Places of interest

In Vera the local town there is an historic bull ring which has been rebuilt and is in excellent condition where they still hold regular bullfights. There is also a small free admission museum on the site.

Saliente Monastry in the local town of Albox

Los Millares is considered the most important European archaeological site of the copper age. It is located in the municipality of Santee Fe de Mondujar, some 17 kilometres from Almeria on a spur shaped plateau between the Andrax River and the Rambla de Huechar.

Castle & Palace Marques de los Velez is located in Cuevas Del Almanzora and now houses a contemporary Art Museum

Castle of Marques de los Velez (Velez Blanco). This is the most important monument in Velez Blanco. Built in 1506 and 1515. The castle once housed a Renaissance palace, which was destroyed in 1903.. Its contents are now found in the Museum of decorative arts Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of New York.

Alcazaba de Almeria is set high on a ridge lying parallel to the coast overlooking the capital of Almeria looking out towards the sea.

Its 1430 metres of fortified walls enclose an area of 4 hectares (about 18 acres). The site was once occupied by the Carthaginians but the present fortification dates from 955AD, when Almeria was the principal Moorish port on the peninsular.
It fell briefly to the crusaders 1147 to 1157), only to be reconquered by the Moors, who were again successful in 1307 when they withstood the siege of James 111 of Spain.

The fortress comprises of 3 areas of development. The earliest site has become a pleasant formal garden, which was constructed over the original medieval buildings. From the extreme Eastern end of the walls, yet another wall (built), reaching up to St. Christopher’s Hill, gave protection to the old city. A much later addition, about 1763, is the bell tower of St. Mary the Great, used to warn inhabitants of pirate attacks.

The second sector encloses later medieval buildings; the living quarters, a mosque, baths and aljibes (water storage units). These and a hermitage built on the order of Catholic kings, as well as a reconstructed Moorish house can be seen today.
The third sector, whose thick ashlar walls and solid circular towers denote its defensive military purpose, is at the most westerly part of the Alcazaba. This fortress was built at the end of the 15th century by Ferdinand and Isabella, and organised around a parade ground, its towers providing an excellent lookout over the harbour.

A good free guide to the Alcazaba, giving much more information and a clear ground plan, can be obtained at the gate. The entrance is free to E.U. passport holders.
This wonderful historical monument is open throughout the year. Except on Mondays and Christmas and New Years day.