museum, recently built, is property of the Town Council of Almeria, it houses temporary and itinerary art exhibitions. It was built as an annex in the 90s to the 1927 Chalet.
Carlos Cano Square, 04001 Almeria Tel.: 950 269 680 Open: Mondays from 6 pm to 9 pm; Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11 am to 2 pm and from 6 pm to 9 pm; Sundays and holidays 11 am to 2 pm.
BUILDING ACCESSIBLE FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

Centro Andaluz de Fotografa (Andalusian Centre of Photography)

9, Pintor Daz Molina Street, 04002 Almeria. Tel.: 950 186 360 Open: Mondays to Sundays from 11 am to 2 pm and from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
BUILDING ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED

55

Centro de Documentacin de los Juegos Mediterrneos (Mediterranean Games documentation centre)

Universidad of Almeria Library. Sacramento Road, 04120 La Caada de San Urbano. Tel.: 950 014 105 Open: Mondays to Thursdays from 9:30 am to 2 pm and from 4:30 pm to 7pm.
BUILDING ACCESSIBLE FOR DISABLED

> The Archaeological Museum of Almeria.

AA Statues

and Sculptures
this Sculpture pays homage at Biendicho Square to the author, Celia Vias Olivella (born in Lerida in 1915 died in almeria in 1954). She wrote poetry for children in Spanish and Catalan. She was not very prolific but their work was considered innovative and key in the cultural life of postwar almeria. The Writer studied philology in Barcelona and worked as a teacher in almeria, where she arrived in 1943. She wed arturo Medina, a professor from almeria and lived very close to the inhabitants of the City until she died in 1954. BUST OF FEDERICO GARCA LORCA: it is located at Maestro rodrguez Espinosa Square, who was precisely one of Lorcas teachers during his stay in almeria (19061909). This Square, before called Balmez, is where Lorca resided during those three years. BUST OF FATHER BALLARN: in Virgen del Mar Square, this dominican Prior was a prime contributor to the reconstruction of the Virgen del Mar Sanctuary, after it was bombed and burnt during the Spanish Civil War. STATUE OF JOHN LENNON: member of the Beatles who is remembered for his stay in the City during the filming of How i Won the War (1966). John Lennon resided in the cortijo Santa isabel todays Casa del Cine (cinema museum), where he composed Strawberry Fields Forever. The Statue, initially placed in Federico Garcia Lorca avenue (La rambla) is now located in front of the Cervantes Theatre in El Paseo. ALMERIA AL EDUCADOR: literally almeria to teachers, the Statue represents a teacher in class with his students. it is located in Juan Cassinello Square, also known as Educador Square (in front of the Post Office). STATUE OF NICOLS SALMERN: situated in the middle of Puerta de Purchena; it

Strolling through almeria, one encounters numerous figures carved out in Stone and metal. SAGRADO CORAZN DE JESS (Sacred Heart of Jesus): Made in marble from Macael, it was made in 1930 on the San Cristobal hill (behind the alcazaba). The original Sculpture disappeared during the Civil War. MONUMENT TO THE MARTYRS OF LIBERTY: Situated in the centre of the Plaza Vieja (Constitution Square). it is known as the Monument or el Pingurucho de los Coloraos. it commemorates the arrival of 24 liberals on a ship from Gibraltar willing to stand up against the despotism of Fernando Vii (more information in the Section: almeria through the Centuries: Constitution Square (Plaza Vieja)).
56

LOW RELIEF OF SAINT VALENTINES: The relief made by Jesus de Perceval, located in Campoamor Square, opposite the Palace of the Marqueses de Cabra. The Low relief is placed inside a monolith made of methacrylate and aluminium; these two elements highlight the polychromatic rock of the relief. On the foot of the relief, there are a few verses from ramon de Campoamor, writer and the person the Square is named after: it is proper of love, if it is real, to condense the World in one being. One of the peculiarities of the Monolith is that it is surrounded by a low grill fence, where people in love introduce closed locks symbolising their relationship. STATUE OF BLESSED DIEGO VENTAJA: statue in remembrance of the Bishop and martyr diego Ventaja Miln, born in Ohanes (almeria). He was the Bishop of almeria during the Civil War. He was Bishop of the City during the Civil War and beatified by Pope John Paul ii. The Statue is located in the Cathedral Square under the Tower. BUST OF CELIA VIAS: since 1984,

is a bronze Statue (author Lourdes Umerez 2005) dedicated to the President of the First Spanish republic (born in alhama de almeria). LA ESPERA: literally the wait, it is a bronze Statue (author Javier Huecas) representing a woman dedicated to house work, resting a for a moment. THE GARGOLES: bronze sculpture ensemble by Javier Huecas. in front of the apolo Theatre, at Obispo Orbera avenue, the two characters in different positions: lying and sitting, observe the people who have come to the Theatre they observe those who are going to observe. The sculpture ensemble will be completed shortly with a third character which will be standing up and yelling at the spectators who are in front of the Theatre. BLOOD DONOURS: marble Statue that represents a drop of blood (author rodrigo Valero 2003) located at Federico Garcia Lorca avenue. EL SALUDO: literally The Salute, an ensemble made in metal by Miguel Moreno (1995) that represents a body of a man and a woman; located at Federico Garcia Lorca avenue.

STATUE OF CHARITY: located in the Park of the Sails located at Garcia Lorca avenue, which remembers the victims of the floods of 1884. it is the image of a woman with her two children. The Statue also remembers the charity offered by the regent Queen Maria Cristina, who ordered the river bed (La rambla) to be channelled and homes to be built for the victims, charity neighbourhood, the adjacent reina regente Street was founded in honour of the Queen. PUERTA DE ALMERIA: the door of almeria located in Nicolas Salmeron Park is made of red coral characteristic of the reefs off the isle of alboran, which is considered as part of the Province by the citizens of almeria. MONUMENTO A LA TOLERANCIA: monument to tolerance, is dedicated to the citizens of almeria who were victims of the Nazi Holocaust. it is located in the almadrabillas Park, next to the Cable ingles. (More information in the Section: almeria and iron architecture). STATUE OF ALFREDO KRAUS: in honour of the illustrious Tenor, it is located in Maestro Padilla Theatre.
57

> Sculpture belonging to The

Salute; at La Rambla, author Miguel Moreno.

