ALMERA

province in the autonomous community (region) of Andalusia, southeastern Spain, bordering the Mediterranean. Formed in 1833, it has an area of 3,388 sq mi (8,774 sq km). Primarily mountainous, it is crossed by sierras in which terminate successive zones of the Penibtico Mountain System. The intervening valleys of the Adra, Almanzora, and Andarax rivers provide the only fertile land. Despite a low rainfall, several important irrigation systems have considerably increased cultivation. The infrequency of cloud cover over the province (unusual in Europe) made it the site in 1979 of a major Spanish-West German astronomical observatory at Calar Alto. Fruit growing is the principal agricultural activity, and large quantities of oranges and white grapes are exported. Olive oil, cane and beet sugar, almonds, and esparto are also produced. Livestock is raised, especially sheep. Mineral resources include iron, lead, and gold, and fine marble is quarried in the Sierra Nevada of the Penibtico. There is a flourishing ceramics industry at Njar. Tourism is of importance because of the year-round resort areas along the Mediterranean coast. The village of Tabernas became in 1980 the site of two 500-kilowatt solar power plants that were to be among the world's most advanced at their completion. Communications focus on Almera, the provincial capital and seaport. Other chief towns are Adra, Berja, Cuevas del Almanzora, Hurcal-Overa, and Garrucha. Pop. (1988 est.) 454,304. port city and capital of Almera province, in the autonomous community (region) of Andalusia, southern Spain, on the Mediterranean Golfo de Almera. Known to the Romans as Urci or Portus Magnus and to the Moors as al-Mariyah (Mirror of the Sea), it was captured by the Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella of Castile in 1489. Historic landmarks include the Gothic cathedral (152443), built in the form of a fortress; the bishop's palace and seminary in the Moorish Alcazaba (fortress), built in 773 by the Amir of Crdoba, 'Abd ar-Rahman I, on the site of a Phoenician settlement; and the ruined Castillo de San Cristbal, which overlooks the city and harbour. Almera's architecture and dazzling brightness give it a Moroccan rather than a European appearance. The mild and sunny climate, which permits year-round swimming, gives Almera its claim to be the resort centre of the Costa de La Luz (part of the Spanish Mediterranean coast). After 1960 the locale became popular with filmmakers, stimulating the building of hotels and the growth of airport facilities. Industrial activities include metalworking, canning and salting of fish, refining of oil and sulfur, and manufacture of chemicals. A major cement complex (including quarry, plant, and port) was built in the late 1970s at Carboneras Beach. The port, which is sheltered and equipped with modern facilities, is especially busy from August to December because of the export of oranges and grapes. Pop. (1982 est.) 124,925.