Situated 52 kilometers west of the capital city Almería and a short distance from Adra, Berja is a charming farm town with 14,200 residents. Berja is without a train station, so you will need to rent a car and drive into the municipality.

 

With one small inn and a handful of restaurants, it may surprise you that there is actually a lot to see and do while in Berja. Though the town may not seem prepared for an influx of tourists, they welcome all with open arms.

Though some believe that Berja dates back to the Phoenicians, there is little proof. Evidence does support the Romans living within the area that would become Berja. The ruins of a Roman amphitheatre, aqueduct, and Roman style pavement give clear proof to their existence. Roman coins and pottery have been unearthed and sent to the National Museum of Archaeology.

 

It has been suggested than an earthquake during the 5th century destroyed much of this Roman town. They took care to rebuild it, but Moors invaded and overtook the town. Moors erected a huge fortress from the original Roman structure. The Moors named their new town Berchat and turned it into a prospering trade town.

 

As is true in much of history, the Moors got a taste of invasion and battle. When the Christian armies entered the area, they sacrificed many Moors. Those who survived were forced into slavery, others managed to flee to the outlying mountains. Having suffered a strong population setback, the Christians now had to repopulate the town and repair many structures.

 

By 1833, the town was doing well. It is during this period that the Alpujarra region was split into two areas—Granada and Almería. Berja fell within the boundaries of Almería. The area became a major mining community and the population increased.

 

Today, Berja is an agricultural area. Farming, some mining, and a few small businesses bring in revenue and jobs. The area continues to prosper.

The Roman Amphitheatre is a small oval amphitheatre that has aged throughout the centuries. Visitors are allowed to view the remains, but care should be used. The walls and some of the seating are still visible.

 

Baths of the Benejí date back to the 12th or 13th century. The baths had rooms off the main bathing areas. It is believed that the baths not only served as a place of hygiene, but the area may have been used for religious “cleansings” as well. Currently, these Arab baths are owned by a private individual and are no longer open to tourists.

 

Berja is home to a moderately sized bullring. Dating back to the mid-1900s, the bullring was completed in time for the town’s annual celebration. Though it is believed that bullfighting has been in Berja’s history since the 17th century, the bullring is a newer establishment.

 

City Council was built in the end of the 1700s. This building is breathtaking and worthy of an hour or two. The building is graced with a large fountain in the front patio. Inside are amazing paintings, incredible architectural details, and historical features.

 

Fortress of Villavieja dates back to the 13th century. Much of the former fortress lies in ruins, but some of the water storage and walls are still visible. Visitors are welcome to tour the remains at no charge.

 

Built in the 19th century, the Hermitage of Nuestra Senora Gádor is a newer church. The interior is extremely impressive. Huge wooden arches and vaults bring allure to this peaceful building. Art lovers find much within the church to be of interest.

 

Hermitage of San Tesifón is not located directly in Berja; rather it is on the outskirts of town. The original building is believed to have been constructed in the 11th century, while the tower dates to the 1600s. 

 

Mill of the Trigger was built in the 18th century. This building gives insight into how past ancestors ground important grains for flour.

 

The current Temple of the Announcement is a new building erected over the remains of the former temple. Age took the original building in the 1700s. The cost of rebuilding this temple was staggering, but the beauty of the temple cannot be argued.

 

Tower of the Enciso sits in the middle of town. Moors erected this tower in the residential zone so that soldiers could view the enemy before they were close to the town. The building has been renovated, but as it is private property, you can only view the tower from the outside.

Peppers and almonds are key crops within Berja. Almost one-third of Berja’s 6,000 employed adults work the area’s farmlands.

 

Besides farming, Berja does have a high number of vehicle repair shops, construction firms, and real estate offices. Mining also plays a small part in the area’s economy. Mountain slopes are rich with lead, and there are small mining companies who unearth this metal.

 

Residents work for a few small paper goods, linens, and cotton product manufacturers. While these industries do not offer a multitude of jobs, every business that enters the area brings important revenue.

Berja’s cuisine blends Mediterranean dishes with a touch of Arabic flair. Historically, Moors (Arabs) helped create the foundations of many Andalusian towns, so it is natural that some of their culinary traditions survived the centuries.

 

Migas con Tropzones is a succulent dish in which cubes of bread are pan fried with garlic, olive oil, and pork. Revuelto de collejas con patatas is a dish in which the leaves of a native plant are panfried with potatoes before scrambled egg mixture is added.  Gachas Coloras is a mixture of maize, water, and salt. The mixture is added to simmering broth.

 

For dessert, one might try Alfajores. This sweet treat mixes ground almonds, anisette, cinnamon, and sugar. The resulting product is formed into a ball and eaten.

A number of suitable bars and restaurants provide tourists and residents with ample opportunities to sit and enjoy others’ company. Bars are inexpensive and offer refreshing beers and wine.

 

Berja also has a small casino, Berja Casino, where you can enjoy a cold drink while trying your hand at slot machines.

While it may seem to be a rural town, the truth is that Berja is packed with impressive sites, establishments, and friendly locals. You can come to Berja for some rest and relaxation and find yourself busier than ever. There is so much to see and do. You will certainly want to stay for a few extra days.