Places

Arboleas is found in the Almanzora Valley and is a municipality of Almeria Province of Andalusia.  Arboleas is a small town on the now dry Amanzora River and even though the population has increased over the years the area still holds onto its traditional Spanish customs and values. This area has a strong agricultural background of growing olive and almond trees as well as citrus fruit and cereals such as wheat and barley. Its history can be traced back to prehistoric times, through the Romans, Moors and Christians.  Among the many landmarks of this town is the Tower of Arboleas, an old development that is referred to among the local people as the Castle and at present completes the tolling of the chimes on the hour.  Another magnificent building is the parish church of Santiago which was constructed in the 19^th century and holds inside beautiful pieces of art and imagery from the 17^th and 18^th centuries.

A street market is held every Saturday, selling local produce and much more and the town has a new 24-hour medical centre, communal outdoor swimming pool and many tapas bars, restaurant’s, pharmacy, banks to name but a few.  There are also some great places to walk the dog, hiking, horse riding and Arboleas is situated in easy reach of the A7 motorway with the coast only being 35 minutes’ drive away plus the 3 major airports easily accessible.

The Moorish town of Cantoria is situated in the Almeria province and under the municipality of Valle del Almanzora within an area of marble, which is the main economic resource of the town, especially the transformation of the stone, as well as a rich fertile plain and is approximately 11km south of Albox.
The town is located on the banks of the Almanzora River and has a new layout, with a straight line, and straight streets and uniform houses, among which the Parochial Church stands out. In the hamlet of Almanzora is the Palace of the Marquis of Almanzora, beautiful example of the neoclassical.
If there is something that characterizes especially the Villa de Cantoria is the welcoming and hospitable character of its inhabitants. The bonanza of its climate during the great part of the year and its more ingrained customs make that the cantorianos are accustomed to live in the street, to share experiences and to open their doors to anyone who visits them. A clarifying fact of this hospitality is the large number of foreigners who have taken up their residence in the Villa and now feel part of it. In fact, it is not strange that these citizens participate actively in the different celebrations that are celebrated throughout the year, as well as in the daily life of the locality.
Cantoria offers a wide range of amenities including town hall, post office, shops, banks, bars, restaurants, and a B&B. There are schools for children of all ages and a 24-hour medical centre. The nearest hospital is approximately 34km away. Sports facilities include a swimming pool, basketball court and a football pitch. The town also boasts a theatre and has its own fireworks fiesta in the winter. The local market is held on Wednesday mornings and well worth a visit.

Oria is a small town situated in the Almeria province, approximately 1025m above sea level and approximately 24km from Albox.
Oria has a town hall, post office, banks, shops, several bars, a restaurant and schools for children up to the age of 12 years. The nearest secondary schools are in Albox and Cantoria. There is a 24-hour medical centre, with the nearest large hospital being in Huercal Overa. The municipal swimming pool is open in July and August and the local market is held on Sunday mornings.

Oria is home to numerous archaeological remains, the vestiges of its turbulent past, which accompany a varied landscape of green areas and rock forms at the edge of the Sierra de las Estancias. From here, there are unrivalled, spectacular views of the province of Almería. The town has around 2,250 inhabitants.

Basílica de Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes
The Basilica is similar in style to the Velezian temple, although smaller in size and with simpler decoration. It is a late example of Baroque style, completed in the second half of the eighteenth century. The entrance is decorated with small reliefs that fill the lattices, contrasting with the sobriety of the pilasters, entablature and pediments. The interior is decorated with plant motif plasterwork, rockery, flowers, mirrors and moldings. The entrance of the main chapel is decorated with a mural painting, which, framing the Virgin’s dressing room, imitates a large architectural altarpiece, made by a painter from Vera known as Pedro Cervantes, in 1960. Located on Calle de España.