Vélez Blanco Almeria Spain, Andalucia. Descriptions and photographs. towns Almeria

Vélez Blanco

Distance to the capital (Km): 164
Local Inhabitants: Velezanos
Number of Inhabitants: 2190
Postal Code: 04830
Tourist Office: Tel 950 412 560
Email oficinaturismo@velezrubio.org

Mid way between Murcia and Granada and nestling at the foot of a rocky outcrop in the region of los Vélez, we find the village of Vélez Blanco.
Inhabited since prehistoric times, examples of the Paleolithic and Neolithic can be seen in Cueva de Ambrosio and Cueva de los Letreros (caves). Settlements will continue in the area during centuries -Iberians, Romans, Arabs, Christians- making it what it is today, a picturesque and beautiful town with a rich archaeological wealth and the impressive Castle of Marquis de los Velez. The castle was an extension of a Moorish alcazaba (fortress) and even though you can visit it, you will be surprised and maybe disappointed to only be able to see an empty shell. This is due to the castle being sold, including its interior, to an American millionaire. Nowadays it has been reconstructed inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and its doubtful that it will be returned to its origin.history Other places to visit are their monuments dedicated to water, several churches and convents, the Almacén del Trigo (Wheat Museum) and don´t miss a walk in the Parque Natural de Sierra María.
Its main economy is agriculture and also live stock.

Places of Interest
Parish Church of Santiago, 16th century
Parish Church of la Magdalena.
Convent of San Luis, 16th century
Castle of Marquis de los Vélez, 16th century
Caves such as Cueva de Los Letreros and Cueva Ambrosio
Remains of the castle
Several Watchtowers: Torre del Charcón, Torre El Gabar, Torre Fuente Alegre, Torre Montalviche

Festivals
Carnival
Holy Week
Santo Cristo de Yedra, second week of August
Autumn Festival, 27th – 30th September
Ánimas Day, 24th December

Gastronomy
Gurullos. Migas. Almond cakes.

Town Hall
Tel 950 614 800
Email al098pad@dipalme.org