Bédar between Mining History and Waterways

The Ruta de la Minería leads through former mines in Bédar, past the chimneys of smelting works and through landscapes connected with the town’s industrial mining history. In this way, its route links the traces of former mining activity with the landscapes in which this history is rooted.

Hoyo Júpiter is an open-pit mine and one of the outstanding points on the Ruta de la Minería in Bédar. Cargadero Tres Amigos is the starting point of this route. In the past, the cargadero was also the starting point of the railway towards Garrucha. Thus, the present-day route and the former railway connection towards Garrucha meet at this named starting point.

History

The Ermita de Serena was originally built as a mosque. After the Christian conquest of Bédar, it was converted into a chapel for Christian worship. Castillo El Castillico is associated with medieval Arab military activity.

Fuente Temprana is located next to Bédar’s historic washhouse. In the past, it served for many years as a water supply point and meeting place. At this location, the washhouse, the spring and its former function within the water supply system are therefore directly connected.

Culture

A monument honouring Bédar’s miners stands in Plaza de San Gregorio. The square is also known as Plaza del Minero. The monument was inaugurated in 2005. As the Balcón del Levante, the square is also a viewpoint overlooking large parts of the Levante Almeriense. The square’s various names thus bring together the memory of the miners and views across the Levante Almeriense.

The Fiesta de la Virgen de la Cabeza honours the municipality’s patron saint. It includes a re-enactment of the struggle between Moors and Christians. There is music throughout the festival weekend, while residents wear traditional costumes. The May celebrations in honour of San Gregorio include the blessing and distribution of traditional roscos. Both festivals therefore preserve their own named elements of local tradition, from the re-enactment and costumes to the blessing and roscos.

Water and Routes

The Ruta del Agua de Bédar is a short route through the town’s Vega. The route is suitable for families. The Vega is irrigated, and its lush vegetation is sustained by a system of water reservoirs and irrigation channels. This route therefore focuses not only on the Vega’s plant life but also on the infrastructure supplying its water. It connects the short distance with the visible elements of this irrigation system and the vegetation sustained by it.

Event

The Ruta de los Sentidos takes place regularly in Bédar. It is normally held on the second weekend of August. It includes guided groups and several stations. There are also surprise performances that change each year. The set period and the changing performances are therefore just as much part of its described character as the groups and stations.

Other Places

Other destinations in Andalusia: Huércal de Almería, Agua Amarga, Oria, Beires, Villaricos, Los Navarros, Roquetas De Mar, Instinción.

To the higher-level travel overview: Almeria.