Province
& Villages - Almeria
Almeria information
Almería, the capital, is the key to the Mediterranean
and an authentic melting pot of cultures since Prehistory.
From the sea, the city appears as a white line topped off
by the Alcazaba (fortress) and the Cerro de San Cristóbal
hilltop, an unequalled vantage point from which to see the
town.
Known as Urci in ancient times, it is above all Mediterranean
in its identity, with the centre's street layout recalling
time and again the 800 years of Muslim domination. The Barriada
de la Chanca area, with its outbreak of vibrant colours contrasting
with the surrounding whitewashed walls, is a good example
of this. But Almería would not be Almería without
its 10th century Alcazaba (fortress) with its three enclosures,
the two Arabic ones below, and the Christian one above; its
high ochrecoloured walls which turn to red in the early evening.
The Cathedral (16th century), a Renaissence temple and fortress
which served to defend the population against Berber attacks
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.
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 centre is situated the Monumento
a "Los Coloraos". The Puerta de Purchena area is
the nerve centre of the town, enjoying many small plazas which
make it lively and recall its beloved past.
Almeria Coast
The Almería Coast is situated to the south of Spain,
in eastern Andalusia, where the Mediterranean coastline changes
from the south to the east of country (levante). Of the many
characteristics of this area, its contrast, film sets and
scenaries, its wildlife and history, none surprises the visitor
as much as its light. A pure, intense light which gives Almería,
along with St John of Acre, Athens and Syracuse, the highest
number of daylights hours in the world.
Along its coastline we will describe villages ideal for relaxing
and hidden-away places where nature reigns. We will pass among
the dunes of the Sierra de Gata-Níjar National Park,
imagining the figure of Lawrence of Arabia, played by Peter
O'Toole ridin across the sands; or why not the American tanks
from a "Un taxi para Tobruk". The quality of light
and the unique landscape of the area have enchanted directors
such Spielberg and Alain Tanner, turning Almería into
Europe's Hollywood. Actors such as Henry Fonda, Orson Wlles,
Clint eastwood, Yul Brynner and Jack Nicholson, among many
others, have all made films here.
The Tabernas Desert, declared a Natural Site, was the location
for Hollywood hits such as "Valdez", "El viento
y el león", "Conan the Barbarian", "Indiana
Jones and the Last Crusade" and many more besides. A
number of Wild West towns are scattered among the ravines
and gullies of the area, for the enjoyment of tourists.
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