ALMERIA ATTRACTIONS


Attractions

Almeria Port
A huge iron railway bridge, Cables Ingles, constructed by a British mining company in the early 20th century, dominates the landscape at one end of the port, part of the industrial heritage of the city, from the mining era of Almeria, it is now being restored to be promoted as a tourist attraction. The ferry terminal by the port offers trips across the Mediterranean sea to North Africa.

Arabian Baths
Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, on the site of a former Arabic souk, the Aire de Almeria has recovered an ancient Arabic baths and restored an ancient tradition. A testimony to the Muslim presence that enriched the cultural and social heritage of Almeria city, here, in luxurious surroundings it is possible to indulge oneself in the custom of Arabic bathing, incorporating the ritual of moderate, warm and cold immersions to cleanse the mind and body.

Almeria City Cathedral
Building commenced in 1524, not very many years after the city had settled under the reign of the new Catholic Monarchs, in the site of the previous building that was ruined by the 1522 earthquake. It is unique in its appearance, its castle like towers held cannons and armory, and its resemblance to a fortress had good reason, Pirates!

Pirates and privateers operating from the North African capital ports of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, an area that became known in Europe as the Barbary Coast, were initially attracted to the area because of the cargo of the merchant ships. However in the 16th century and onwards, in addition to seizing ships they would raid the city for another purpose, to capture Christian slaves to be sold into the Islamic market in North Africa and the Middle East. The Cathedral was not only a religious sanctuary, due to its close proximity to the port area, it also functioned as a defense fortification, protecting the people of the city in the times of these horrendous invasions.

The Cathedral also bore witness to the rumble of numerous British and US tanks and artillery pieces during the shooting of "Patton". A graceful George C. Scott paraded through the square, accompanied by Scottish, American and US troops. The Archbishop`s Palace, opposite the Cathedral, even raised the Union Jack, recreating the entry of Patton in Mesina.

Cave Quarter
The Barrio de la Chanca, the cave quarter, Houses in Almeria`s cave quarter is part of the old town, and has been depicted in many artistic impressions. There are still some families living in the colorful cave like dwellings which are part built into the rocks of the hillside on which the Alcazaba stands.

Museums

Casa del Cine:
The Cinema Museum of Almeria, which recently open in January 2011, offers an insight into the cinematic legacy of Almeria. During the mid to late 20th century Almeria grew into an esteemed location in the movie world, the natural landscapes and sunny climate captivating the discerning eye of many a film producer, and, besides the city itself, the Tabernas Desert and Cabo de Gata panoramas became the backdrops to hundreds of movie scenes from the world renowned directors of Sergio Leone and Steven Spielberg to the actor megastars of Clint Eastwood, Harrison Ford, Raquel Welch and Alec Guinness. Almerias film history is quite astounding. Casa del Cine is located within a grand home known locally as Casa de la Torre, Santa Isabel or Casa Balmas, more than a century old the ancient cortijo was acquired by Almeria Town Hall in 1991 and restored to the admirable building that it is today.

The building now pays homage to the cinema history of Almeria using scenographic exhibitions and displays with impressive special effects. Particular interest is shown to its past occupants, having been visited by influential movie directors such as David Lean, several famous actors, such as Peter O`Toole and Yul Brynner... and including none other than pop music legend, John Lennon, who resided in the house for a short period during the filming of the satire "How I Won the War” directed by Richard Lester. While in Almeria the Beatles star is said to have written the song "Strawberry Fields Forever” which was included in the album "Magical Mystery Tour”. Its rooms hold many historical memories, as a tribute to Lennon, the `Source of Inspiration` room of Casa del Cine recreates the bedroom used by this talented musician, with furniture, objects, images and sounds producing a magical and sensorial atmosphere.
Address: Calle Camino Romero, 2.
Phone: 950 210 030

The Olive Oil Museum:
Located in the historical quarter in a 19th century stately home. At the end of a visit you get the opportunity to taste a variety of different types of olive oil.

Walks

There are numerous squares in Almería, although the Plaza de la Constitución is without doubt the prettiest, with its wide, arched porticos and the Casa Consistorial which presides over all. In the center is situated the Los Coloraos monument. The Puerta de Purchena area is the nerve center of the town, enjoying many small plazas which make it lively and recall its beloved past.

The prettiest streets to stroll along are `Las Ramblas`, the `Paseo de Almería`. A walk around the San Nicolás Salmerón Park is also very pleasant.

In the center of the city is La Rambla, Avenida de Frederico Garcia Lorca, a long tree lined avenue that leads down to the port and beaches, it has a vibrant and modern feel with bustling street cafes, tempting shops, feature water fountains, and play areas for children.

Close by is Paseo de Almeria, the main road for serious shoppers, with its neighboring streets packed with appealing little boutiques. Avenida del Mediterraneo, runs right through the city center and is home to the Mediterraneo shopping complex.

Not without its traditional bullring, thePlaza de Toros de Almeria >dates back to 1888 and has a capacity for over 9,000 spectators.