About Almeria
Founded by Abd ar-Rahman III, Emir and Caliphe of Cordoba, in 955, Almeria was established to strengthen the region's Mediterranean defences. Built and designed around its harbour, the city has always looked to the sea and rapidly became wealthy thanks to its silk industry - on top of having a "natural" high value due to its strategic location.
Almeria, Andalucia, Spain: 10 - 12 October, Puerto de Almeria
Almeria grew in terms of regional influence, and the most visible symbol of that golden era, the Alcazaba castle, is today the second largest Moorish fortress of Andalucia behind the legendary Alhambra. Unfortunately, a series of earthquakes devastated the city during the 16th century, and frequent attacks by Berber pirates put its defences to the test... but by the early 18th century Almeria found a new prosperity when iron mines of considerable size were discovered. The economic growth has been particularly spectacular during the 20th century with the development of extensive agriculture, Almeria becoming one of Europe's biggest orchards, while tourism certainly played an important part in the city's expansion. Hosting the Mediterranean Games in 2005 was an important step, and welcoming the iShares Cup is part of the regional government's objective to position Almeria as an international reference on the world map of sailing.
www.andalucia.org
