Pechina – Bayyana, Festivals and Sierra Alhamilla

Pechina was the dominant Bayyana described by Arab geographers, the origin and mother city of Almería.

History and Culture

The Centro de Interpretación de Bayyana contains a model of a water wheel powered by draft animals. Another model depicts an authentic Arab pottery kiln. The Centro de Interpretación de Bayyana conveys Hispano-Muslim culture through the themes of the city, domestic and social life, and spirituality. Silk and ceramics, water and agriculture, and trade are also covered.

The archaeological site of Bayyana preserves a residential district surrounded by a crafts area with pottery workshops and a glass furnace. Access to the archaeological site and the Centro de Interpretación de Bayyana must be arranged with Pechina Town Hall during opening hours. The site includes an ancient cemetery and straight avenues. These avenues divided the city into three areas.

The façade of the Ermita de San Indalecio has a base made of ashlar blocks and a basket-handle arch. The Ermita de San Indalecio has been documented since the 15th century.

Festivals

The Caldo Minero Festival takes place on the first Saturday in August. It includes flamenco performances in the Sierra Alhamilla. The traditional Caldo Minero is also sampled. The festival lasts an entire weekend.

The Verbena Membrillo takes place on the last Sunday in October. It offers traditionally made quince confectionery. The celebration also includes traditional games as played in earlier times.

The celebration of San Indalecio on May 15 includes a procession from the church to the hermitage. During this procession, the saint is carried on a small boat. The Zoco árabe Bayyana takes place in July.

Landscape

At the first foothills of the Sierra Alhamilla, a special irrigated area forms a green oasis amid great aridity. The area offers views of the blue silhouette of the Mediterranean.

The Los Baños de Sierra Alhamilla hiking trail (SL-A 162) leaves Pechina via Fonda, Colón, Bailen, and Rioja streets. On the way to the baths, the trail follows the former route of the railway line. It ends at an oasis amid a dry mountain landscape.

Further Highlights

The Balneario de Sierra Alhamilla uses springs with a temperature of 58 °C. These springs are hyperthermal and are used for drinking cures. Treatments include hydrotherapeutic applications. The Balneario de Sierra Alhamilla was rebuilt in 1777 over Arab and Roman ruins.

El Chorrillo in Pechina was a monumental film set for “Exodus: Gods and Kings” in 2014. The set was later used again for “Game of Thrones” in 2016.

More places to research: La Cañada, Zurgena, Balerma, Alcolea, Lubrín, Las Cunas, Carboneras, Huesa

For the overarching travel overview: Almeria.