Almería history

The history of Almería dates back to the year 955, when the Caliph of Córdoba, Abd ar-Rahman III, ordered the foundation of a city on the site of a small coastal settlement. It was initially conceived as a primary harbour to strengthen the defence of the Mediterranean and as a base for the Caliphate's fleet. The city's name is derived from the Arabic Al-Mariyya, which translates poetically as "The Mirror of the Sea" or, more pragmatically, as "The Watchtower".

The transformation of Almería into a significant centre was driven by a combination of several strategic advantages:

• Geography: Its convenient location in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula provided the city with natural protection and direct access to vital maritime routes.
• Political Power: The construction of the monumental fortress, the Alcazaba, the second-largest Muslim citadel in Andalusia, secured the city's status as an administrative and military hub.
• Trade: Almería became a key port for the Caliphate of Córdoba, facilitating the exchange of goods with North Africa and the Levant.

In the 11th century, during its peak (the Taifa period), Almería was one of the wealthiest cities in the region. Its economic success was based on unique crafts:

• Silk Production: The city was famous for its textile workshops. There were several thousand looms here, creating luxurious fabrics known as "Almerian silks".
• Shipbuilding: Local shipyards provided a fleet not only for military needs but also for active merchant activities.

The early culture of the city was formed under the strong influence of Islamic traditions, creating a unique architectural and social landscape, traces of which still define the historical appearance of the old centre.

Major Milestones in the History of Almería

• 955 — Caliph Abd ar-Rahman III founds the city and lays the foundation stone for the construction of the Alcazaba fortress.
• 1014 — Almería becomes the capital of an independent Taifa (kingdom), experiencing a golden age of silk production and trade.
• 1147 — The troops of King Alfonso VII, supported by Genoese and Pisan fleets, temporarily capture the city.
• 1238 — The city becomes part of the Nasrid Emirate of Granada, serving as its main seaport.
• 1489 — The Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I and Ferdinand II, peacefully accept the city's capitulation, ending the era of Muslim rule.
• 1522 — A devastating earthquake destroys much of the urban fabric and causes serious damage to the port.
• 1833 — Following the administrative reform of Javier de Burgos, Almería officially becomes the capital of the province of the same name.
• Late 19th Century — An economic boom begins thanks to the development of the mining industry and grape exports.
• 1904 — The "Cable Inglés" (English Pier) is commissioned — a monumental loading platform for transporting iron ore onto ships.
• 1960s — The desert landscapes of the province begin to attract filmmakers, turning the region into a "European Hollywood" for filming Westerns.
• 1960s — 1970s — The start of intensive greenhouse agriculture development, which would later be known as the "Garden of Europe".
• 2005 — Almería hosts the XV Mediterranean Games, leading to a large-scale modernization of the city's infrastructure.
• 2000s — Restoration of the historic centre and expansion of the port strengthen the city's status as an attractive tourist destination.

Key Stages of Development and Transformation

The development of Almería is a story of constant adaptation, transforming an isolated corner of Spain into a thriving agricultural and tourist hub. Here are the main turning points that defined the modern face of the city:

• Mining Boom and the Arrival of the Railway (19th Century)
  The discovery of rich deposits of iron, lead, and gold in the Sierra de los Filabres mountains brought the city out of centuries of stagnation. This led to the construction of the railway station and a unique engineering structure — the Cable Inglés (English Pier).
  Significance: Industrialization formed a new urban bourgeois class and significantly expanded the city boundaries beyond the old walls.

• Era of Grape Exports (Late 19th — Early 20th Century)
  The cultivation and export of "Ohanes" table grapes brought colossal revenues to the city. The port was modernized to dispatch ships to America and Europe.
  Significance: The economic upturn was reflected in architecture: the city centre was adorned with elegant buildings in Modernist and Historicist styles, such as the Butterfly House (Casa de las Mariposas).

• Cinematic Renaissance (1960s)
  The unique desert landscapes of the province attracted global directors, turning Almería into the "European Hollywood". Cult Westerns and massive blockbusters were filmed here.
  Significance: This created a base for international tourism, opened the region to the world, and formed a unique cultural brand that is still utilized today.

• Agrarian Revolution and the "Sea of Plastic" (Since the 1960s)
  The introduction of intensive farming technology in greenhouses (invernaderos) and the use of sandy soils radically changed the economy. The desert region became the main supplier of vegetables and fruits for all of Europe.
  Significance: Almería became one of the wealthiest provinces in Andalusia, ensuring an influx of investment into urban infrastructure and the service sector.

• Foundation of the University of Almería (1993)
  The opening of its own university (UAL) on the seafront was a crucial social shift. The institution specializes in agricultural technologies and renewable energy.
  Significance: The city received a powerful intellectual impulse, a rejuvenation of the population, and became a centre for scientific research supporting the local economy.

