Clockwise: Torre del Pirulico, Images for the beach and an aerial view of Mojacar village. |
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MOJÁCAR
Mojácar clings to a rocky hillside like a gargoyle watching over the Mediterranean Sea. It is located within an hour’s drive of the provincial capital of Almeria City and is actually comprised of two distinct areas; Mojácar Pueblo (town) and Mojácar Playa (beach), roughly 2km apart. It has around 6,300 inhabitants.
HISTORY
Mojácar has a long, complex history that stretches over 4,000 years. Populated by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Greeks, and Moors, it remains an intersection of many cultures. It was under Moorish rule that Mojácar really began to flourish. The castle was built and the town walls were expanded and fortified. More>
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THINGS TO SEE
El Torreón
This is the old toll house where the gate taxes were collected. Its present form dates to the eighteenth century and it now houses a charming hostel. Its elegant architecture, adorned with flowers and bougainvillea, makes it a picturesque spot. It can be found on Calle Jazmín.
Ermita de los Dolores
This chapel dates to the fifteenth century and was originally a Moorish mosque. Today, it is a private souvenir shop that can be visited on Plaza Nueva.
Mirador Plaza Nueva
The square is the undoubted centre of life in Mojácar; full of atmosphere and life, it is the ideal spot simply to sit and watch the sun go down. From the square’s viewpoint, you can see over the large valley bordered by the Cabrera, Bédar and Almagrera mountains. The viewpoint was renovated in 2017.
Iglesia de Santa María
The church-fortress was built around 1560 on the site of a former mosque. It was reconverted to the Christian cult after the Re-conquest, and fulfilled a dual function as a religious and defensive site. The main altarpiece was destroyed during the Civil War. Located in Plaza Iglesia.
Mirador el Castillo
The spectacular views of the sea from this viewpoint are well worth the walk up. The site was once a watchtower and fortress, whose walls were demolished by the 1518 earthquake. Located on Plaza del Mirador del Castillo.
Plaza del Parterre
Bordering the church is a set of stone steps that descends to the Plaza del Parterre, an Arab necropolis with tombs facing towards Mecca. Located in a pretty corner of this square is a representation of one of the scenes of the Re-conquest, which is recreated in the choir of Toledo Cathedral. This fired clay reproduction is the work of the artist Itziar Ortuzar. Located in Plaza Iglesia.
Art Centres
Mojácar has attracted numerous artists over the years, who have come to visit or live in the town. The light, beautiful surroundings and cosmopolitan atmosphere have made it the location for films and publicity sports as well as inspiring all types of artistic expression including concerts, plays and exhibitions. It is worth noting that Mojácar is home to numerous cultural associations as well as the important Valparaíso Foundation. Music and dance are also deeply rooted in Mojácar; depending on the time of year, jazz, eastern dance and classical music rub shoulders. Mojácar has two art centres, the “Mirador del Castillo” centre on Calle Cuesta del Castillo, and the “Fuente de Mojácar” centre on Calle Cuesta de la Fuente.
La Fuente
The fountain has twelve spouts which feed into three basins. Three channels run perpendicular to these, each fulfilling a separate function. The site of the fountain is mentioned in old Arab writings, and would have been of vital importance for the old village. The fountain was once the centre of social life due to the importance of water for livestock and agriculture. Throughout history, it has served various purposes, and has given rise to the development of trades such as water-carrier, washerwoman or irrigation-watchman. In 1488, the fountain provided the historic background for the Ambassador sent by the Catholic King and Queen to pursue a peaceful surrender by Mojácar. One can observe the commemorative plaque which recalls the interview between Garcilaso de la Vega and the Moorish Mayor. The fountain was completely renovated in the nineteenth century and had another makeover in the 1980s. The most recent works changed the fountain’s traditional appearance for a more modern look. The fountain can be seen on Calle la Fuente.
Puerta de la Ciudad
This is the original entrance to the town. The gate we can see today was rebuilt in the sixteenth century on the site of the original Arab one. It opened out onto the hill that led to the fountain and Plaza del Caño. It boasts the coat of arms and the two-headed eagle of the house of Austria. Located on Calle Estacion Vieja.
Casa Museo “La Canana”
This house is named after one of its former inhabitants, a person well known by the entire town, whose occupations included selling tobacco and various everyday goods. Today, it has been converted to a museum giving the visitor a feel for local life in the nineteenth century. It can be visited on Calle Esteve.
Opening Times:
Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, 10:30-14:30hrs.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10:30-14:30hrs and 17:00-20:00hrs.
Tel: 950 16 44 20
The museum can be visit outside the official opening hours by appointment.
THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE
Ermita de San Pascual Baylon
This chapel was built in the twentieth century thanks to money sent by Pascual Artero, a local man who emigrated to the island of Guam. It is now used by the Anglican Church. Located in the Agua Enmedio area, near Sopalmo.
Castillo de Macenas y Torre del Perulico
The Tower or Castle is a military building that was constructed in the eighteenth century for the surveillance of the coast. In 1849, it was occupied by the Carabineros and after the War it passed to the Civil Guard, who installed an access in the base. It was restored in the 1990s. On its southern side there is a dirt track that leads to the Torre del Perulico, or Torre del Peñon, a tower built during the Nasrid period. This tower was part of a defensive system along the Mediterranean coast. The site is located south of Mojácar.
CAMPING
Campsites around Mojácar offer chalet-style bungalows for rent, often with views of the countryside and the sea.
Mojácar Hotels
Mojácar’s popularity as a seaside resort has given rise to a huge number of hotels and self-catering accommodation options, with a variety of prices and some luxury options. The majority are situated to provide stunning sea views. More>
GOLF
After a day visiting Mojácar’s main sites, the golfer in you might want to try out the two 18-hole courses in Mojácar, the Marina Golf Mojácar and the Playa Macenas Golf Resort.
TRANSPORT
The nearest airport is almeria Airport and the train station has good connections. There is a bus service to Almeria by ALSA. There is a local bus that runs from the village to the beach areas. Timetable
GASTRONOMY
When visiting Mojácar, visitors should try local dishes such as gurullos (chickpea stew with rabbit or partridge), caldo de pimentón (paprika soup), migas (fried bread served with chorizo), arroz caldoso (risotto style rice), espeton (fish skewers), calamares a la plancha (grilled squid), sepia en salsa (stewed cuttlefish), pulpo a la vinaigrette (octopus in vinaigrette) and local gambas (prawns).
FESTIVALS
Popular festivals celebrated in Mojácar are the Entierro de la Sardina, as well as the Romería de San Isidro. More>
NEARBY PLACES
The neighbouring villages to Mojácar are Turre, Garrucha and Carboneras.
