Reina Hotel Almeria

Catedral de Nª Sra. de la Encarnación

by Miguel_Marques

The Cathedral was designed by Diego de Siloé and built in 1522 over the remnants of the older cathedral, which was destroyed by an earthquake that year. It has an unusual look, indeed it is one of the few fortress-cathedrals in Spain: sturdy walls, buttresses and a broad, plain roof to have cannons installed. The building defended the city and population from the pirate and bereber attacks. It is only embellished by two Renaissance facades by Juan de Orea. The gothic domes and Renaissance sacristy are splendid. The temple contains works of art by Murillo, Ribera, Alonso Cano y Salzillo, as well as the bodies of Saint Indalecius, and, according to the legend, Saint Valentine.

Don't miss the "Sol of Portocarrero", a sun sculpted in the eastern side of the Cathedral. It has become a symbol of the city. It's popularly believed to be the arms of Bishop Portocarrero, however it was sculpted since the first times of the temple.

Almeria coast

by awladhassan

"The castle or fortress"

The Almeria area was once dominated by Arabs from north Africa. They built forts to defend the coastline. many towns and villages bear names with an Arab origin , especially thoe beginning with al-.
Almeria has some nice shops, and is not far from the airport.
Care must be taken in the area around the fortress as gypsies are a menace, working as pickpockets.

"Agua dulce"

One of the larger towns being developed along the coast from Almeria is Aguadulce.

"Aguadulce beach"

There was not a natural sandy beach at Aguadulce , but loads of sand were brought to construct a beach.