What to do in Macael – Almeria

The route along the path-viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the central core of the Macael quarries. In this deposit are the main marble reserves of all the Spanish State, followed at a considerable distance by those of Huelva. Marble is a metamorphic rock, the result of a recrystallization process, in which conchiferous fossil remains are present. As a result of this process, calcite and dolomite are generated, from the original limestones and dolomites. This metamorphism, in which mechanical, thermal and geochemical factors are present, is generated in underground environments. Its laminar disposition and its mining accessibility are the results of tectonic forces and the dynamics of the creeping mantles of the Betic mountain ranges. All this complex process concludes with the offer of marble, noble material, appreciated and constant presence in the monumental architecture and outstanding since antiquity. It can be observed the difficulty of exploitation, and the technical sophistication and machinery necessary for extraction.

It is an exact replica of the Fountain of the Courtyard of the Lions of the Alhambra, also made in Macael white marble, surely one of the most relevant symbols of the Nasrid legacy. The source is made up of 12 lions, all different in size and detail, but in three groups of four, depending on the similarity of their formal features; Nose, hair of the mane, jaws and position and relief of the tail. The cup, 262 cm in diameter and 49 cm thick made in a single piece, is written in its perimeter 12 verses of the minister and poet Ibn Zamrak describing the source itself. The Fountain of the Lions of Macael is an exclusive piece that is not found in the rest of the World, since at the feet of the lions owns great plates of White Macael marble in which you can read the Arabic verses of the cup translated To Castilian. It is located in the Plaza de la Constitución next to the Nuestra Señora del Rosario Church.

The Plaza de Almería has been transformed into the imposing monumental complex ‘Marmoris’, Latin for marble, which pays homage to the use of white marble in the municipality in Roman times. The square has reproductions in Macael marble of the front colonnade of a temple, a pool, the peristyle of a Roman house, an ornamental fountain, a replica of the mosaic of the planetarium of Italica in Seville and two sculptures, a ‘Chirivello’ for the pool and an imposing sculpture of Neptune for the fountain. More than 400 tons of marble. That is the amount of white marble from Macael used in the remodelling of the Plaza de Almería. The monumental complex ‘Marmoris’ is made up of different elements. The visitor is welcomed by a portico of imposing dimensions made up of 6 Corinthian style columns of almost 8 metres in height with their capitals. At this point is where you can read, in Latin, a legend that says “Plaza de Almería: honour, pride and heritage of our people”, and another one in which the people of Macael thank Cosentino for their involvement in the project for having donated all the marble that has been used in the square (more […]

The marble mortar is a very popular object that has become our tourist icon. Inscribed in the Guinness Book of Records, it is a tribute to the artisans of Macael marble. Prior to the installation of handicraft workshops in the town, at the end of the 19th century, its complete elaboration (from the drawing on a piece of white marble until its carving with pointers and grinding) determined the end of the stage in which the Young people acted as apprentices, to become considered as stonemasons. More recently, it has gained a notoriety thanks to its use by famous chefs in their appearances in gastronomic television programs. Installing in the roundabout of the Avenida de Almería with the Avenida de Ronda is, of course, done in Marble of Macael. The mortar (base) has dimensions of 3.29 mts. Of height, 3,07 mts. Diameter of the mouth and 30.9 tons of weight; While the hand is 4.73 mts. Of height, 0.85 mts. Of diameter and a weight of 5,820 Kg.

Rural Complex Mccoy 📍 Location: Diseminado El Marchal Nº 5, Macael (Almería) VTAR/AL/00910 A rural refuge in the heart of nature Enjoy an unforgettable stay at Complejo Rural Mccoy, a cosy and peaceful space in the heart of Macael, ideal for disconnecting and connecting with nature. Our rural houses Rural House Mccoy 1 🏡 Accommodation with balcony and mountain views 🛏 1 bedroom with single bed and double bed 🛋 Sofa bed in the living room 🍽 Fully equipped kitchen (fridge, coffee machine) 🛁 Bathroom with shower and free toiletries 📶 Wifi and Netflix 🌿 Patio, children’s playground and barbecue area 🚶‍♂️ Activities: hiking, cycling, outdoor swimming pool     Rural House Mccoy 2 🏡 Accommodation with terrace and mountain view 🛏 2 bedrooms and living room 🍽 Fully equipped kitchen (fridge, coffee maker) 🛁 Bathroom with shower and free toiletries 📶 Wifi and Netflix 🌿 Garden and barbecue access 🚶‍♂️ Activities: hiking, cycling, outdoor swimming pool   Discover the tranquillity of Macael Whether for a getaway as a couple, with family or friends, Complejo Rural Mccoy offers you the perfect combination of comfort and nature. 📅 Book your stay and live the rural experience! If you want to add […]