Albox facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Albox, Spain
View of Albox
Flag Coat of arms
Country	Spain
Community	Andalusia
Province	Almería
Area
• Total	168 km2 (65 sq mi)
Elevation	420 m (1,380 ft)
Population  (2018)
• Total	11,696
• Density	69.62/km2 (180.3/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Website	albox.es

Albox is a town in Spain. It is a municipality in the province of Almería. This province is part of the Andalusia region. Albox is located in the northeastern part of the Almanzora Valley. It is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Almería, the capital city of the province.

In 2017, Albox had about 11,481 people living there. The town covers an area of 168.42 square kilometers (65 square miles). This means there are about 68 people living in each square kilometer. The municipality includes areas like Llano de las Ánimas and Las Pocicas. Other smaller areas are Fuente del Marqués and Aljambra.

Exploring Albox's Location and Weather

Where is Albox Located?

Albox is in the basin of the Almanzora river. It covers an area of 168 square kilometers. To the north, it shares borders with Chirivel and Vélez-Rubio. To the south, it borders Cantoria. On the east side, you'll find Taberno and Arboleas. To the west, it borders Oria and Partaloa.

What is the Climate Like in Albox?

Albox has a hot subtropical semi-arid climate. This means it is usually warm and dry. It doesn't get a lot of rain.

A Look at Albox's Past

Albox has a long history. Many different cultures have lived here. You can still see signs of them in old ruins. The town was founded by the Arabs. Its name means 'tower' in Arabic. It was an important place in the Kingdom of Granada during the 1200s.

In the 1400s, Christian armies took Albox from the Arabs. Around 1500, a big earthquake hit Albox. It destroyed much of the town. People used stones from the old castle to fix damaged homes.

Later, King Felipe II ordered the Arabs to leave the area. Christians from other parts of Spain then moved to Albox. In 1563, the town got its first mayor, Anton de Andrano. The oldest part of town is the Barrio Alto of San Antonio. But the area called La Loma de San Francisco grew a lot in the 1600s and 1700s. This area was named after an old Franciscan settlement.

A very important event happened in 1716. A special statue of Nuestra Senora del Saliente came to Albox. Two priests from Albox built a church for it on Mount Roel. This statue became a big part of Albox's history.

In the 1800s, Albox played a role in fighting French invaders. The town also became very successful economically. It was known for its weaving and pottery. Albox became a trading center between Baza and Lorca.

Important Moments in Albox's History

Local records show that an earthquake once forced people to sleep outside. Another event was a yellow fever outbreak that spread through the area. A terrible flood hit Albox on September 11, 1891. Another big flood happened on June 26, 1900. This flood caused six deaths.

Modern changes came to Albox over time. Electric street lighting arrived on January 8, 1914. This replaced the old street lamps. Drinking water became available in homes in June 2014.

How Many People Live in Albox?

Getting Around Albox

• The A-334 road goes through Albox. It connects the towns of Huercal-Overa and Baza. This road travels through the Almanzora valley.
• Albox used to have a railway station in Almanzora. The old road to the station is called 'Station Road' (ALP-831). It runs for 3 kilometers. The railway station closed in 1985. There are plans to reopen the Guadix-Almendricos railway line.
• The closest airport is Almeria Airport. It is about 90 kilometers away. There is also a heliport in Albox for emergency landings.

Important Religious Buildings

Parish Church of Santa María

This is the oldest religious building in Albox. Construction started in the 1500s. It has been added to over the centuries. The church has a beautiful baroque front. It is currently being restored.

Parish Church of la Concepción

This church started as a hospice for the Franciscan Order in the 1700s. The friars helped the La Loma area of Albox grow. After the Franciscans left, it became a church connected to Santa Maria. In 1885, it was named after the Immaculate Conception. It became a parish church in 1900. The old building was replaced in 1973 after a flood. The current church was built in 1999.

Parish Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Llano de los Olleres

During a cholera outbreak in 1864, people in Llano de los Olleres promised to build a church for Our Lady of Carmel if the sickness stopped. When it did, they built this church. It was finished in 1870. The church was damaged during difficult times but rebuilt by residents in 1939. It is currently being restored.

