Area Guide for Alcolea, AlmeriaIntroduction:Alcolea sits on the banks of the Alcolea River. With a population of around 900 people, this is not a heavily populated municipality, yet the town’s sheer size makes it an intriguing location for a tourist to spend a day or two. The town’s history is displayed in many of the area’s buildings.
In the past year, Alcolea’s population has increased by 12%. This trend is sure to continue as many Brits are coming to Alcolea looking for a quiet, inexpensive area to call home. Alcolea fits their needs.
History:In actuality, Alcolea is really a newer Spanish town. In 1997, the towns of Darrícal, Lucainena, and Alcolea broke apart. In the separation, Alcolea found its own freedom and now has the opportunity to grow into a prospering municipality with an independent city hall and voter control. Alcolea is situated in a valley formed between the Nevada and Gádor Mountains. Little is known of this area’s history before the Moors. While it seems apparent that the town was established by the Romans, there is not enough evidence to state this theory is factual. In the 1400s, the Moors were prospering in agriculture. They established an excellent irrigation system and grew olives, grains, and grapes. Unfortunately, attacks by Catholic kings’ armies would destroy much of what the Moors had established. By the end of the 1500s, Alcolea was a virtual wasteland with few residents and many destroyed buildings. Thirty-five people were offered free homes by the kings in exchange for their efforts to rebuild the town and provide a strong tariff base once more. Slowly, the town’s new form took shape. Breathtaking churches were built and the pristine white houses were restored. Despite this strong town unit, the municipalities of Darrícal, Lucainena, and Alcolea remained tied together. The area held a steady agricultural base, but combined the towns covered a huge area. This made it hard for government to focus on building up their particular area. This is why the towns were separated in the 1990s.Site Seeing:To begin your stay in Alcolea, you should visit the four area churches. Construction on the Parochial Church of San Sebastián started in the latter portion of the 15th century. Stonecutters began the tiresome process of resurrecting the church on the remains of a former mosque. The process would take more than eighty years. Sadly, the church was burned to the ground during the battles between the Moors and the Christians. Repairs were started in the 1700s. The church stood the test of time, with only minor roofing repairs needed in the 20th century.
Hermitage of San Sebastián and San Ildefonso is an 18th century building. One of the more prominent features is a bell tower that was added a decade later. The hermitage is currently undergoing renovations in hope that it can be used for public functions in the near future. Two additional church buildings are also worthy of a tourist’s time. The Darrícal Church dates to the 16th century and the Lucainena Church dates to the 17th century. Both churches feature impressive architecture and artwork, but they now sit on the outskirts of Alcolea’s town center, so they are often overlooked.
One additional church, Hermitage of Santa Rosa, is in the area, but it is in a state of ruins due to lack of preservation. Until necessary repairs are made, tourists are not allowed near the building.
The Celebration of San Sebastián is held every January. The celebration begins with dawn. A figure of San Sebastián is paraded through the streets. Religious activities continue. The event ends one day later with a huge bonfire and fireworks. Throughout the day, those attending the festivities enjoy local food and drinks.
Industry:Olive oil is a major component in Alcolea’s economy. Olive groves line the riverbanks and the bountiful olive crops are pressed for their oil. Olive oil from Alcolea is considered the best in the province of Almería.
Additionally, grape vines and grains are also plentiful. These crops can be used for cattle feed, flour, whole grains, and wine making. All of these items can bring necessary revenue to the town.
A handful of local residents practice trades from centuries ago. Basket weaving and pottery are still popular with some.
Gastronomy:Due to the high quality olive oil that is produced within Alcolea, much of the cuisine incorporates this liquid gold. Choto de Ajillo is a prime example of the use of olive oil. In this popular dish, cubes of goat (kid) meat are pan-fried in olive oil with garlic. After the meat is browned, tomatoes, green peppers, laurel, and black pepper are added. Lemon juice is added along with a litre of olive oil and a litre of wine. The dish stews for most of the day.
Gachas is another common dish. It is unlike anything most people have ever tried. Garlic and chorizo sausage are fried up in olive oil and then a mixture of flour and water are used to form small dumpling like creations. The resulting dish is like garlic and sausage porridge.
Alternately, migas is a dish in which stale bread is cubed and then fried in either olive oil or lard. The bread forms croutons. These croutons are then tossed with garlic and sausage meat and cooked. This is one of the more filling, succulent dishes in Andalusia.
Nightlife:Surprisingly, Alcolea has two small discos within the town. Scanner is a disco serving cold drinks, including beer and wine. You will have to call for the establishment’s hours. Almaraya is the other establishment. They are also a popular location.
If you want to eat before you head off dancing, a number of small restaurants serves local cuisine. The prices are more than reasonable, and the food is extremely good. Usually, there are suitable offerings for both meat eaters and vegetarians.
After dinner, you can also stop in at a number of local bars. There are a few from which you can choose. It’s an excellent way to sit back and relax while meeting some of the area’s locals.
Summary:For a town of its smaller size, Alcolea offers far more amenities than one might think. There is plenty to do when the sun sets. An excellent selection of bars and restaurants keep visitors well fed, and area churches offer places to explore by day. With the gorgeous mountain views and friendly locals, you cannot go wrong by visiting Alcolea.
Though the town contains no lodging establishments now, this is likely to change quickly as the population expands. No trip to Spain is complete without a stop in Alcolea.
Useful Business Links for Alcolea:Do you offer a service in this area? If so, why not put a link here directly to your website. Contact Ask Olive today. |