> cinema, TheaTre and shows

BA

Nature

Cervantes Theatre and Cinema

1, Poeta Villaespesa Street, 04001 Almeria. Tel.: 950 237 0293 - Number of cinemas: 1

Theatre Apolo
25, Obispo Orber Rambla, 04001 Almeria. Tel.: 950 269 268

Nicols Salmern Park Gardens and fountains in the centre of the City in front of the Port of Almeria.
(More information in the Section Almeria through the Centuries).

C.C. Mediterrneo Cinemas

Mediterrneo Avenue, 04009 Almeria. Tel.: 902 010 173 - Number of cinemas: 10

Filmoteca Museo Arqueolgico

(Film Club in the Archaeological Museum) Ronda Road. - Tel.: 950 175 529 Number of cinemas: 1

Saharan Fauna Rescue Park Animal Reserve with species in danger of extinction: Dorca, Dama and Cuvier gazelles and Saharan Arrui. It has an Arab garden, recently reformed.
1, General Segura Street, 04001 Almeria. Tel.: 950 281 045. Booking required. Open: Mondays to Fridays.

Auditorio Municipal Maestro Padilla

(Maestro Padilla Concert City Hall) 1, Alfredo Kraus Square, 04007 Almeria. Tel.: 950 273 002
58

El Morato Flamenco Club

El Morato Street, 04008 Almeria. - Tel.: 675 525 460

El Taranto Flamenco Club

12, Tenor Iribarne Street, 04001 Almeria. Tel.: 950 235 057

Parque del Boticario (Apothecary Park) It is the biggest garden area in Almeria, located in La Caada (neighbourhood between Almeria and the Airport), it divided in two areas: children recreation area and the Park, with the Arab Garden, Rock Park and the Botanic Garden.
Venta Cabrera Road - Viator. 04120 Almeria. Tel.: 950 389 7427 / 950 389 544 Open: Winter: Mondays closed, Tuesdays to Sundays from 8 am to 3 pm and 4 pm to 6 pm. Summer: Mondays closed, Tuesdays to Sundays from 8 am to 1 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm.

La Chanca Flamenco Club

Barranquillo Street, 04002 Almeria. Tel.: 608 639 189

Antonio de Torres Flamenco Club

80, Real Street, 04120 La Caada de San Urbano, Almeria. - Tel.: 605 366 986

> Monsul Beach.

> Gazelles at the Saharian Fauna Rescue Park.

> Salinas of Cabo de Gata.

Cabo de Gata Natural Park An unbelievable natural Paradise located only 20 kilometres from the City. A natural space with uncountable ecologic values, which when visited, one realises that it is the greatest natural treasure in the Province of Almeria. The Park, situated inside the Town Councils of Almeria, Nijar and the south-west of Carboneras, is the biggest protected and the most ecological relevant area in the western Mediterranean in Europe. In 1987, the UNESCO catalogued it as Biosphere Reserve and it is without doubt one of the most unique coastal setting. 29.000 land hectares and 12,000 more sea hectares with dunes, flat sand areas, small and large coves, Posidonian sea bottoms and great diversity in fauna, old mining towns and monumental and archaeological remains which you will run into with every beautiful step one takes. This unique landscape throughout the Park from Cabo de Gata (the Village) to Pozo de los Frailes, Los Escullos, La Isleta del Moro, Rodalquilar, Las Negras, Nijar, San Jose, Aguamarga, etc.. and the

innumerable beaches: Monsul, Genoveses, El Plomo, El Playazo, San Pedro, etc Torregarcia, Las Amoladeras, el Torreon de San Miguel and Las Salinas are some of the interesting places inside Cabo de Gata Park that belong to the City of Almeria. > The XVI Century coastal defence tower Torregarca, was restored in the XVIII Century. In 21 December 1502, the Image of the Patron Saint of Almeria, Our Lady of the Seas, was found by the coast vigilant Andres de Jaen. A Roman fish-salting Factory and the Torregarcia Chapel, designed by the distinguished local architect, Guillermo Langle, are in the area. > El Centro de Visitantes Las Amoladeras (Park information centre for visitors Las Amoladeras) with all kinds of didactical and visual information on the Park.
Road ALP 202 Retamar-Pujaire km.7 04007. Tel.: 950 160 435 Open: Winter: Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 15 pm. Summer: Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm and from 6 pm to 8 pm.

59

> Torren

de San Miguel (XVIII Century defensive tower) in San Miguel de Cabo de Gata beach. > Las Salinas, with the beautiful scenery of the Albufera (wetlands) with all kinds of birds that can be contemplated from the bird watching centre. The Church of Las Salinas (1907) can also be admired, making the whole area very unique. Following the road, leaving the Fabriquilla on the right hand side, you start going

up to the Lighthouse of Cabo de Gata, there is a beautiful and unique view of the Arrecife de las Sirenas (the mermaid reef). Isle of Alborn At 40 nautical miles from the coast of Almeria, lies the little known Isle of Alboran. It is less than a kilometre long with a flat landscape and continually swept by eastern and western winds. The Moors baptised the Isle as sea belly bottom and it is thought the Island was named after the

AA for discovering the Natural Park Cabo de Gata Paths

1.- Alias River
60 Length: 5.200 metres / low difficulty / Time: 2 hours approx. Length: 1.900 metres / low difficulty / Time: 1 hour approx.

9.- Las Amoladeras

Longitude: 5.300 metres / low difficulty / time: 3 hours approx. Length: 2.600 metres / low difficulty / time: 1:30 hours approx. Length: 1.400 metres / low difficulty / time: 45 min approx. Length: 5.000 metres /low difficulty / time: 2:30 hours approx. Length: 6.300 metres / low difficulty / time: 3:30h approx. Length: 6.300 metres / low difficulty / time: 3 hours approx. Length: 2.300 metres / low difficulty / time: 1:30 hour approx. Length: 3.400 metres / low difficulty / time: 2 hours approx.

