Area Guide for Cuevas del Almanzora, AlmeriaIntroduction:Situated in the fields surrounding the Almanzora River, this attractive town is packed with activity, residents, tourists, and lush gardens. Cuevas del Almanzora (Caves of the Almanzora) is surrounded by the river and by the Sierra Almagrera Mountains. The town’s popularity grew in the 1800s when silver was discovered in the surrounding mountainsides. Silver mines were created leaving manmade caves in many rock ledges. People flocked to Cuevas del Almanzora hoping to become rich, but what they discovered was something far more special - a wonderful town to call home. The population of this Spanish municipality is presently around 11,000 people. Cuevas del Almanzora was home to the 2005 Mediterranean Games. This event has made a lasting impression on the area. Tourism is an increasing market within Cuevas del Almanzora. You will find that the town offers a great selection of restaurants, beaches, shops, and lodging establishments.History:Primal cave systems demonstrate the existence of early man during the Paleolithic and Neolithic times. As these cultures faded out, Carthaginians moved into the area and continued building homes and businesses. Eventually, the Romans drove other cultures out and they began to turn Cuevas del Almanzora into a prospering town. The addition of a fortress allowed the Romans to defend their town from invaders. Nevertheless, their efforts failed when Moors (Arabs) opted to claim the town as their own.
For centuries, the Moors thrived in Cuevas del Almanzora. Eventually, Catholic kings opted to claim southern Spain as their own land. Battles ensued and Moors were forced to leave their homes and settle in outlying areas or dedicate their devotion to the kings and pay the high tariffs demanded by Christian armies. At the time, Berber pirates were also launching attacks on much of the Mediterranean coastline. This made the option of banding together seem like the best idea. Though there were cultural differences, the Moors and the Christians lived side by side and defended their town to the best of their abilities.
In the 1800s, the announcement that silver had been found in the surrounding mountains brought a rush of traffic to the area. People from around the world moved to Cuevas del Almanzora in hopes of striking it rich. During this time, the mountainsides were turned into an elaborate cave system that consisted of five levels of living and mining space.
With the increase in revenue and the discovery of silver, the town turned into a prospering community. Large manor houses and expensive constructions went up quickly. Soon the town showed a level of affluence that few other Andalusian towns had seen. This event shaped much of Cuevas del Almanzora’s current look.
Site Seeing:Terrera del Calguerín is the former silver mine cave system in which miners lived and mined. The cave system contains five levels of sleeping quarters and mineshafts. Tourists are welcome to visit. If you book far enough in advance, a number of caves have been turned into hotel rooms for travellers to experience these caves firsthand.
Castillo de Cuevas del Almanzora is a 16th century fortress that was originally used for defensive purposes, but over time, it became the key residence of many notable royals. Today, the castle serves as an art and history museum.
Throughout the area, a number of smelting buildings can be seen. Many are falling into a state of disrepair, but you can view the remnants.
Built in the 17th century, the Lissa Family Manor is an impressive building. A large iron balcony spans a great portion of the house.
Other buildings offer fine architectural details and a look into former cultures. The Palace of the Sultana dates back to the Moors. The 19th century Palacete of the Bourgeois takes visitors back to the silver rush of the 1800s. Palacete of Felipe II is a neoclassic home built during the 19th century. Palacete of Soler was used as a reception hall for ministers.
In the 1600s, the Baroque Convent of San Antonio came to existence. The convent served as the main hospital for the surrounding areas. The poor were able to receive necessary care at Convent of San Antonio year round.
In 1982, the Parish Church de la Encarnación was named a site of historical significance. With government funding, the church has received many necessary repairs. Built in the 1700s, the church’s altar contains an exquisite painting of the last supper.
The patron saint of Cuevas del Almanzora is honoured in the Hermitage of San Pedro de Alclalá. The image is honoured yearly in a grand religious festival during November.
If you would like to participate in the Festival of Cuevas del Almanzora, you need to come to the town in February. During this extended festival, parades, street dancing, costumes, food, and festivities all take place. It is one of the most cherished events.
Make time to walk through the town centre. Vibrant gardens and delightful water fountains are scattered throughout the area. A series of boutiques offer reasonably priced crafts made by many of the locals.
There are a number of excellent beaches in the coastal area of Cuevas del Almanzora. The beaches are clean and the Mediterranean Sea is always refreshing!
Industry:Mining has played a strong role in shaping the economy of Cuevas del Almanzora. Sadly, mining is no longer the main industry in this town, and for good reason. The waters of the Almanzora River were finding a way into the mineshafts after floods approximately thirty years ago. Though a water control system was installed to prevent further flooding of this town, the damage had already been done.
Tourism brings the most money into Cuevas del Almanzora. People flock from areas throughout the world to visit or sleep in the elaborate cave system. Secondly, agriculture (lettuce, grains, and almonds) brings in some additional revenue.
Gastronomy:Tapas is still of great importance to Cuevas del Almanzora. A visit to any tapas bar offers the patron a cold beer, delicious glass of wine, and for a small fee a platter of freshly made snack foods that can be shared. Tapas typically include Spanish meatballs, morsels of fried fish, platters of olives, and more.
If you are more daring, try a glass of sangria. Many Spanish bars offer their own special recipe, but Sangria should include Spanish red wine, triple sec, orange juice, orange slices, and a variety of fruits. Some recipes call for the addition of brandy as well, but every bar will have its own take. Sangria is very potent, so drink with care!
Nightlife:Cuevas del Almanzora offers a number of fine bars and pubs throughout the town. Some offer live music one or two nights a week. Others stick strictly to serving tapas, cold beer, tangy wine, and friendly conversations.
In the summer months, there are ongoing music concerts held within the castle grounds. The visitor’s bureau will have the current schedule. Given that the average temperature in Cuevas del Almanzora is 21˚C, a music concert in the warm evening air is most enjoyable.
Summary:As one of the province of Almería’s oldest towns, Cuevas del Almanzora offers many scenic buildings. This is a relaxing town. A town full of charm and grace. If you are travelling to Spain or thinking of relocating to this beautiful country, you should put Cuevas del Almanzora in your top ten.
Cuevas del Almanzora has it all. The town is accessible from the E-15 Motorway. You will also find a beneficial public health facility, extensive public library, a number of fine doctors, schools for all levels, and breathtaking scenery. Young or old, you will find Cuevas del Almanzora to contain everything you need.
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