THE HISTORY OF ALMERIA

But centuries ago, Almeria occupied a key political and economic position. The Sultan’s territories were extensive, and his power was great. The conquest of Almeria was seen as a military strategy to boost his defense against any invaders coming from the Mediterranean. Its location also made it an excellent trade post, and significantly increased the kingdom’s wealth.

Thus began Almeria’s proud and noble history, which is partially represented today in the great Moorish castle, the Alcazaba. This palace, which was also used as a fortres by the Muslims, was built at the height of the region’s power and prosperity.

Then the Caliphate of Cordoba crumbled, and power shifted to the hands of the first independent Emir of Almeria and Cartagena and Almotacin. The two were great patrons of the arts, which led to some of Almeria’s fine architecture and thriving crafts industry (including its reputation for fine silk).

Because of Almeria’s wealth and strategic location, it was subject to several attempted invasions, including those mounted by the Christians. In 1147, . Alfonso VII led an army composed of Catalans, Genoese, Pisans and Franks and finally took hold of the city. For the next 300 years the city was conquered and reconquered in a series of battles. This signaled the end of the Golden Age of Almeria.

In the 15th century Almeria was finally surrendered to the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella. It recovered some of its prosperity when explorers discovered rich iron mines, which were developed by French and British companies.

However, the city fell into civil war, and it was only in the 20th century that the political stability allowed a renewal of economic growth. People “invaded” Almeria once again, but this time, they were tourists.

THE TREASURES OF ALMERIA

Many prominent people call Almeria their home. For example, the third president of Spain, Nicolas Salmeron, was born here. So were artists like Manolo Escobar ( a folk singer), renowned flamenco guitar player Tomatito, and Grammy Award winner David Bisbal (whose records were best sellers in both Spain and the United States).

Almeria also boasts of fine architecture, amazing cuisine, and several proud Spanish traditions like flamenco dancing and bull fighting. Aside from its churches and castles, attractions include the famous crystal cave, which was formed 6 million years ago when the sea water of the Mediterranean evaporate,d leaving salt sediments called evaporites. The region also boasts of having Europe’s largest naturist beach, El Playazo.

Almeria’s boast of 380 square kilometres of coastline. It also is home to the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, several coves and beaches, and hidden lands accessible only by sea. .

VISITING ALMERIA

Visitors can enter Almeria through the Almeria International Airport, take the train and bus or rent a car. There is quite a number of tourist accommodations ranging from hotels to hostels to private cottages or villas that are rented out by their owners.

Almeria is situated at the base of a mountain range. One of its key treasures is the Alcazaba, which was bullt by the Sultan of Cordoba in the first century AD. The Alcazaba is a palace fortress defended by three walls, one of which contains the ruins of a mosque since converted into a royal chapel.

Almeria used to be quite a military power, because of the role it played in defending the sultanate from Mediterranean invaders. In fact, it had quite a turbulent history. Its beauty and prosperity, and its envied location on the Mediterranean coast, attracted the attention of invaders. The city also suffered from the pirate raids mounted by the Turks and North Africans.

Because of this, many of Almeria’s architecture were built with defense in mind. Historians believed that the Alcazaba housed an army of twenty thousand men. Even the Cathedral is fortified, though its Gothic details and Renaissance facade lend a beautiful and charming air to its thick walls. Almeria is also known for its cave quarter, called Barrio de la Chanca. The corner towers once held powerful canons, poised to destroy anyone who tried to approach the city.

However, Almeria is also home to a great many priceless art work. At the heart of the city tourists can find a tabernacle believed to have been built in the eighteenth century. This was made by the great Ventura Rodriguez. Art lovers will also delight in the beautiful paintings of the artist Alonso Canoñ. There are also many religious pieces, such as the altar designed by Araoz, and a gorgeous statue of Almeria’s patron saint, Indaletius, which was credited to the sculptor Saizillo. The Almeria Museum is also home to a fine collection including artifacts found by the Louis Siret, a Belgian mining engineer, during his excavations.

But a trip to Almeria—or Spain, for that matter—wouldn’t be complete without partaking in the fantastic cuisine. One of Almeria’s specialties is gurullos, a savory stew that is served with pasta. The trigo, another kind of stew, contains pork, herbs, and beans, and contains whole grains of weight. Those seeking something spicy should try gachas, which is made of clams, or escabeche e sardines, which is made with hot sauce. If you are looking for an alternative kind of holidays, you can go to the program of volunteers in Costa Rica.

Many tourists who visit Almeria (located in Andalucia, Spain) become so entranced by its natural beauty and romantic history that they decide to invest in property. They want a permanent vacation home, a place that they can return to year after year, and somehow call their own piece of paradise. The more pragmatic take one look at the thriving tourist industry and realize that they can earn good money from it. Others realize that the warm weather and fresh air can work wonders on their health—retirees, in particular, feel that the tropical climate would be gentler on their arthritis.

There are quite a number of properties available in Almeria, and at prices that are surprisingly affordable given all the benefits of staying in the country. In fact, many property investors see it as a smart alternative to buying in Costa del Sol or Madrid, or other heavily-populated areas of Spain whose prices have soared past the limits of common sense. They feel that with today’s rates, it’s a good time to buy. Prices can only go up, and all economic indicators show that it will. The infrastructure (including rail way and roads) are improving, the tourism industry is on the rise. Almeria may not be the immediate choice for a vacation home, but it fits all the criteria of a good investment.

Many of the affordable properties are found in inland Andalucia, an ideal location for a countryside home. The rural lands are quite fertile, leading to glorious gardens and thick woodlands—a green retreat for worn-out city souls. There are many villas, apartments, country houses, fincas and cortijos, that fit a wide price range and give greater value for money than properties in cities. In fact, for the cost of an apartment in London, people can buy an entire farm in Andalucia.

Those who are interested in buying property in Andalucia can initiate their search by scouring the numerous real estate agencies on the Internet. One only has to type or click the desired area, and there will be list of available houses or lots. Many of these websites can arrange property tours or provide downloadable information on the place: health and education facilities, nearest roads, etc.