2.- Mesa Roldn

10.- Caldera de Majada Redonda 11.- Escullos Isleta del Moro

3.- Via Verde (green way) from Lucainena to Aguamarga

Length: 8.300 metres /medium difficulty / Time: 3 hours approx. Length: 11.700m / medium difficulty / Time: 4:30 hours approx.

12.- Escullos Pozo de los Frailes 13.- Loma Pelada

4.- San Pedro El Plomo Aguamarga 5.- La Molata

Length: 2.500 metres /low difficulty / Time: 1:30 hours approx.

14.- El Pocico - Las Marinas 15.- Los Genoveses 16.- Vela Blanca

6.- Cortijo del Fraile Montano Hornillos 7.- Requena

Length: 7.700 metres/ medium: 3 hours approx. Length: 6.600 metres / medium difficulty / time: 3 hours approx. Length: 4.600 metres / medium difficulty / time: 5 hours approx.

8.- Cerro del Cinto

Moorish pirate from Almeria Al-Borani. He is said to have taken refuge in the Island where legend says he hid his treasures. There are some botanic jewels and the rare seagull, Audouin, and in its sea bottom, all the riches of the Sea. Today, the Island is considered a natural marine and fishing reserve.

BA

El Toyo

The land where the Toyo is located is near Cabo de Gata Park; it was urbanised in 2005 for the Mediterranean Games to build the Olympic Villa where all the athletes and other members of the

delegations were housed. One of the symbols of the Event was the Acebuche (olive tree variety) standing near the Plaza del Mar (sea square), it is centennial tree symbolising the union of peoples. El Toyo has a great number of facilities to offer to visitors and residents alike: a highly modern hospital, a school, many garden areas, for ex. Alboran Park, many luxury hotels and a great golf course. The beaches with wooden footbridges and observation points have quality certification. From here, you can accede to the XVIII Century Casa Fuerte de la Cruceta. Next to El Toyo lies the commuter and tourist neighbourhood Retamar.
> Typical landscape of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park.

61

Lq Lp

Lo

ANDARAX RIVER

Ln Lm

Ll

Lk

Kt

Ks Kr Kq

The chapel of Torregarcia

Kp Ko Kn Km Kl

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

62

BA

Beaches
Kp Las Amoladeras

Almeria is usually awarded between 10 and 12 Blue Flags each year.

Kl La Fabriquilla or El Corralete

Protected Beach inside the perimetre of the Cabo de Gata Park.

Kq Torregarca

It is the last Beach before entering Nijar, it is a very calm for swimmers and sunbathers.
Km La Almadraba de Monteleva

This sandy Beach belongs to Almadraba de Monteleva, it is located just after the Las Salinas de Cabo de Gata beach.
Kn Las Salinas de Cabo de Gata

The Torregarcia Beach which obviously receives its name from the coastal defensive tower: Torregarcia limits with the Natural Park Cabo de Gata.
Kr Retamar

This Beach with marvellous sand is near the wetlands where there are many interesting bird species.
Ko San Miguel de Cabo de Gata

Beach at the Retamar urbanisation has all the necessary facilities for a beach dedicated to tourism.
Ks El Toyo

Beach at the El Toyo, a new urban expansion area next to the Cabo de Gata Park.
Kt El Perdigal or El Alquin

An excellent Blue Flag beach surrounded by a natural environment with many facilities.

A virgin and tranquil Beach.

BB

Beauty and health

> ArAb bAths

Aire de Almera. Termas de Al Andalus

> Almadraba de Monteleva Beach in Cabo de Gata.

4-5, Constitucin Square (Almera ) Tel: 950 282 095 reservas@airedealmeria.com http://www.airedealmeria.com

Balneario Alhamma Almeraya

Lk Costacabana

Costa Cabana Beach receives its name from this unique urbanisation called Costa Cabana. The Beach has all the facilities necessary for tourism.
Ll El Bobar or La Caada - Almera.

(Thermal spring spa) 9, Perea Street, 04003 Almeria. - Tel.: 950 231 010 www.alhammalmeraya.com balnearioalmeraya@gmail.com > hotels with spA

Beach used for sports fishing.

Lm Nueva Almera - Almera.

Alcazaba Mar

Beach which is next to San Miguel beach, it has all the facilities of an urban beach.
Ln San Miguel or Las Conchas - Almera

Juegos de Argel Street El Toyo Urbanisation 04131 Retamar (Almeria) - Tel.: 950 20 91 60 www.azhoteles.com alcazabamar@azhoteles.com

63

Cabogata Plaza Suites

Urban Beach completely fitted with all the necessary services and infrastructures to be attractive for tourism.
Lo Las Olas - Almera.

Juegos de Argel Street El Toyo Urbanisation - 04131 Retamar (Almeria) Tel.: 950 00 12 00 - www.zthoteles.es

Barcel Cabo de Gata

Beach next to the fishing port.

Lp San Telmo - Almera.

Toyo Promenade, El Toyo Urbanisation 04131 Retamar (Almeria) - Tel.: 950 18 42 50 www.barcelo.com - cabodegata@barcelo.com

Beach next to the lighthouse of San Telmo.

Lq La Garrofa - Almera.

Cabogata Garden

Small Beach of gravel on which there is a camping site and a scuba diving club.

Juegos de Casablanca Avenue El Toyo Urbanisation - 04131 Retamar (Almeria) Tel.: 950 01 07 50 - www.gardenhotels.com cabogata@gardenhotels.com

Cabo de Gata Mar Garden

Juegos de Casablanca Avenue El Toyo Urbanisation - 04131 Retamar (Almeria) Tel.: 950 01 79 50 - www.gardenhotels.com indalia@gardenhotels.com

BA

Gastronomy
Tapa tradition
as the legend goes, alfonso X el Sabio (the wise) in the Xiii Century ordered that in the taverns of Castile, wine would not be served unless it was accompanied by food, so the alcohol would not go to their heads. The tapa (which means in Spanish lid) would be put on top of the glass so that flying objects would not fall in the drink. The tapa accompanying the wine would generally be a slice of ham, chorizo, or other kinds of sausages or cold meats and sometimes a piece of cheese. Therefore the tapa would be placed on top of the glass or jug as if it were a lid, but of course full of food to soak up the alcoholic drinks.

