Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Almanzora
Almanzora is a small hamlet in the Almeria municipality of Cantoria, in the eastern part of the Almanzora Valley. Its name refers to its location on the banks of the river Almanzora, whose name comes from the Arabic al-Mansura, meaning "the victorious" or "the place of victory".
Its location in a valley provides a mild climate, with hills and plains along the river which contributes to the cultivation of fruit trees. The production of citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons and the production of olive oil stand out. Despite the absence of protected areas within the municipality, the surrounding region is home to areas of ecological interest in the Natura 2000 network.
The history of Almanzora dates back to the Argaric culture, with Roman and Arab influences, forming part of the kingdoms of Almeria and Granada until the fall of the Kingdom of Granada in 1492. After that, the Marquisate of Vélez took over the management of the area, which was involved in the War of the Alpujarras in the early 16th century. In the 18th century, Almanzora was the administrative centre of the region within the Marquisate of Vélez until, in the last third of the 19th century, the marquisate was divided in three, giving rise to the Marquisate of Almanzora with its capital in the town. In the 20th century, after the completion of the eponymous railway, trade flourished along the line, but by the middle of the century, mining began to decline, severely affecting the local economy and leading to the end of the railway.
This town is home to the Palace of the Marquises of Almanzora, a building representative of 18th century Neoclassicism by the architect Ventura Rodríguez which, despite its current state, forms part of the Architectural Heritage of Historic and Artistic Interest. It also has the old train station, now a social hall, the La Cerrá viewpoint, the Railway Bridge over the Rambla de Albox, Las Minas, and La Cimbra.
The town celebrates its fair in honour of Nuestra Señora de La Asunción during the second week of August with open-air dances, concerts, processions and popular meals, with migas (fried bread crumbs) being the star dish along with a wide variety of charcuterie.
SITES OF INTERES
Andalusian Regional Government Tourism Board
Almanzora Valley Tourism Board