Almería City Council

Almería City Council sits on Plaza de la Constitución in Almería, a square locals simply call Plaza Vieja — the oldest and most central gathering point in the city's historic quarter.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The town hall stands right in the middle of old Almería, an easy walk from the cathedral and the main shopping streets. Nearly every corner of the historic center is within walking distance, so there's no real need for buses or taxis to reach it. The square itself works as a natural starting point for exploring further: narrow streets fan out from here toward the La Chanca quarter and up to the Alcazaba fortress.

What's the story behind this square?

Plaza de la Constitución traces its origins to the Andalusi period, when the site hosted the city's market souk. Everything changed after the devastating earthquake of 1522, which flattened large parts of Almería — the city council relocated its headquarters to this square in the aftermath, and the location has served as the administrative heart of the city ever since. The current town hall building was designed in 1902 by Trinidad Cuartara, an architect born in Almería, giving the city a civic centerpiece that matched its growth as a port town at the turn of the century. Earlier still, from 1842 onward, the buildings ringing the square were remodeled: balconies gave way to porticoes and terraces, unifying the look of the entire square.

What should you look out for?

The façade is built in an eclectic style, blending architectural references typical of Spain around 1900 into one coherent composition. The most striking feature is the tower, topped by a hemispherical dome housing a clock and the city's coat of arms. Hidden inside that tower is a curiosity: a carillon that periodically plays "Fandanguillo de Almería," a tune composed by Gaspar Vivas as a musical tribute to the city. Step past the entrance and the building offers a grand marble staircase and a formal chamber where the city council holds its sessions.

When is the best time to visit?

The square and its town hall can be visited year-round, but spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. In the evening, once the sun goes down, the illuminated façade and clock tower become a landmark visible from several streets across the old town.

What else is nearby?

Plaza de la Constitución makes a convenient base for further sightseeing: cafés and terraces line the square for people-watching, and from here it's a short walk to Almería Cathedral and up to the Alcazaba hilltop fortress, which offers sweeping views over the city and its port.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors go inside the town hall? The building actively houses the working city council, so interior access is generally limited to office hours and specific occasions; the square and façade, however, are open to view at any time of day.

What does "Plaza Vieja" mean? It's the everyday nickname for Plaza de la Constitución, reflecting its status as the oldest public square in Almería's historic center, in continuous use since well before the modern era.

What is the carillon in the tower? It's a bell mechanism that plays "Fandanguillo de Almería," composed by Gaspar Vivas, at set intervals — a distinctive musical touch that sets this town hall apart from others in the region.

Is it worth combining with other sights in the old town? Yes — the square sits within walking distance of both the cathedral and the Alcazaba, so it fits naturally into any walking route through Almería's historic center.