Almerias cuisine is imaginative, autonomous, varied and original. Peppers and the products derived such as pimenton are the base of a culture that has reached our days. Pimenton is still served today in many restaurants.
> Tapas

64

Tapas are a culinary tradition in Almeria; they are free when one orders wine, beer or mosto in practically every bar in Almeria. There are a great variety of tapas: swordfish, rice (paella), marinade anchovies, fried squid, fried marinated dogfish, snails, grilled ribs, cherican (toast with many different toppings popularly pronounced as cherigan), potato salad, ratatouille (Spanish: tabernero, pisto and fritailla), grilled shrimp, grilled cuttlefish, cuttlefish in sauce, migas (typical local dish), vaporised mussels, mojama (dried tuna fish), gurullos (typical local stew), trigo (typical local stew made with wheat), lomo en orza (conserved: ham fried in its own fat), grilled ham, patatas bravas (potatoes in hot sauce typical from Almeria), potatoes with alioli sauce (olive oil and garlic), bread slice with varied toppings (sometimes very sophisticated), pipirrana (octopus with olive oil dressing and finely cut peppers), patatas a lo pobre (softly fried potatoes in olive oil, sliced finely with peppers and onions), fried fish, ajoblanco (typical from Almeria: cold soup with olive oil, garlic, crushed almonds, sometimes accompanied with melon or grapes), and many more types of tapas.

places to go for tapas: 1. Fishing port area. (San Roque Church). 2. Around Real StreetTrajano Street - Cathedral - Plaza Vieja. Reference: Fish Fountain (Nicols Salmern park). 3. Following Squares: Flores Square, San Pedro Square, Urrutia Square and Virgen del Mar Square. 4. Around San Sebastin Square - Puerta Purchena - Paseo de Almeria. 5. Around the Abastos Square (central market) and Celia Vias High School. 6. Around La Rambla. 7. Around Cable Ingls - Sea Promenade.

> Typical dishes

Migas

Old home-made dish, very typical of Almeria, as Migas are also known in Seville and Castilla La Mancha, but they are made of bread. In Almeria, Migas are made of hard grained wheat. Migas are accompanied with toppings: radish, herring or fish, blood sausage, chorizo, fried peppers and small pieces of fried pork fat. Migas are prepared in warm coastal urban areas when it rains and the weather is cool, so to add needed calories.
Gurullos

together by hand in order to produce very small grain-size pasta. Then the pasta is left outdoors to dry on a cloth to make ready for cooking.
Pimentn

The gurullos are an Autumn-Winter stew that is made in hunting season. It is made with partridges, hare or mountain rabbits. It is an artisanal pasta made with hard grained wheat, water and salt. Once amassed, thick noodles are rubbed

Pimenton is a typical dish from Almeria of humble origin; it originated in times of need in Fisherman neighbourhoods. It is a light, aromatic and healthy Mediterranean dish which is easy to prepare: first make the sofrito, lightly fry chopped onions, tomato, garlic and dried peppers (the dried peppers have been previously crushed with salt and cumin); secondly Separately, boil water in a pan with parsley, roasted and peeled peppers and fish and third add the sofrito and separate the pan from the fire, the mixture should not boil. This typical dish from Almeria can be served as a soup or with potatoes.
65

Trigo

This is the most typical and emblematic dish in Almeria. It takes at least a day as the chickpeas have to be left in water and the shell removed from the wheat. Removing the wheat is done on the street lifting and letting the wheat grain fall. Once the shell is removed, it is boiled for half an hour, removed from the stove and covered with a cloth so that the wheat grains may continue expanding. The stew is made with a piece of spine, pig bones and tail, fresh fat and a hand full of fennel and blood sausage. There is also the possibility of adding beans instead of chickpeas.
Fish and Seafood

BB

Where to eat

> RestauRants > MediteRRneo avenue and suRRoundings

Mesn Don Quijote Restaurant

Mediterrneo Avenue Commercial Centre - Tel.: 950 14 54 33

Entresabores Restaurant
Mediterrneo Avenue. Tel.: 950 14 53 90 Pilarica Street Tel.: 950 08 74 13

Casa Gabriele Restaurant

66

Fish and seafood have always been present in Almerias gastronomy. With more than 200 kilometres. of Mediterranean coast, there is a great seafood variety: groupers, bogas, horse mackerel and red mullet as well as clams, mussels, shrimp, squid and cuttlefish. These delicious varieties of seafood become delicious fritura de pescado (fried fish), which is served in many restaurants in Almeria.
Sweets and desserts

Asahi Restaurant
43, Profesor Mulin. Tel.: 950 14 28 14

Fuji Restaurant

Peseta Street, corner Gaudi Square. Tel.: 627 31 85 42

Restaurant Hai Cheng Kay Yue Restaurant

Mediterrneo Avenue ( Argar Building) Tel.: 950 23 44 83 Mediterrneo Avenue Commercial Centre. Tel.: 950 14 23 48

The traditional sweets and desserts are still made at home and there are still many restaurants where you can be offered homemade desserts and sweets during high-season. At Holy Week, borrachillos, papaviejos and buuelos rellenos are typical and at Christmas: turrones, mantecados and alfajores.

Salsa Criolla Restaurant

288, Mediterrneo Avenue. Tel.: 950 85 20 16

Yesca

4, Italia Street - Tel.: 950.85.45.45 www.yescarestaurante.com info@yescarestaurante.com

> Old Quarter

Restaurant La Encina
8, Reina Regente Avenue. Tel.: 950 23 80 11

16, Marn Street. - Tel.: 950 27 34 29

Gran Hotel Restaurant

La Sacrista Restaurant
12, General Segura Street. Tel.: 950 08 39 73 19, Mndez Nez Street. Tel.: 950 27 49 28

Mesa Espaa Restaurant El Turia Restaurant

6, Ricardos Street. Tel.: 950 26 37 68

Real Restaurant
15, Real Street. Tel.: 950 28 02 43 3, Flores Square. Tel.: 950 28 14 25