• Urbanization for the Mediterranean Games (2005)
  Preparation for the XV Mediterranean Games acted as a catalyst for large-scale urban planning reform. New hotels and sports complexes were built, and public spaces were improved.
  Significance: The city "turned its face to the sea", the promenade was reconstructed, and a spacious avenue was created — Rambla Federico García Lorca, which became the main artery of modern Almería.

Architectural Mosaic: From Fortress Walls to Modernism

The architectural appearance of Almería is a chronicle in stone, intertwining the Eastern refinement of Al-Andalus, the severity of defensive structures, and the elegance of bourgeois construction from the early 20th century. The city's urban development proceeded from the heights where the Alcazaba stands, down towards the sea, gradually transforming a closed Muslim city into an open Mediterranean port.

The main architectural eras and styles that formed the face of the city:

• Islamic Architecture (10th–15th Centuries)
  The oldest layer of the city is represented by monumental defensive architecture. The dominant feature is the Alcazaba — a majestic fortress with a triple ring of walls, crenellated towers, and gardens. The district at the foot of the fortress, La Medina, has preserved the chaotic layout of narrow winding streets characteristic of Arab cities, where house facades hide inner courtyards from prying eyes.

• Gothic and Renaissance (16th Century)
  After the Reconquista, architecture took on a defensive character due to constant raids by Barbary pirates. The most striking example is the Cathedral of the Incarnation (Catedral de la Encarnación). It is a unique fortress-temple, where the late Gothic interiors combine with powerful Renaissance walls, a flat roof for placing cannons, and a lack of lavish exterior decoration.

• Industrial Architecture and Eclecticism (Late 19th Century)
  The mining boom brought the "architecture of iron" to the city. The symbol of this era became the Cable Inglés (English Pier) — a masterpiece of engineering from the school of Gustave Eiffel, combining functionality with the aesthetics of metal. During this same period, the Railway Station was built, the facade of which is a fine example of eclecticism with elements of Mudejar and Classicism.

• Spanish Modernism and Historicism (Early 20th Century)
  The enriched bourgeoisie sought to adorn the city centre with elegant mansions. A landmark building of this period is the Butterfly House (Casa de las Mariposas) on Puerta de Purchena square. This style is characterized by rich decoration, wrought-iron balconies, and bright, cheerful elements that contrast with the severity of the old quarters. The Central Market building is also noteworthy, combining classical proportions with Modernist details.

Modern Almería continues to develop, placing emphasis on open spaces. The reconstruction of the promenade and the creation of a green axis — Rambla Federico García Lorca — on the site of a former dry riverbed, have finally linked the historic centre with the sea, giving the city a resort-like polish.

Distinguished Personalities in the City's History

Almería has given the world talented rulers, masters, and artists whose names are forever inscribed in the history of Spain and world culture.

• Abd ar-Rahman III (891–961)
  Founder of the City, Caliph of Córdoba
  It is to this ruler that Almería owes its birth. In 955, he ordered the founding of the city and the construction of the powerful Alcazaba fortress to protect the coast, transforming a small settlement into the main port of Al-Andalus.

• Al-Mutasim (11th Century)
  Ruler of the Taifa of Almería, Poet
  A poet-king who ruled during the city's period of greatest prosperity (1051–1091). Under him, Almería became a centre of science and art, rivalling Seville, and the royal court attracted the best literati of the time.

• Nicolás Salmerón (1838–1908)
  Philosopher, Politician, President of the First Spanish Republic
  A native of the province who became one of the most respected figures in the history of Spanish democracy. He is known for his principled refusal to sign death sentences, for which he voluntarily resigned from the presidency.

• Antonio de Torres (1817–1892)
  Guitar Maker
  He is called the "Stradivari of the guitar". It was Torres who developed the standards for the body and bracing systems that are used in creating modern classical guitars to this day. A museum dedicated to his work is open in the city.

• Carmen de Burgos (1867–1932)
  Journalist, Writer, Activist
  Known by the pseudonym "Colombine", she was a pioneer of feminism in Spain and the first woman to become a professional war correspondent. The city's promenade bears her name.

• Manuel Falcó y Álvarez de Toledo (1897–1936)
  Aristocrat, Patron of the Arts
  The Duke of Fernán Núñez, who played an important role in preserving historical heritage. He donated land and funds to the city for development, and his palace is today one of the architectural gems of the province.

• David Bisbal (born 1979)
  Singer, Grammy Award Winner
  The most famous modern native of Almería. Starting his career in a local orchestra, he became a star of global magnitude. The singer actively promotes his hometown and even filmed a music video in the settings of the local Alcazaba.