Where is Almeria located?
Almeria is located in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula in Spain. Almeria has a population of over 190,000 inhabitants. The city is considered calm and cordial, however, full of contrasts. It is known to tourists for the presence of the longest Arab fortress in Europe, where the main mosque, water cisterns, walls and other protective fortifications have been preserved since the 955th century.
The national currency is the euro (EUR).
History of the city of Almeria
The first mention of Almeria dates back to the 9th century, when it was reported that Arab rulers defended the coast against Norman raids. Remains of Bronze Age settlements have been found on the territory of Almeria, and pottery and earthenware from the 5th and 6th centuries from the period of Roman rule.
In the eleventh and twelfth centuries, during the period of Moorish rule, after the fall of the Caliphate, Almeria reached its dawn, transformed into a densely populated and civilized region. This continued until the capture of the city in 1489 by Catholic rulers, which led to the decline of the region, which was exacerbated by the earthquake of 1522. Almeria's second phase of prosperity came in the 18th century, thanks to the cultivation of grapes and mining. Today, Almeria lives off tourism and agriculture, mainly horticulture.
In the past, the seafaring republic thrived on trade, especially with the countries of northern Africa, so Almeria was originally inhabited by fishermen and merchants. In turn, the construction of a defense tower on the highest hill attracted many people to the surrounding areas. Thus, the city of Almeria was formed. In the eleventh century, Almeria became the most important international port of Andalusia. The most exported goods were silk and Almerian textiles.
The Islamic fort of Alcazaba still dominates the city today, a reminder of the heyday of the largest port of the Caliphate of Cordoba.
