Welcome to the historic heart of Almería, a city founded by Abderramán III in 955, during the 10th century. Imagine a bustling town, surrounded by a protective wall, with a fortress standing guard and a mosque offering a place for reflection and prayer. This ancient center stretched from the Avenue of the Sea to Queen Street, creating a lively pathway that wound its way through the city. The main gateway welcomed travelers at the start of Queen Street, leading them through a diagonal route to Sortida or Socorro at Socorro Street. Along the way, you’d find yourself wandering through Pechina or Real de la Almedina Street, a preserved part of the Caliphate medina.
Picture this: a maze of streets and alleys, where open spaces for squares were scarce. The squares you would find were clustered around the Great Mosque, serving as the heart of the community. The shopping district buzzed with activity, featuring alhóndigas, souks, and bustling bazaars. In the midst of it all stood the Alcaicería, the luxurious shopping district of its time. Venturing further to the southeastern tip of the medina, the shipyard occupied what is now Atarazanas Street, a crucial hub for trade and commerce.
The neighborhoods surrounding this area were each dotted with their own small mosques, much like the one that still exists today at the Hermitage of San Antón. It's fascinating to walk these streets and imagine the vibrant life that once filled them. Did you know that Almería’s fortress, the Alcazaba, is one of the largest Muslim fortresses in Spain? Its impressive walls and strategic location offer stunning views of the city and the sea, making it a must-visit site for any history enthusiast.