The world’s largest mortar

Macael es un pueblo situado en la provincia de Almería. Es conocido por ser el lugar donde se encuentra el mortero más grande del mundo, hecho de mármol blanco y con una altura de casi cuatro metros. This mortar is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest mortar in the world and has been made with the characteristic marbles of this village.

Macael is a town with a long tradition of marble quarrying and processing, making it one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of marble. It also has numerous operational and abandoned quarries that can be visited to learn more about the origin of marble in the area.

 

Marble Interpretation Centre

Besides the largest mortar in the world, Macael has other tourist attractions that may be of interest to you. One of them is the Macael Marble Interpretation Centre, where you can learn more about the history and culture of marble. Also of note are the different workshops in this town, which will make you feel like a local craftsman learning about its techniques and traditions.

 

Replica of the Fountain in the courtyard of the Lions of the Alhambra

If you are passionate about Andalusian art and Macael marble, you cannot miss the Fuente de los Leones, an exact replica of the famous fountain that adorns the Patio de los Leones in the Alhambra in Granada. This masterpiece is located in the Plaza de la Constitución in Macael, in front of the Town Hall and is a tribute to the material that has made this Almerian town world famous. The fountain is formed by a large circular bowl, supported by twelve lions sculpted with great realism and variety, each lion has its own personality.

 

Church of Santa María del Rosario

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The Parish Church of Santa María del Rosario is a 16th century temple in the Mudejar style which houses works of art of great value and is the centre of the spiritual life of the town. The church was inaugurated in 1609 by the Bishop of Almería Fray Juan Portocarrero. Inside the church you can contemplate several works of art of great interest, such as the carvings of the Recumbent Christ and the Child holding the Virgin of the Rosary, both from the 17th century.

 

Viewpoint of the Virgin of the Rosary

On the other hand, if you want to enjoy breathtaking views of the Almanzora Valley and the beauty of Macael marble, you can’t miss the Virgen del Rosario viewpoint. It is an emblematic and devotional place, where there is a sculpture of the Virgen del Rosario, patron saint of Macael. It is made in the purest and whitest marble of the area by D. José Sabiote Fernández, a local artisan from Macael. It is an ideal place to take photographs, breathe fresh air and feel the peace and protection that the Virgen del Rosario transmits.

 

If you are thinking of visiting Macael, we recommend that you don’t miss its impressive mortar and that you take the opportunity to learn more about this peculiar and amazing town in the Almanzora Valley, combining it with its landscapes and gastronomy.

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