Almanzora: Palacio del Almanzora and Torre Alto del Púlpito

Culture

At the Palacio del Almanzora, neoclassical architecture, a changing history of development and present-day ecclesiastical use come together. The Palacio del Almanzora is located in Almanzora and is one of the most significant examples of the neoclassical style in the province of Almería. In 1982, it was declared a historic-artistic monument. The palace was built in the 18th century, when the Marquisate of Los Vélez divided its territory into three administrative areas. The right wing of the palace contains a chapel that still serves as the church of Almanzora today.

History

The Torre Alto del Púlpito adds a considerably older structure. The tower dates from the 10th century and is partially preserved. The Torre Alto del Púlpito is also known as Molino de Viento and is located in the Púlpito hollow in the Almanzora hamlet. Its history is connected with another tower on Cerro de La Copa. That tower was in turn connected with the other watchtowers in the area. Together, these watchtowers controlled the routes from the coast into the interior. The Torre Alto del Púlpito is therefore part of a historical context linking several structures and the transport routes between the coast and the inland areas.

Sights

Almanzora’s sights include the railway bridge over the Rambla de Albox, the Puente Ferroviario sobre la Rambla de Albox, the Mirador de la Cerrá, Las Minas and La Cimbra, as well as the former railway station. The Mirador de la Cerrá is a viewpoint in Almanzora. The former railway station of Almanzora is now used as a community hall. A viewpoint, a railway bridge, the destinations Las Minas and La Cimbra, and the former station site complement the palace and the tower as different historical and landscape reference points.

Getting around

A long-distance route leads from the former station in Zurgena via Arboleas, Almanzora, Cantoria, Fines and Olula del Río to Purchena. Almanzora lies along the route mentioned, between Arboleas and Cantoria. The route passes through several specifically named places and ends in Purchena.

In the wider regional area around Almanzora, a long-distance route can be travelled on foot and, in sections, by car or bicycle. The different modes of transport refer to the route itself: travelling on foot is provided for, as are individual sections by car or bicycle. For a long-distance route involving several modes of transport, current route conditions and travel times should be checked before setting out; for individual sections, it may also be determined in advance whether they can be travelled on foot, by car or by bicycle before the journey begins.

Event

A festival is listed for Almanzora in the second week of August. For an event with a specified period, it is advisable to check the current dates and times before travelling.

To the main travel overview: Cantoria.