Valentn Restaurant
19 Tenor Iribarne Street. Tel.: 950 26 44 75

Torreluz Mediterrneo Restaurant Catedral Restaurant

4, Catedral Square. Tel.: 950 25 90 04

El Asador Restaurant
14, Fructuoso Prez Street. Tel.: 950 23 45 45

Ristorante Ritabella
10, Conde Ofalia Street. Tel.: 950 26 34 52

Casa Sevilla Restaurant Costasol Restaurant

58, Paseo de Almeria. Tel.: 950 23 66 65 4, Javier Sanz Street. Tel.: 950 25 94 48 20, Marn Street. Tel.: 950 27 18 67 2, Torres Street. Tel.: 950 23 43 99 2, Paz, Street. Tel.: 629 27 78 27

Da Bruno Restaurant
Martnez Almagro Street. Tel.: 950 27 72 09 12, Jovellanos Street. Tel.: 950 23 29 46
67

Rueda Lpez Street (commercial gallery) Tel.: 950 27 29 12

Aljaima Tea Restaurant La Cata Restaurant

Lamarca Seleccin Restaurant Plaza de Caas Restaurant Torreluz Restaurant Almedina Restaurant Capitol Restaurant
35, Granada, Street. Tel.: 950 24 03 63

15, Concepcin Arenal Street. Tel.: 950 28 27 40

> altaMiRa stReet & suRRounding aRea

NH Ciudad de Almeria Restaurant

Jardn de Medina Street. Tel.: 950 18 25 00

Bodega Lamarca Restaurant

33, Gregorio Maran Street. Tel.: 950 08 66 25

Chele Restaurant

38 Cannigo Molina Alonso Street. Tel.: 950 27 36 80

Cuentavinos Restaurant
12 General Segura Street. Tel.: 950 23 97 72

Torresbermejas Restaurant
19, Estacin Avenue. Tel.: 950 22 30 84

Nan Kin Restaurant

39 Altamira Street. Tel.: 950 26 33 83

Restaurant Shang Hai

170, Garca Lorca Avenue. Tel.: 950 27 14 06

> The sea fronT & surroundinG area

Club de Mar Restaurant

Almadrabillas Promenade. Tel.: 950 23 50 48 7, Cartagena Street. Tel.: 950 23 85 78

Chino Peking Restaurant Building Restaurant

117, Paseo Martimo (sea promenade). Tel.: 950 26 12 04

La Galatea Cheese Restaurant

68

Restaurant Delfn Verde

5, Altamira Street, (Cristal Building). Tel.: 950 25 94 09

42, Paseo Martimo (sea promenade). Tel.: 950 26 79 99

Tagliatella Restaurant
3, Ribera Almadrabillas. Tel.: 950 26 02 52

Duque de Mar Restaurant

Jacaranda Restaurant

Paseo Martimo (beach promenade) corner with Cartagena Street. Tel.: 950 23 12 74

1, Administracin Vieja Square. Tel.: 950 24 54 68

Sierra Morena Restaurant

15, Bilbao Street. Tel.: 950 26 53 31 10, Jal Street. Tel.: 950 25 12 20

Martn Fierro Restaurant Dragon Restaurant

Ronda Road (next to the old Train Station) Tel.: 950 27 68 53 45, Calzada de Castro Street. Tel.: 950 27 46 89

Veracruz Restaurant

> cosTacaBana & Toyo urBanisaTions

Gran Muralla Restaurant

14 Sagunto Street. Tel.: 950 26 10 56

El Mirador de Retamar Restaurant

13, Paseo Martimo. Tel.: 950 20 91 47 Botica Street. Tel.: 950 20 74 12

Hong Kong Restaurant

2, Hermanos Machado Street. Tel.: 950 26 43 38 5, Ribera Almadrabillas. Tel.: 950 27 27 24

Taray Restaurant El Fogn del Toyo Restaurant

14, Del Sol Street. Tel.: 950 20 83 20

Internacional Restaurant

Manolo Cruz Restaurant

Botica Street. Tel.: 950 20 74 03

> Tapa Bars

El Lagarto Mejicano Restaurant

61, Luxor Avenue, Costacabana. Tel.: 950 29 27 28
> caBo de GaTa

Marisquera Alcazar
2, Tenor Iribarne Street. Tel.: 950238995 Closed: Mondays

Bar Baha de Palma

Blanca Brisa Restaurant

49, Joricas Street. Tel.: 950 37 00 01

1, Administracin Vieja Square. Tel.: 661205959 Closed: Sundays

Caf Barea

Restaurant La Goleta Morales Restaurant Restaurant Parque

La Almadraba Street. Tel.: 950 37 00 75

Paseo Martimo Cabo Gata (sea promenade) Tel.: 950 37 02 15 Las Salinas Cabo de Gata. Tel.: 950 37 01 03

2, Granada Street. Tel.: 950235020 Closed : Sunday afternoons

Marisqueria Baviera
10,Tenor Iribarne Street. Tel.: 950239658 Closed: Sundays

La Bien Pag Tavern

6, Martnez Almagro Street. Tel: 629272627 Closed: Mondays

69

> ouTskirTs of almeria

Marques de Heredia Bodeguilla

8, Marqus de Heredia Square. Tel: 950245683 Open every day

Aniceto Restaurant
Alquin-Viator Road. Tel.: 950 29 73 44

La Borrachera Bar
69, Real Street. Tel.: 625683319 Closed: Sundays

El Andaluz Restaurant
6, Sierra de Gredos Street. Tel.: 950 27 14 74 157, Njar Road. Tel.: 950 29 76 03

