Arboleas

ARBOLEAS

Arboleas is home to many archaeological sites which show that man was present here during prehistoric times. Today, the town has around 4500 inhabitants.

HISTORY

Archaeological remains indicate that settled populations inhabited the site of Arboleas as far back as the Neololithic and Bronze ages. Beyond this, we also find Argaric, Phoenician, Carthaginian and Roman remains. However, as with so many parts of Andalucia, it was the Muslim occupation which left the most lasting impression on the area, visible today in the forms of popular architecture, gastronomy, habits and customs. More>

 

THINGS TO SEE

Iglesia Parroquial de Santiago
The Church was built in the mid-nineteenth century by the architects López Rull and Ortiz de Villejos in the neoclassical style. It has three Gothic oculos as well as a series of interior vaulted arches. Between the central and lateral naves are iron columns designed to imitate marble. This modern detail is the product of local iron mines and the emergence of various local foundry industries. The church is located on Calle de la Iglesia.

Mirador de Limaria
This viewpoint is a balcony that looks out over wonderful vistas of the Almanzora Valley, and can be visited in Barriada de Limaria.

Museo Pedro Gilabert
The Museum was opened in 2003, and is dedicated to the brilliant local artist Pedro Gilabert, born in Arboleas in 1915. The permanent collection is made up of 142 sculptures carved in olive wood by Gilabert. As well as two permanent exhibition halls, the museum has an auditorium and two additional halls dedicated to temporary showings. Thanks to these facilities, the Pedro Gilabert Museum has an extensive program of temporary exhibitions throughout the year and serves as a setting for various municipal and regional cultural activities. The museum is located on Plaza Pedro Gilabert.

Opening Times:
Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 10:00.14:00hrs
Wednesday and Thursday, 16:00-20:00hrs
Price: Free entry

Tel: 950 63 43 91

Torre Vigía de Arboleas
The watchtower dates from the twelfth century (Nasrid period). It is possible that it is a minaret of an existing mosque in Arboleas. The watchtower is one of those distributed along the entire Almanzora riverbed. Unlike the others, which are circular, it has an octagonal structure, which suggests that may have been rebuilt in the Muslim era, due to its shape and colour. Located on Calle Mezquita.

Accommodation

Given that Arboleas is a small, rural village, accommodation and hotels can be hard to come by. Shown below is a local guesthouse located in the centre, however there are more options in the neighbouring villages and towns of Zurgena and Albox.

Hostal Mesón Arboleas
Hostal Mesón Arboleas

This heated guest house is located in central Arboleas and offers double rooms including a TV, minibar and private bathroom. Breakfast is included and it also has a restaurant and shared lounge area. There are bicycles available for all guests.

 

GASTRONOMY

The highlight dishes of the local gastronomy are those made with local produce, especially vegetables. The town has many orange trees which create a lovely smell of citrus blossom across the town. Another achievement of Arboleas is the artesan production of wines, greatly admired by the neighbouring towns. The local paella is also particularly good.

HANDICRAFTS

When looking for local handicrafts in Arboleas, the name of Pedro Gilabert again stands out; the famous sculptor’s wooden figures are on show in the museum, but his craft continues today as many other residents dedicate themselves to making wooden furniture.

FESTIVALS

Popular festivals in Arboleas are the Fiesta de San Roque, Holy Week and Fiesta en Honor a la Virgen del Pilar. More>

NEARBY PLACES

The neighbouring villages to Arboleas are Cantoria, Albox and Zurgena.

Destinations