ORIA: “Historical, cultural and natural heritage”
Oria is a municipality with a marked rural character and a great attachment to its traditions, which allows it to maintain the essence of small towns. The roots of tradition in the society of Oriala and the way of life of its inhabitants that allows the visitor to be surprised and discover the charm and uniqueness of a unique town in the Almanzora Valley in many aspects.
Its origins date back to 3000 a.c., remaining remains of Argaric settlements such as “El Picacho” and “El Villar”. However, many of its main monuments and architectural elements date from the Marquesado period of Los Vélez: Minor Basilica Ntra. Sra. De las Mercedes (1779), Ermita Vieja (16th century) or Casa de la Tercia (s. XVIII). We also highlight Arab vestiges such as watchtowers and the remains of a 13th century Alcazaba known as “El Castillo”, completed with the oldest building in the area “Hermitage of San Gregorio”, based on the remains of an old mosque and two beautiful churches such as the Virgen de las Mercedes and San Bartolomé, located in the districts of the Rambla de Oria and Los Cerricos, respectively.
To this brief historical and monumental introduction, we have to accompany an extensive cultural heritage, full of folklore and tradition. The two main acts are the patron saint festivities held in May and August, in honor of San Gregorio and the Virgen de las Mercedes; also highlight numerous festivals and programs linked to dance, traditional folklore, music and literature: “Semana Santa“, XXV Festival of Cuadrillas “Villa de Oria”, “X RockORIA”, “IV Candil de historias”, “V International Festival of Folklore Villa de Oria “,” Book Week “or the famous” VIII Corners of Music and Word “. Mention also traditions as old and unique as surprising: “The Roscos de San Blas“, “Las Lumbres de Vespers (Saint Lucia, San Antón and La Candelaria)”, Masses of Gozo, the Rosary of the Dawn, the “Walk of the Child” “, the” Rise of the Cross “, etc.
Finally, we have to talk about the extraordinary variety of options offered to lovers of activity in the natural environment: hiking, biking (TransAlmería), landscape, etc. We highlight the time of flowering of the almond tree, because the extension and the variety in climatic conditions and consequently that of cultivated varieties, allow to lengthen the flowering time by almost 2 weeks. Not in vain, is considered Oria as the town with the largest area of almond cultivated per m2.
Bearing in mind the summary in previous lines, it can be clearly deduced that any time of the year is good to discover in Oria those details that every visitor pursues when choosing interior tourism: authenticity.