About Almeria:
The city of Almeria is located at the foot of a mountain range which is crowned by the magnificent Alcazaba, an Arab fortress built by the Calph of Cordoba, Abd-erRahman III with three huge walled enclosures (in the second of which are the remains of a mosque, converted to a chapel by the Catholic kings).
In times of war, the Alcazaba could hold an army of more than 20,000 men. From here, there is a good view of the city's famed cave quarter, "Barrio de la Chanca" and of the strange fortified Cathedral with its gothic style construction and renaissance facade. Dating from the 16th century, it was built during an era when the southern Mediterranean was terrorised by the raids of Barbarossa and other Turkish and North African pirate forces, its corner towers once held canons. Situated in the centre is the great altar with its wealth of priceless artwork (including a tabernacle dating from the 18th century, designed by Ventura Rodriguez) are paintings by Alonso Cano, a typical Andalusian altar piece made by Araoz and the statue of St. Indaletius, the patron saint of Almeria, sculpted by Saizillo.
True historians will appreciate the Almeria Museum which contains numerous objects discovered by the well-known Belgian mining engineer, Louis Siret.
Attractions:
Since the beginnings of civilization, the province of Almeria, a point of juncture between East and West, has been settled by a large number of different peoples, demonstrated by its enormous archaeological heritage. The hilltop fort Alcazaba's hefty walls and towers dominate the city and command magnificent views. A visit to the principal archaeological sites in the province is a journey through time, from the prehistoric cave paintings at Los Velez, to the Phoenician settlements of Villaricos in Cuevas del Almanzora, and passing through the site of Los Millares in Santa Fe de Mondujar. |
Almeria 
Almeria 
Almeria
