Almanzora facts for kids
Almanzora is a small city in the province of Almería, Andalusia, Spain. Its name comes from the Arabic word al-Mansura, which means "place of victory". This name is also used for a river and the area around the city, called the Comarca of Almanzora.
People have lived in the Almanzora area since at least Roman times. In 1436, during a time called the Reconquista, people from Murcia took control of the city from its previous rulers. Later, in 1753, Almanzora became an important center for the Comarca of Almanzora. In the 1800s, a person named Antonio Abellán y Peñuela was given the special title of Marquis of Almanzora.
During the 1900s, many people moved away from Almanzora, just like in other countryside areas of Andalusia. However, since the 1990s, many people from the United Kingdom have moved here. They come to enjoy the sunny weather of Almería. Some people who had moved away earlier have also returned.
The main way people in Almanzora have made a living is through farming. They especially grow citrus fruits, like lemons, which are sold to other countries. The area is also known for its special handmade breads. Because more people have moved in recently, there has been a lot of building work. Also, rural tourism is growing, which means people can stay on farms or in the countryside for their holidays.
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Fun Places to Visit in Almanzora
Here are some interesting spots you can find in Almanzora:
Palace of Almanzora
The Palace of Almanzora was built around the time of the marquisate. It is a beautiful building designed in the Neoclassical style. This means it looks like old Greek and Roman buildings. The palace is considered an important part of Andalusia's historical heritage.
El Púlpito Windmill
El Púlpito is an old flour mill that stopped working in the 1800s. It was used to grind wheat grown near the Almanzora River. This building was actually a military watchtower a long time ago. It was one of many towers in the river valley, built to protect the area during the time of the Kingdom of Granada.
Albox-Almanzora Railway Station
This is the best-kept station from an old train line that closed in 1985. The station chief lived there until about the year 2000. After that, it was used by bands to practice music. Now, it has been fixed up and turned into a lounge for older people, with a cafe called "Café-bar La Estación."
Mirador de la Cerrá
This is a special viewpoint built by young people from the area. From here, you can see great views of the surroundings.
Rail Bridge over Rambla de Albox
You can see a rail bridge that crosses over the Rambla de Albox. This rambla is a small stream that flows into the Almanzora River.
Las Minas
Las Minas refers to old iron mines in the area. These mines were closed in the middle of the 1900s.
La Cimbra
La Cimbra is what's left of an old system used to bring water to farms. There's a natural spring near El Púlpito that waters the only elm forests in this area. These types of water systems were very common many centuries ago, even before Roman times.
See also
In Spanish: Almanzora para niños