Guide to Cuevas del Almanzora

Cuevas del Almanzora in Almeria province, Andalucia, Spain benefited from the silver mines of the 19th century

By Nick Nutter | Updated 26 Apr 2022 | Almería | Villages | Login to add to YOUR Favourites or Read Later

This article has been visited 6,146 times

Castillo del Marqués de los Vélez at Cuevas del Almanzora

The Sierra Almagrera is a low mountain range only 4 kilometres wide and 12 long, that runs parallel to the coast in northeast Almeria. Silver and lead have been mined there for thousands of years. During the Phoenician and Roman periods, it was known for its rich deposits of lead. In 1839, prospectors found a rich vein of argentiferous lead at Baranco Jaroso, in the Sierra Almagrera. The find sparked a ‘Silver Fever’ that lasted until the end of the 19th century. For the lucky few, the silver rush produced riches and allowed the mine owners to build fine houses in the nearby town of Cuevas del Almanzora.

Castillo del Marqués de los Vélez

The keep of Castillo del Marqués de los Vélez

The town, with a population over 13,000 (2020) centres around the 16th century Castillo del Marqués de los Vélez, Castle of the Marquis of Velez. This Gothic fortress and palace is in a remarkable state of preservation and is still used. It houses the offices of the local police, the tourist office, the town’s archaeological museum, an exhibition centre and the Antonio Manuel Campoy Museum. Concerts are staged in the keep.

Antonio Manuel Campoy Museum

Lady of Incarnation Church Cuevas del Almanzora

This museum is named after the gentleman who donated a collection of paintings and sculptures to the town. It now contains an extensive collection of art including over 400 works by artists such as Barcelo, Miro and Picasso. You should also visit the Goya room. Although not to everybody’s taste, the museum houses over 60 engravings by this artist and a bronze sculpture of his head.

Archaeological Museum

One of the palaces at Cuevas del Almanzora

Although small and dated, the archaeological museum is worth visiting just for its display of finds from the bronze age, Argaric site, of Fuente Alamo. It also contains interesting accounts of the original exploration of the site by Luis Siret and some of the original finds.

Cave Museum

Public laundry at Cuevas del Almanzora

The Cueva museo is behind the castle, in a private house, appropriately enough, a cave dwelling. The house is laid out as it would have been back in the 16th century although this particular cave house was created in the mid 20th century. Check with the tourist office before visiting, the opening days and times displayed on the website are incorrect.

Fuente Alamo an Argar Archaeological Site

Fuente Alamo Image by Wendy Cegielski

A few kilometres north of Cuevas del Almanzora is the Argar fortified settlement of Fuente Alamo. It dates roughly from 1900 BC to 1500 BC. The site is in the foothills of the Sierra de Almagro and, in its day, controlled the overland route into the Sierra from the Rio Almanzora valley. Today the site is overgrown and neglected but can be visited on foot. The route takes you through orange orchards and along rough paths. The coordinates for intrepid explorers are Latitude 37.343493317702 Longitude -1.860643005371.

The Palaces of Cuevas del Almanzora

The 'Palaces' were all built by wealthy families during the 19th century, a number of these grand houses can be visited. Scattered about the town the architecture can only be admired. They were considered very ‘bourgeoise’ at the time. The most notable are “Palacete de los Grano de Oro”, the “Palacete de los Toledo”, the “Palacete de los Soler” and the “Palacete de los Figuera”.

Our Lady of the Incarnation Church

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación is the most imposing building in Cuevas del Almanzora. It stand on the site of a mosque that was demolished during the 18th century. The current building was completed in 1762.

Saint Diego Hermitage

Built in 1576, ‘El Calvario’ as it is known, sits on the highest point in the town. The 20th-century statue of the Sacred Heart, overlooks the population.

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