Berja towns in almeria Andalucia, Spain. Descriptions and photographs. Almeria

Berja

Distance to the capital (Km): 52
Local Inhabitants: Virjitanos
Number of Inhabitants: 13197
Postal Code: 04760

At the foot of the Sierra de Gador, in the west of the province of Almería, the farming town of Berja is situated in a fertile valley in which it produces wine, oil, fruit and esparto grass. These, together with paper, linen, and cotton goods, are exported through the port of Adrá.
Villavieja, 3 km from the town centre and home to a Roman amphitheatre was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1987; while in the suburb of Alcuadique the ruins of Moorish baths illustrate Arab occupation. Before the end of the Middle Ages the population moved from Villavieja to take advantage of a better water supply and communications. However, an earthquake in 1840 destroyed much of the town, and as a result there are many new 19th century buildings –paid for by the wealth from local lead mining.
Berja has a daily market.

Places of Interest
Archaeological remains of Alcaudique and Villavieja
Arabic Baths, 12th and 13th century
Ermita de la Virgen de Gador, 1585
Torre de los Encisos, 16th century tower
Iglesia de la Anunciación, 19th century
Town Hall, 19th century
Molino del Perrillo (Mill), neoclassical style house

Festivals
San Marcos, 25th April
Festival of the Crosse, May
Fair and Patron Saint festivities, 1st week in August
San Roque, 15th August
Livestock Fair, 20-25th November

Gastronomy
Patatas a lo pobre (Fried potatoes with peppers and onions). Gachas Coloradas. Migas (Fried bread with garlic and spicy sausage).
Sweets: Fried Milk.

Town Hall
Tel 950 490 007
Email al029alc@dipalme.org