Showing 1-13 of 13 results
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Alcazaba
The Alcazaba is Almería's premier attraction: a monstrous fortress that rises austerely from impregnable cliffs to dominate the city. Built in the 10th century by Abd ar-Rahman III, the greatest caliph of Al-Andalus, the simple 'watchtower' transformed the seaport into a major metropolis and a flourishing locus for trade. Even though its interior doesn't measure up to the Alhambra, having been shaken by a dramatic earthquake and ravaged by time, it is nonetheless an interesting place.
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Aljibes Árabes
The extremely well preserved Aljibes Árabes, were built by Jairán in the 11th century to supply the city's water.
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Archivo Histórico Provincial
The Museo Arqueológico has been closed to the public since 1993 and the saga of its notable collection of Los Millares archaeological finds continues. The tourist office will have up-to-date news but it is most likely that the entire collection will be relocated to a new site. In the meantime you will have to scatter yourself between the Biblioteca Pública housing some prehistoric finds, and the Archivo Histórico Provincial , where the Iberian and Roman artefacts are located.
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Ayuntamiento
The city's theatrical-looking Ayuntamiento is on the northwest side of Plaza Constitución.
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Biblioteca Pública
The Museo Arqueológico has been closed to the public since 1993 and the saga of its notable collection of Los Millares archaeological finds continues. The tourist office will have up-to-date news but it is most likely that the entire collection will be relocated to a new site. In the meantime you will have to scatter yourself between the Biblioteca Pública, housing some prehistoric finds, and the Archivo Histórico Provincial where the Iberian and Roman artefacts are located.
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Cathedral
Almería's fortresslike Cathedral is shaded by tall palms and fronted by a peaceful square. With its embattled walls and six formidable towers, the structure was designed to withstand constant piratical raids. Its one notable decorative feature is the exuberant Sol de Portocarrero, a splendid 16th-century relief of the sun carved on the eastern (Calle del Cubo) end of the building. The vast, spacious interior - dominated by three huge naves - is trimmed with jasper and local marble.
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Centro Andaluz de la Fotografía
The contemporary Centro Andaluz de la Fotografía is Andalucía's first photography museum and is housed in a lovely 18th-century convent. The exhibitions are interesting rather than ground-breaking, but still worth going to.
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Centro de Arte - Museo de Almería
To see the city's permanent art collection, visit the Centro de Arte - Museo de Almería, which also stages temporary exhibitions.
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Iglesia de Santiago
The Cathedral's architect Juan de Orea built another fascinating building: the Iglesia de Santiago. Erected in the 1550s, this is now the centre of a hip area, covered with bars and restaurants.
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Iglesia San Juan
Remains of Almería's Islamic past are evident in several monuments. The Iglesia San Juan, the city's old mosque, still has its 11th-century mihrab.
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Mercado Central
The spectacular, covered Mercado Central is surrounded by some of the town's best tapas bars.
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Plaza Constitución
The old Arab souq (market) where livestock, fruits and vegetables were sold and no doubt lots of tea was drunk, is now Plaza Constitución, a charming 17th-century arcaded square hung with vivid bougainvillea. The centre of the plaza is filled with tall palm trees that encircle the bone-white Monumento a los Colorgos (Monument to the Redcoats), which commemorates the execution in 1824 of 24 liberals who took part in a rebellion against the despotic rule of Fernando VII.
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Puerta de Purchena
The old city gate of Puerta de Purchena, the place where Al-Zagal, the city's last Muslim ruler, surrendered here to the Christians in 1490, is now a busy road junction at the heart of the modern city.
Showing 1-13 of 13 results
