Vera

Population circa 8,700

Market day - Saturday

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Founded in the 6th century by the Carthaginians, the original town of Baria was built near Villaricos on the coast. The Romans, while exploiting its mineral wealth, enlarged the town but in the 13th century, dwindling mines and attacks from the sea forced the residents to relocate to an existing village inland near El Cerro del Espíritu Santo. Vera, as it was now known, was governed by the Moors as an important part of the Kingdom of Granada.

The region bordered the Christian area of Lorca and so was a strategic target for capture by Ferdinand's troops in 1498. An extremely large eathquake destroyed the town completely in November, 1518; it was rebuilt on it's existing, and entirely new, site. La Iglesia (Church) de la Encarnación, in the main town plaza, was built in 1520; it features four large towers, and was built as a castillo to protect against frequent attacks from the Moors.

More interesting architectural history includes: La Iglesia del Convento de Nuestra Señora de la Victoria o de Mínimos (1605), now a museum and concert hall; The Royal Hospital of San Agustín (19th century); Hermitage de Nuestra Señora de las Huertas, built on outskirts of Vera to give thanks to the people of Lorca for their help in liberating Vera from the siege of 1569 by Moorish troops; and El Hermitage de la Virgen de las Angustias (19th Century), home to the patron saint of Vera.

In the same plaza and from the same period, is the Ayuntamiento (town hall), which was renovated in the 18th century. In what was once the barracks of the civil guard, this municipal building houses the Ethnographic and Archaeological Museum, detailing history, folklore and local traditions.

The area's only permanent bullring was built in the Mudejar style in 1879 on the Garrucha road. The oldest in Almería province, restored in 1993, it also houses a corrida (bullfight) museum. Vera is the centre of local area government, but it's also known for the local cuisine, both in restaurants and "tapas" bars which are frequented much more by the townsfolk than the tourists.

But don't be fooled into thinking this is a sleepy old town stuck in the past. Vera has merged its history with the requirements of modern life superbly. Saturday is market day where the whole of the main street becomes a market place where you can buy anything from a frying pan to beautiful rugs, handbags, shoes and much more.

The town's jurisdiction extends to the coast, aptly named Vera Playa (Vera Beach). Understandably, this area has undergone much development than the main old town in the last few years, with considerably more to follow.

Set just off the 8 km long and wide sandy Blue Flag beach is the Parque Aquatico, the area's sole water park for the moment (open May to October), featuring a wave pool, slides, flumes and other pools, complete with areas solely for children.

Blue flag Las Marinas beach has its own promenade linking to Garrucha village and excellent facilities. It's also fully accessible for disabled people so that everyone can sunbathe and swim in the sea. Along the coast, Puerto Rey beach has excellent facilities for everyone. It's very busy throughout the summer so a good place for kids to make new friends.