Monuments of Almuñécar and La Herradura

The monument to Phoenicians is located along the upper level of the Paseo del Altillo.  This is a tribute to the Phoenician culture and its contribution to the history of Almuñécar.  It was built after the Phoenician Necropolis was unearthed nearby and their ancient mysteries discovered.

As you enter the town of La Herradura, you will notice a large bronze sculpture along the beach.  This is the Monument to Shipwrecked Sailors.   The deep bay of La Herradura hides the remains of 25 ships of the Spanish Navy, and more than five thousand sailors.  The La Herradura naval disaster occurred on October 19, 1562, due to a very large storm.

As you meander the pedestrian streets of old town Almuñécar, you are bound to happen upon the Calle Real Fountain.  This fountain was originally built in 1559, with remnants of the Roman aqueduct encased in glass beside the fountain.  It 1994, the Calle Real Fountain was restored to its current state.

When visiting Almuñécar, it is almost impossible not to notice the Blas Infante Arches (Puerta de Almuñécar).  As you pass by on the N340, you will see the Blas Infante Arches stand out amidst all of the tall trees.  This is a great meeting point in town, as it is easy to find.

The monument to water is one of the many monuments you will find around town.  This one, in particular, is very interesting to look at.  These are really three separate statues; three bronze torsos (one male and two females) leaping over fountains of water.  Because the artist created without heads or complete bodies, some think they are a work in progress, but we assure you they are complete.

Peñones del Santo is a natural monument with the addition of a man-made cross.  You may climb to the top of Peñones del Santo for vast views of Almuñécar and the beautiful cost of Granada beaches.  There is a large plaza at the top with a very large cross at the highest point.  The surrounding metal railings have become a location for people to leave behind their locks of love.

Picture a sentinel in an old stone watchtower, perched high up on the cliffs of Punta de la Mona.  He can see for miles out to sea and along the coastline, with mountainous lands jetting right into the sea.  He is there protecting the castles and the nearby villages.  There’s nothing but the rocky cliffs with the sea crashing below.  He has means to communicate with the neighboring watchtowers along the coast, via light signals.  This was the life of a watchman back in the 1700’s.