Several locations in Almería also appeared in Game of Thrones, including the Alcazaba Fortress, which acted as the capital of Dorne. The city’s desert-like landscapes and the Alcazaba have made Almería a popular film location for dozens of movies and TV serials, including Lawrence of Arabia, Cleopatra, A Fistful of Dollars, Never Say Never Again with Sean Connery as James Bond, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and How I Won the War starring John Lennon. Located on the Andalusian coast, 400 kilometres southeast of Seville, Almería is known for its warm winters and 320 sunny days each year. Dominating Almería from a hill and covering more than nine acres, the Alcazaba is one of the largest fortresses in Europe. A long series of steps climbs to the 13th-century entrance of the Moorish citadel. From its crenellated parapet walls, you can enjoy panoramic views of the flat-roofed buildings of Almería (population 200,000). Towers, walls and gates punctuate the three restored Muslim- and Christian-era enclosures. Purple-flowering jacaranda trees, agaves, prickly pear cacti, date palms, pomegranate and carob trees grow inside the fortress. In the early 17th century, the Spanish no longer needed a military fort, so they created gardens inside the Alcazaba. In the city below, don’t be surprised if you encounter one of Almería’s numerous festivals. They provide delightful glimpses of Andalusian culture. Religious festivals feature processions with flower-covered silver shrines on carts, drawn by oxen decorated with red velvet headpieces. Many women and girls wear flamenco dresses and carry castanets and fans, while men and boys don bolero hats. With its buttressed towers, Almería’s 16th-century Gothic and Renaissance cathedral resembles a fortress more than a church. Look for the bas-relief of angels feasting. The decoration advised early Christians that they would celebrate in paradise if they lived good lives. If the image makes you hungry, walk to the air-conditioned Central Market. Clean, well-stocked counters display Iberian hams, sausages, fresh fish, cheese, wine and colourful fruits and vegetables. Market café cooks will prepare the food that you buy to eat at tables in the market. Try the fresh red shrimp sautéed in garlic butter. www.spain.info/en/ Almería, Spain CSANews | SPRING 2024 | 17 Travel
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