Los Arcos Restaurant Bellavista Restaurant

Las Botas Bodega

3, Fructuoso Pre Street. Tel.: 950234239 Closed: Sundays

Burana Caf

Urbanisation Bellavista (Alquin) Tel.: 950 29 71 56

El Romeral Restaurant
39, Ingenio Road. Tel.: 950 22 10 26

56, Paseo de Almeria. Tel.: 950246283 Open every day

El Candil Taberna
Urrutia Square. Tel.: 950258821 Closed: Sundays

La Alacena de Pura Gonzlez Restaurant

32, La Marina Street. Tel.: 950 15 23 97

Casa Puga Taberna

7, Jovellanos Street. Tel.: 950231530 Closed: Sunday and holidays

Plaza de Caas Restaurant

20, Marn Street. Tel.: 950273429 Closed: Tuesdays

Catedral Hotel Restaurant

8, Catedral Square. Tel.: 950278178 Open every day

La Sacristia-Calle Mayor Restaurant

12, General Segura Street. Tel.: 950083973 Open every day

La Charka Bar

7, Trajano Street. Tel.: 669545421 Closed: Wednesdays

Quinto Toro I Bar

6, Juan Leal Street. Tel.: 950239135 Closed: Saturday afternoons and Sundays

Costasol Hotel Restaurante

58, Paseo de Almeria. Tel.: 950236665 Closed: Sundays

Quinto Toro Ii Bar

24, Javier Sanz Street. Tel.: 625683319 Closed: Saturday mornings and Sundays

Cuentavinos Bar Restaurant

12, General Segura Street. Tel.: 950239772-950265660 Closed: Sundays
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La Tahona Bar

30, Reyes Catlicos Street. Tel.: 950257088 Closed: Sundays

Doa Lola Taberna Selecta

22, Padre Luque Street. Tel.: 950273496 Closed: Sundays

Ta Mara Bodega Selecta

4, Gabriel Callejn Street. Tel.: 950246039 Closed: Sundays

La Encina Plaza Vieja Restaurant

16 Marn Street. Tel.: 950273429 Closed: Sunday evenings and Mondays

Torreluz Taberna
3, Flores Square. Tel.: 950234399 Open everyday

Oasis 55 Kiosk

Manuel Prez Garca Square. Tel.: 626003185 Open everyday

El Turia Bar Restaurant

6, Ricardos Street. Tel. 950263768 Closed: Sundays evenings

Virgen Del Mar Kiosk

1, Virgen del Mar Square. Tel.: 651980878 Closed: Fridays and Saturdays in the afternoon

Lisboa Caf Bar

8, San Pedro Square. Tel.: 950261757 Closed: Sundays and holidays

Me gusta tambien Bar

9, Circunvalacin del Mercado Street. Tel.: 659604651 Closed: Sundays afternoons

BA

Fiestas, traditions & events

Carnivals

Carnival association contest in the Maestro Padilla theatre. Carnival parade, and the carnival associations put on the show all over the different neighbourhoods and finally the Funeral of the Sardine.
Holy Week

tery contest. La Feria de la noche (night fair) is also very popular with many stalls where people dance and there is a lot partying. During La Feria, there is also a Flamenco Festival and a Folklore Festival of the Peoples of the Iberian Peninsula and of the Mediterranean.
> local TradiTions
> On

Each year Los Pasos (similar to parade floats but with a Holy Week theme) are richer in decoration. Los Pasos outstand for their great artwork. The Almeria Holy Week Processions have been declared of Spanish Tourism Interest since 2004.
May Crosses

26 December, Almeria celebrates the day of El Pendon (the banner), coincides with San Esteban. This Day commemorates the day the Catholic Kings conquered the City in 1498. The civic-religious Commemoration begins in the Plaza Vieja (Town Council Square) and then the procession proceeds to the Cathedral.

The Crosses are set up in buildings and squares (drink, food and music accompany). Crosses are successful or not depending on how much participation they receive and how cheerful they are.
Noche de San Juan (Saint Johns Bonfires)

> Portal of the Feria of Almeria.

71

Local fiesta that is celebrated on the shortest night of the year (23 to 24 June) and coincides with the beginning of Summer. Bonfires are lit up all over the beaches and there is a popular verbena (feast) with fireworks at midnight.
Feria and Fiestas in Honour of La Virgen del Mar (Our Lady of the Seas)

La Feria and Fiestas of Almeria (seven-day fair) celebrated from the second week of August in honour of La Virgen del Mar, patron of Almeria. During La Feria different kinds of activities take place: sporting events, bullfights and the Feria del Mediodia (noon fair which is each time more popular) where stalls are set up in the centre of Town; equestrian activities and the popular pot-

> On the second Sunday of each year, the Romer-

Other cultural events

72

ia (popular pilgrimage) to Torregarcia is celebrated. The Procession ends at the Atalaya (coastal defence tower) where the Image of La Virgen del Mar was found (1502). A Chapel in honour of La Virgen del Mar was built there. > The last Saturday of La Feria is the day of the patron, La Virgen del Mar. It is a local holiday and a sung mass is celebrated and a flower offering is made at 12 am . Citizens and visitors alike may accede to Our Ladys Chapel to see the Image. > La Virgen del Carmen. On 16 July, the fishermans neighbourhood pays homage to the Virgen the Patron of all fishermen. There is a procession that begins in the San Roque Church where the Virgen is stored and continues on a fishing boat to open sea.
BA

Religious Music Festival, many plays, flamenco, dance and concerts take place in the Municipal Maestro Padilla Theatre, Apolo Theatre, Aljibes Arabes de Jairan and in the Centro de Arte Museo de Almeria. More information at www.almeriacultura.com
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Sports

Municipal Sports Centre Distrito 6

Sport facilities for practising basketball, handball, five-a-side football and volleyball. There is also a weights and fitness hall, climbing wall, Indoor swimming pool sauna and jacuzzi
Bdar Street. - Tel.: 950 621 331 www.pmdalmeria.com

Sports Complex Rafael Florido

Main Events

Teatro del Siglo de Oro (Spanish Golden Theatre Era):

In April the most important plays of the time are represented.

Book and Reading Festival (LILEC)

In this Complex, basketball, handball, five-a-side football, boxing, paddle, squash, tennis and volleyball can be practised. There is also a weights room, a tatami, a gymnasium, an Indoor swimming-pool a warm up pool, two Finnish saunas, two contrast showers and two vapour baths and a swimming-pool jacuzzi.
228, Mediterraneo Avenue. - Tel.: 950 224 447 www.pmdalmeria.com

Is celebrated in May.
Alamar

Sports Complex Las Almadrabillas

Mediterranean Music Festival which is celebrated in June.

Almeria Jazz Festival

Takes place in October. It has been celebrated since 1984.

Almeria en Corto

Facilities to practise martial arts, basketball, handball, 5-a-side football, squash, tennis and volleyball are available. There is also a sauna, thermal area and two swimming pools (one indoor).
Cabo de Gata Avenue. Tel.: 950 253 230 www.pmdalmeria.com

International Short Film Festival which takes place in December.

