11  An Introduction to Almería

History:

Almería is a port city and capital of Almería province, in the autonomous community of Andalusia, southern Spain, on the Mediterranean Gulf of Almería. Known to the Romans as Portus Magnus and to the Moors as Al-Mariyah (Mirror of the Sea), it was captured by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II and Isabella I, in 1489. Almería’s architecture and dazzling brightness give it a Moroccan rather than a European appearance. Almería is the most African of Andalusia’s port cities (Huelva, Cádiz, Málaga), it is sometimes called an “extension of Morocco”. Almería was, until recently, the last well-known of Andalusia’s provincial capitals. These days, thanks to the growing popularity of the province’s beaches, especially nearby Cabo de Gata and its natural park, more people are getting to know Andalusia’s fastest growing-major city.

Almería is famous for its agriculture, especially greenhouse farming which produces much of Europe’s winter produce. It is also known for its historic Alcazaba fortress, sandy beaches, and as a filming location for many famous Western films. Its unique landscape has been a popular filming location for numerous Hollywood movies, earning it the nickname “The Hollywood of Europe”. The city boasts an average of 320 days of sunshine per year. The city hosts one of the most important European film festivals.

Sites to See:

Almería is full of exciting places to see. The first that comes to mind is the Almería Gothic Cathedral (1524-43), built in the form of a fortress; the bishop’s palace and seminary in the Moorish Alcazaba (fortress), built in 773 by the Amir of Córdoba, on the site of a Phoenician settlement. This fortress offers panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean sea. You can also enjoy the ruined Castillo de San Cristóbal, which overlooks the city and harbor. Almería is home to the stunning Cabo de Gata nature park, where you can enjoy the spectacular coastal pathways and panoramic views as well as great beaches and varied wildlife. A real treat is the Las Salinas salt flats, home to pink flamingos and other wild animals. In Almería you can find the only desert in Europe, Tabernas. Also, Almería is known for its Mini Hollywood, located in the wild west, this place is a film set turned theme park.