The Alcazaba

This walled castle was built per orders of king Hakim in the 10th century and served as a defensive emplacement. Inside were defense towers, houses and a mosque. The alcazaba had three inner courts, each with their own function. The first court served as military encampment and refuge for citizens in case of an attack. The first and second court are separated by the Muro de la Vela, on which a belltower was built that announced important events like fire, danger or a ship entering the bay. In the second court lived the governing class and their servants. This was also the court were the baths, shops and the mosque were located. The third court was built after the reconquest and was ordered by the Catholic Kings. Nowaydas various parts are completely ruined, but the majority of the alcazaba has been well conserved and can be visited.

The Cathedral

The archbishop of Almería ordered the construction of the cathedral after the earthquake of 1522. It was designed by Diego de Siloé (who also designed the cathedral of Granada). It is built in the gothic style and designed as a fortress that served to defend the city. In the year 1564 the temple was finished. In the Baroque age the city suffered from pirate attacks and it was necesarry to increase the defenses and new weapons were placed on the cathedral. Inside we can find an altar in baroque style and the chapel of Santo Cristo where we can find the grave of Diego Fernández de Villalán. It’s not your typical cathedral because of its fortress-like appearance and so it’s definately worth a visit.

The Plaza de la Constitución

Originally a large square that served as a zone of bazaars and diners for Arabs. After the reconquest it became a marketplace and the best known reference point, much like the Plaza Mayor in Salamanca. On this square we also find the Ayuntamiento which was built at the end of the 19th century. In the centre of the square is a monumental column made of marble that is dedicated to the liberals who tried to bring down the absolutist regime of Fernando VII in 1824.

What are you looking for in Almería?

• Monuments of Almería
• Restaurants in Almería
• Hotels in Almería
• Casas Rurales in Almería