Nijar Almeria Spain, Andalucia. Descriptions and photographs. towns Almeria

Níjar

Distance to the capital (Km): 32
Local Inhabitants: Nijareños
Number of Inhabitants: 15406
Postal Code: 04100

A Moorish town, Níjar is situated in the foothills of the Sierra Alhamilla. A labyrinth of narrow streets with white washed buildings forms an attractive cluster of well-preserved Arabic structures. The most important feature in the area is the Cabo de Gata National Park, the first area to be protected in Andalusia. When you see it, you’ll understand why the Spanish people decided to protect it. Its unique scenery with mountains, coves with sand dune beaches and the salt works are a true natural spectacle.
Its history can be traced back to Mesolithic and Neolithic times. The Phoenicians founded a temple, which they called Agatas Promontory in honour of one of their goddesses. The Romans established salt mines and factories. After the Christian Conquest in 1489 and Moorish revolts in 1568, Níjar was left deserted until the 18th century. The 19th century proved to be more prosperous with the discovery of lead and gold mines that were mined up to as recently as the 1960’s.
Today, a prosperous town, Níjar is noted for it local arts and crafts, with a wide selection of pottery, rugs, bed covers, carpets and ceramics. Their main economical activity is agriculture and tourism on the coast.

Places of Interest
Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, 16th century
Archaeological remains
Places of interest: Casa Cabarrús, Waterwheel de los Frailes, Bermejo Well
Bermejo Well

Festivals
‘Chisperos’ festival, January
St Sebastian, 20th January
Autumn fair, 20th – 25th September
Procession to Huebro, 1st Sunday of October

Gastronomy
Almeria soup. Migas (fried bread with garlic and spicy sausage). Gurullos.

Town Hall
Tel 950 360 013
Email alcaldia@atonijar.org