Municipal Sports Pavilion Jos Antonio Segura

Alborn Alboran Golf Course

Sports Centre prepared for badminton, handball, 5-a-side football, archery and volleyball
Virgen de las Angustias, (Araceli neighbourhood). Tel.: 950 621 340 - www.pmdalmeria.com

Mediterranean Games Municipal Palace

Ideal facilities for athletics, martial arts, basketball, handball, 5-a-side football, sport gymnasium, table tennis and volleyball
1, Belladona Street. - Tel.: 950 332 007 www.pmdalmeria.com

The Course, located in the new Toyo residential complex, is near the City and a few metres from the Beach and very close to the Cabo de Gata Natural Park. This Golf Course has 18 holes and is surrounded by a unique semi-desert environment. From a technical point of view, this is one of the most modern golf courses in Europe.
Aeropuerto Road km 12. El Toyo (Almeria). Tel.: 950 208 583 - www.alborangolf.com

Club de Mar of Almeria

Costacabana Sports Complex

Playa de las Almadrabillas (Almadrabillas Beach) s/n. 04007 Almeria.

Tel.: 950 230 780 www.clubdemaralmeria.es cma@clubdemaralmeria.es

Apart from having an indoor swimming-pool, there are other facilities for basketball, handball, 5-a-side football and two tennis courts.
Garona Street - Costacabana neighbourhood. Tel.: 950 293 399 - www.pmdalmeria.com

Estacin Nutica Baha de Almeria

5, Sergio Leone Street, 04007 Almeria. Tel.: 950 101 666 www.enbahiadealmeria.es info@enbahiadealmeria.es
73

La Caada Municipal Sports Centre

Facilities for basketball, handball, 5-a-side football and volleyball.

Mar de la Caada Street - C.P. San Indalecio Tel.: 950 291 107 - www.pmdalmeria.com

> Spanish First Division match at the Mediterranean Games Stadium.

74

> The Castle of Velez Blanco.

> Tabernas Desert.

AA

Discover the surroundings

75

Roquetas de Mar City Only 10 minutes from Almeria, Roquetas de Mar has a varied leisure offer: Aquarium Roquetas de Mar, is the biggest aquarium in Andalusia or the waterpark Mariopark. Mojacar Mojacar is typical Moorish town which conserves its unique structure of terraces in different levels, corners and narrow streets. The most proximate weekend to 10 June is the day when Moros y Cristianos Feast (enactment of the confrontation between Christian and Moosish troops) takes place in Mojacar. This Fiesta is an important tourism attraction; it begins with the creation of the headquarters of each army. The events occur relentlessly until the great parade on Sunday afternoon.

Los Millares The most important Bronze Age (2700-1800 a.c.) archaeological remains in Europe. It is located in Santa Fe de Mondujar about 17 kilometres from Almeria on a plateau between the Andarax River and Huechar Rambla. There was an excellent agriculture culture in the area, and it was also the first place in the western Mediterranean to implement copper metallurgy. The population was protected by four lines of walls and a dozen fortifications; there is an impressive necropolis with more than a hundred collective burial tombs. To arrive at the Remains take the A-348 from Almeria city to Alhama and turn right at kilometre 141 in the direction of Santa Fe, then follow the N-324 (do not take the exit to Santa Fe), after 200 metres you will see the signs indicating the way to Los Millares.

Tabernas Desert Tabernas, a Spanish Protected Natural Area since 1989, is located 30 kilometres from Almeria at 404 metres over sea level with 2,000 square metres of desert. A desert environment with almost 3,000 hours of sunlight and without any vegetation, it has been the ideal set for many films and publicity announcements. The following films have been made here: A Fistful of Dollars; For a Few More Dollars; The Good, the Bad and the Ugly; King of Kings and a long etc... . Inside the Tabernas Desert area, there are many old western village sets: Fort Bravo, Western Leone and Oasys Theme Park (which also has an animal reserve).

Karst en Yesos de Sorbas (Gypsum Caves in Sorbas) The effect of thousands of years of running water on the gypsum depression in Sorbas (Almeria) has produced a unique subterranean scenery. This incredible cave formation in Almeria is located in a sub-desert area with more than 1,000 cavities (some are incredibly spectacular) carved in gypsum. There are kilometres of stalactites and stalagmites of crystal rock that reflect the light from the visitors helmets. The Karst en Yesos de Sorbas Natural Park is an Officially Protected Area since 1989.

> Panoramic view of Mojacar.

76

> The lighthouse of Roquetas de Mar.

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The Alpujarra of Almeria The Alpujarra of Almeria, at the west of the Province, are at the foot of Sierra Nevada mountains. The Moorish heritage of these villages can be seen through elements such as waterways, white-washed villages, sober Mediterranean Holm Oaks, vines and vineyards. In this trip around the Alpujarras of Almeria, you can visit villages such as: Alhama de Almera, Canjyar, Fiana, Laujar de Andarax, Ohanes and Padules.

Sierra Mara-Los Vlez Natural Park The Sierra Maria-Los Velez Natural Park located in the extreme north of the Province, possesses a spectacular beauty. This Natural Park has magnificent thick forests, the best preserved in Almeria, important archaeological remains and paintings.

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> The Toyo Golf Course.

