Almanzora

Almanzora is now a small village in the province of Almería, Spain. Its name, derives from the Arabic al-Mansura, "place of victory", and has been passed on from the once administrative center of the area to the river which flows through it, all be it, only after a big rainstorm.

The area has been settled at least since Roman times. In 1436, during the Reconquista, an expedition of Murcians conquered the city from Muslim rule. In 1753, the town was the hub of the Comarca of Almanzora (valley commerce), and in the 19th century Antonio Abellán y Peñuela was made Marquis of Almanzora and a palace was built.

As in many rural areas of Andalusia, there was much emigration during the 20th century. The once prosperous town was mostly deserted and administration of the remaining population is via the town hall in nearby Cantoria. The palace fell into ruin but recently has benefitted from some restoration works.

The economy has traditionally been mainly agricultural, especially citrus fruits, with lemons as an important export crop. The area is also noted for its artisanal breads. Recent immigration from the UK has caused something of a construction boom and there has also been a rise in rural tourism (farm stays, etc.).