Although it is said that its origins date back to prehistory, it was not until the year 955 that we have the date of its foundation thanks to the Arabs. Almería still has a great heritage that reveals these origins. From the fortress to the walls and mosque.
All this and much more, it will be what you have what to see in Almería. Both the city and some places close to it have a charm worth enjoying. There are many corners that you can discover in this place. So, we leave you the most essential ones. Are you willing to do it?
What to see in Almería, the Alcazaba and the Walls
Since we have mentioned them, we are going to start with them, with the great remains that have become a heritage. It can be said that we are facing one of the most important monumental complexes. If we go back to its origins, it can be said that they have almost a thousand years of history. The Alcazaba is a fortress with walls over three meters wide. A kind of enclosure that is well connected to the surrounding land.
The Alcazaba has several parts. One of the first was a military camp. It had so-called cisterns, which were used to store water. The entrance to this place was made through the Tower of mirrors. Its name is due to the signals that were made from it to the ships in the port. Only in this way could it be known whether or not they were enemies. Before reaching the second enclosure, we find the Vela Wall. It had a bell that warned of certain dangers.
The second enclosure of the Alcazaba is the place or residence of the rulers. In it you can enjoy the different rooms such as the house, the bathrooms and even the shops. After all this, we cannot forget Odalisca viewpoint. A kind of wall or division that corresponded to the Almotacín Palace. The third part or enclosure of the Alcazaba is more modern and is guarded by three towers.
The call Wall of the Cerro de San Cristóbal, is the part that survives the one that surrounded the entire city. The wall had a total of seven towers. At the highest part of the hill we find a statue that was restored in 2000. It is the Sacred Heart of Jesus. You can enter to enjoy all this, for free.
The cathedral of Almería
Undoubtedly, the cathedral of Almería is also another of the essential places. It also has an aspect of a fortress and we can say that its architecture has a combination of Gothic and Renaissance. It was built by order of the bishop of Almería, since an earthquake had destroyed the temple that was in its place. You can visit it from 10:00 in the morning until 18:30 in the afternoon.
Although in the summer time, it is delayed one more hour. Saturdays will be from 10:00 a.m. to 14:30 p.m. and from 15:30 p.m. to 18:30 p.m. In summer, hours from 10:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m. While on Sundays, from 13:30 p.m. to 18:30 p.m. in winter. In the summer, from 13:30 p.m. to 19:00 p.m. If you are wondering about prices, you have to know that general admission is 5 euros. Seniors will have a discount, who will pay 4,50 euros and young people, 3 euros. Free for children under 12 years old.
Nicolás Salmerón Park
To be able to walk outdoors and disconnect a bit, nothing like going to the Nicolás Salmerón park. It is located between the port and the city. So it is divided into two areas known as Old Park and New Park. The first is the one that is closest to the Port area. It is a place where you can find centuries-old trees, as well as the most beautiful fountains and ponds. The other part of the new Park, we will also find another part with ponds. It goes as far as the famous Avenida de la Reina Regente. Once a year and on weekends, there is a fair or market in this place. It brings together more than 70 stalls where artisan products will be the protagonists.
Guitar museum
It is located in the Round of Blessed Diego Advantage. It is a museum to be able to know all the curious facts about this instrument. It has workshops, exhibition rooms and of course, educational and interactive rooms. It is closed on Mondays, from Tuesday to Sunday you can visit it from 10:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 17:00 p.m. to 20:00 p.m. Although in summer time it will be open until 21:00 p.m. The general rate is 3 euros.
The butterfly house
Right in the center of the city, we find a large building. Although many already consider it to be something more than that. It is called a monument of cultural interest. Is found in Purchena Gate and dates from the early twentieth century. As for its architecture, it can be said that it has a combination of the bourgeois and the urban. In 2008 it was bought by the Cajamar group.
Arab Cisterns
In the XNUMXth century they were ordered to be built by Jairán. It was a perfect way to supply the entire population with water. Although today only about three ships remain standing. There you can see a large room that is accompanied by Roman columns. You can find them on Tenor Iribarne street and admission is free. From Tuesday to Thursday, as well as on Sundays, you can visit them from 10:30 a.m. to 13:30 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 13:30 p.m. and from 17:00 p.m. to 20:00 p.m. Now you will know what to see in Almería! Have you visited these corners of the city?