AA

Maps Almera City

79

COLATIVI SIERRA ALHAMILLA

A CARBONERAS

ANDALUSIA
GRANADA A-92

A AGUAMARGA

ALMERA
TABERNAS

EUROPE
SPAIN
ALMERA

Njar

ALMERIA MUNICIPAL DISTRICT

Scale: 1/40.000

Cuevas de los bedas

ALPUJARRA
VIATOR 453 AIRPORT 456 TOYO / CABO DE GATA 460 CTRA. RONDA 446 AVDA. FEDERICO GARCA LORCA 443 SIERRA DE GADOR Venta Gaspar N-347 N-349 Crdenas Defensive Tower EL BOTICARIO PARK Loma Cabrera N-344 El Alquin Airport El Toyo CABO DE GATA ROAD Casa Fuerte de La Cruceta El Perdigal Defensive Tower Campo de golf El Perdigal Beach El Toyo Beach Las Amoladeras Torregarca Defensive Tower Costacabana Beach Retamar Beach Path Torregarca Chapel PARK INFORMATION CENTRE FOR VISITORS LAS AMOLADERAS
RAMBLA MORALES

BENAHADUX 448

Cuevas de Los Medinas

MURCIA E-15 A-7

CABO DE GATA 467

TO CAMPOHERMOSO

Retamar

RAMBLA LAS AMOLADERAS

TO RODALQUILAR TO RODALQUILAR

AL-12 PORT 438

ALMERA
La Caada de San Urbano University

MLAGA

E-15 A-7

INTERMODAL STATION ANDARAX RIVER Las Olas Beach San Telmo Beach Castell del Rey PORT OF La Garrofa Beach ALMERIA CAMINO DE RIBERA La Garrofa Defensive Tower El Palmer Beach Nueva Almera Beach El Bobar Beach San Telmo Castle

Torregarca Beach

SAN JOS Ruescas Escullos Pozo de los Frailes Pujaire Isleta del Moro

El Pocico - Las Marinas Path Las Amoladeras Beach

Cabo de Gata

San Miguel de Cabo Gata Beach

San Miguel DefensiveTower

Bird Watching Centre

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

Las Salinas Beach Cabo de Gata La Almadraba de Monteleva Beach

San Jos

Genoveses Beach

La Fabriquilla Beach

ALBORAN ISLAND To 48 millas

Mnsul Beach

CABO DE G ATA-N JAR N ATU RA PARK

Cabo de Gata

MONUMENTS AND SIGHTS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47
ALCAZABA SAN JUAN CHURCH (OLD MAIN MOSQUE) LA ALMEDINA STREET CATHEDRAL EPISCOPAL PALACE SOL DE PUERTO CARRERO (CITY EMBLEM) LAS PURAS CHURCH AND CONVENT PALACE OF te MARQUESES DE CABRA (TODAY'S MUNICIPAL HISTORIC ARCHIVE) TOWN COUNCIL AND CONSTITUTION SQUARE LAS CLARAS CHURCH AND CONVENT THE PALACE OF THE VIZCONDES DEL CASTILLO DE ALMANSA (TODAY'S PROVINCIAL HISTORICAL ARCHIVE) SANTIAGO CHURCH ALJIBES DE JAIRAN (WATER CISTERNS FROM THE JAIRAN PERIOD) BOMB SHELTERS PUERTA DE PURCHENA. LAS MARIPOSAS BUILDING JAIRAN WALL AND SAN CRISTOBAL HILL (VIEWPOINT) SAN SEBASTIAN CHURCH BULLRING APOLO THEATRE CENTRAL MARKET COMPAIA DE MARIA (SCHOOL, CONVENT AND CHURCH) DIPUTACION PALACE CERVANTES THEATRE/MERCANTILE ASSOC. ARTS AND CRAFTS SCHOOL VIRGEN DEL MAR SANCTUARY SAN PEDRO CHURCH OLIVE OIL MUSEUM CAREAGA SQUARE. MARQUESES TORREALTA PALACE BENDICHO SQUARE CITY MUSEUM PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL (ROYAL HOSPITAL AND CHAPEL SAINT MARY MAGDALENE) ALMERIA WALL INTERPRETATION CENTRE SAHARAN FAUNA RESCUE PARK LIGHTHOUSE ANDALUCIAN CENTRE OF PHOTOGRAPHY OLD CULTURE CASINO CHARITY STATUE PORT CABLE INGLES TRAIN STATION INTERMODAL STATION JOSE BATLLES CHALET MODERN ART MUSEUM NAUTIC STATION BAY OF ALMERIA MAESTRO PADILLA THEATRE CITY MUSEUM CASA DEL CINE (HOME OF CINEMA) TOWN COUNCIL TOURISM OFFICE Constitution Square

47

A
18
Hs

MEDITERRANEAN GAMES STADIUM

EL TOYO

H
17
Hs

H P

H
14
AP

15 19 13 21
P

16

46

12

H H
P

20 26

22
P

10 33 9

27 28 11

P
43

H
BUS STATION

42
TRAIN STATION

41

8 1 3 2

5 4

6 30 29 31 32 35

24 25

23

40

H
36
P

A
P

37

H
38

44

DOCK PLATFORM CUSTOM

39

AGUADULCE ROQUETAS DE MAR

MARINA

Hs
UNIVERSITY CABO DE GATA EL TOYO

B
45

COMMERCIAL PORT

LAS CONCHAS BEACH

ZAPILLO BEACH

EL PALMERAL BEACH

FISHING PORT
34

H
Hs

P
AP

Andalucian Government Tourism Ofce Hotel Hostel P Parkings + Hospital Guesthouses Aparthotels Police Cruise Ships Youth Hostel

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

80

> The Chapel of Torregarcia.

81

Hs

H
14
AP

16

12

10 33 9

28

47

82
18
Hs

H
17

H P

H
14
AP

15 19 13 21
P

46

12

H H
P

20 26

22
P

10

27 28 11

P
43

H
BUS STATION

42

41

MEDITERRANEAN GAMES STADIUM

83

EL TOYO

Hs

H
14
AP

16

12

10 33 9

27

28 1 8 1 3 2 31 32 35 31 7 5 4 7

6 30 29

84

38
D O C K P L AT F O R M C U S TOM

AGUADULCE ROQUETAS DE MAR

COMMERCIAL PORT

FISHING PORT

H
17

H P

H
14
AP

15 19 13 21
P

46

12

H H
P

20 26

22
P

10

27 28 11

P
43

H
BUS STATION

42
TRAIN STATION

41

5 4

6 30 29 35

24 25

23

40

H
36
P

37

44

85

39

MARINA

LAS CONCHAS BEAC

34

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

Hs
UNIVERSIDAD CABO DE GATA EL TOYO

45

ONCHAS BEACH ZAPILLO BEACH

EL PALMERAL BEACH

87

City Council Tourism Ofce 1, Constitucion Square. 04001 Almera Tel.: +34 950 210 538 - +34 950 280 748 www.turismodealmeria.org