Almería  

From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia

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Almería is the capital of the province of Almería, Spain. It is located in south-eastern Spain on the Mediterranean Sea.

Main sights

• The Alcazaba, a medieval fortress that was begun in the 13th century but destroyed by an earthquake in 1522. It includes a triple line of walls, a majestic keep and large gardens. It commands a quarter in white colours, of Muslim-age aspect.
• The Cathedral, has a fortress-like appearance due to its towers, merlons and protected paths, created to defend it from Mediterranean pirates. Originally designated as a mosque it was later converted into a Christian church, before being destroyed in the 1522 earthquake. In the 16th century it was rebuilt in the Renaissance style, whilst keeping some of its defensive features.
• Renaissance church of Santiago, built in 1533, with tower and portal decorated with reliefs.
• Chanca, a group of houses carved into rocks.
• Castle of San Cristobal, now in ruins. It is connected to the Alcazaba by a line of walls.
• Museum of Almería. Includes findings from Prehistoric, Iberic, Roman, Greek ages and Muslim objects, mostly from the Alcazaba.
• Paseo de Coches, a modern seaside promenade with gardens and palms.

Geography

Due to its arid landscape, numerous spaghetti westerns were filmed in Almería. According to Christopher Frayling, the author of Once Upon A Time in Italy: The Films of Sergio Leone, some of the sets are still there.

Climate

Almería has a Subtropical climate, borderline semi-arid climate with Mediterranean influences. This is one of the sunniest, warmest and driest climate in Europe. It experiences the warmest winters of any European city.

Films

List of films shot in Almería