Hermitage of Santa Cruz

This hermitage is at the highest point in La Loma de Albox. It was started by the Franciscans in the 1700s. An old town cemetery was once located near it. In the 1920s, a pine grove was planted here, making it very beautiful. It was rebuilt after being destroyed during difficult times. It is a very special place for many people.

Parish Church of Santa Bárbara de Las Pocicas

This church was built in the mid-1800s. It is dedicated to Saint Barbara. It was later expanded and became a parish church. In the early 2000s, a new altarpiece was added. It holds the statue of the patron saint.

Diocesan Shrine of our Lady of Saliente

This is one of the most important religious buildings in the Almería province. It was built in 1716 by local priests. It was later expanded to include a shrine, palace, guesthouse, and convent. The sacred statue of Our Lady of Hope for the Abandoned is here. It is a small, beautiful baroque carving. This shrine is very important to the religious life of Albox. In 1988, the statue was crowned by a representative of Pope John Paul II.

Hermitage of San Antonio de Padua

This hermitage is in the Barrio Alto area. It is dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua. It was recently restored. People still celebrate its feast day on June 13.

Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores in Llano del Espino

This church is in Llano del Espino. It is dedicated to Our Lady of the Sorrows. It has its own chapel.

Fun Traditions and Events in Albox

All Saints Fair (Feria de Todos los Santos)

This yearly fair happens around November 1st. It started as a very important cattle fair. Over time, it became a popular festival. Today, it is one of the biggest fairs in the Almería province. A highlight is the 'Feria del Mediodia'. This is when people enjoy tapas and a festive atmosphere during the day. The fun can last until midnight!

St. Francis Fair (Feria de San Francisco)

This is a popular fair for the people of La Loma. It celebrates their patron saint. Many activities take place in Plaza San Francisco, including street parties and dancing. There is also a three-day religious event at the Parish Church of La Concepción. It ends with a procession for St. Francis of Assisi.

Easter Week in Albox

Easter Week in Albox is known as one of the best in the province. Four religious brotherhoods organize processions.

• The Cofradía de Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno organizes processions on Holy Tuesday and Good Friday.
• The Cofradía de Ntra. Sra. de las Angustias has a procession on Good Friday evening.
• The Cofradía de Ntra. Sra. de los Dolores has processions on Good Friday and Holy Thursday.
• The Cofradía de San Juan has a procession on Holy Friday morning.
• A newer brotherhood, Pre-Hermandad de Ntro. Padre Jesús de Pasión y Misericordia, has a procession on Easter Saturday.

Pilgrimage of the Virgin of Saliente (Romería de la Virgen del Saliente)

Every year on September 8th, people go on a religious pilgrimage. They walk from Albox to the Monastery of Saliente. This walk is about 18 kilometers (11 miles). Hundreds of people come from all over Spain for this event. Many young people join, making it a mix of religious and festive fun.

24 Hours of Indoor Football

This is a big indoor football tournament. It happens every year in the first week of August. It's called '24 hours' because the championship lasts continuously for a whole day. A main road in Albox, Plaza de San Francisco, is closed to create a football pitch. This competition is very popular. Thousands of people come to watch this type of football. In some years, stands were set up for 1500 spectators.

Chess in Albox

Albox has a strong tradition in chess. The 'Club de Ajedrez Reverté Albox' chess team won the Spanish Chess Championship in 2005. Albox is even called the 'cradle of Spanish chess'. It hosts international chess tournaments like the "International Chess Open Vicente Bonil." Famous chess grandmasters, like Veselin Topalov, have visited the town.

Rock-Albox

This is a rock festival that started in 1985. It happens every year at the end of October during the All Saints Fair. It is the longest-running rock festival in Spain. Many local and international bands have played here. Some concerts have attracted as many as 4,000 people!

Famous People from Albox

• Diego Capel, a footballer
• Juan Manuel Sánchez Reche, the first winner of Masterchef, Spain on TVE in 2013

Images for kids

• 

  A compass rose, showing directions.

See also

In Spanish: Albox para niños