Heritage Interpretation Center of Almeria — Attraction in Almeria

.

An excellent visitors' centre for the understanding of Almeria

Not too easy to find, but well worth the effort!

It should be easy - it is in the Plaza de la Constitucion (aka Plaza Vieja), but the entrance is easy to miss as it's behind a pillar and inconspicuous with a large modern wooden door.

You go into the Plaza from Calle Jovellanos Calle Marin end, past the Convent on your left and it's right at the beginning of the Plaza, on the right.

The two employees there – a young man and woman – couldn't have been more helpful. They suggested (rightly) that we should first of all watch the short – 12 minute – introductory film in the ground-floor viewing room. It was fascinating, giving us an understanding of the history of the town and how it has developed.

We then went up the beautifully designed staircase to the other levels, each of which was devoted to one era of the history of Almeria, with a variety of different types of display – pictures, objects, maps , multi-media displays.

There was a great model of the town which, instead of being set out horizontally was set on the wall, going up several storeys.

The first floor was Muslim Almeria – obviously the one that seems at first most interesting. And it certainly was interesting, fascinating. The second floor was Christian Almeria, the third floor Almeria Today.

We enjoyed them all, although I must admit (shhh!) that one of the best bits was on the multi-media screens, where the Spanish-to-English translations were a real hoot! They had clearly just used a dictionary for any word that wasn't covered in their (equivalent) GCSE course, so for example the Convent of the Poor Clares was translated as the Convent of Egg-Whites, and a ten-story building became a building of ten plants. :-)

When you have lingered at your leisure in the three levels, keep on climbing, as you are in for a surprise.

On the very top is a roof terrace, but not just any old roof terrace – it goes on top of the museum building itself, along on top of the next two, round the corner to the next side of the square and all the way to the Ayuntamiento (town hall) building. A whole side and a half of the square!

Great views from up here of the town overall and of the Alcazabar. Get your cameras out!

Closed Mondays. Tues - Sun 10 to 14 and 17 to 19

This museum was a great visit, and free. Only 4 stars however, as they could have done with better and more English for foreign tourists. I don’t need it,...

Entrada Gratuita. Sitio que no puede faltar en tu visita a Almería.

Es un Centro que relata toda la historia de Almería, comenzando con una exposición de alfarería de la provincia y en la habitación del fondo una película de 13 minutos que relata la Almería actual, todos los lugares importantes, además de museos que se pueden visitar. Te comenta un poco de historia para que identifiques y tengas conocimiento de lo que veas posteriormente en las siguientes plantas.

El centro de interpretación Patrimonial de Almería posee ascensor para el que lo necesite, y aseos en sus distintas plantas.

El primer piso se basa en la historia de Almería musulmana, con vídeos explicativos, maqueta de la Alcazaba con distintas informaciones de la época.

Además, la primera planta posee una sala de exposiciones temporales, de todo tipo.

Seguidamente en el segundo piso, les relatan la historia de Almería en la época Cristiana y Contemporánea, cuando llegaron los Reyes Católicos y la iglesia Católica. Hay vídeos explicativos de los cambios en esa época, comentan sobre el mineral, la industria y personajes importantes que nacieron en Almería y dejaron huella en la historia, además de otras maquetas de lugares y monumentos importantes de Almería.

Último piso, el terrado, con vistas al cerro de San Cristóbal, Convento las Claras, plaza de la Constitución, parte de la muralla de la Alcazaba y Almería.

Sus maravillosas vistas son inigualables.

Horario de Verano (Del 1 junio al 30 de septiembre) De Martes a Sábado: Domingo: Mañana: 10:30 a 13:30 10:30 a 13:30 Tarde: 18:00 a 21:00 Cerrado

Domingos tardes y Lunes: Cerrado

Horario de Invierno (Del 1 octubre al 31 mayo) De Martes a Sábado: Domingo: Mañana: 10:30 a 13:30 10:30 a 13:30 Tarde: 17:00 a 20:00 Cerrado

Domingos tardes y...

Wonderful interpretation centre with very helpful staff. Exhibits are staged from the Muslim, Christian and contemporary periods of Almerian history. There is fantastic views from the rooftop terrace.

Entry is free and it's located in the main square and well marked. Just walk alongside the squares buildings and you'll find it.

Well worth taking the trouble to find. Thanks everyone at the Centre for...