town hall of Laujar de Andarax

The town hall of Laujar de Andarax occupies the Plaza Mayor de las Alpujarras, right at the heart of this Alpujarra town in Almería province. It is one of the most recognisable buildings in the old quarter and a natural starting point for exploring Laujar de Andarax on foot.

What is there to know about the building?

The current town hall was built in 1792 in neoclassical style, commissioned by the municipal authorities at the end of the 18th century. Its three-storey exposed-brick facade is defined by nine semicircular arches on the ground floor, giving the building an open, rhythmic look typical of town halls from that period in the region. A small bell tower crowns the structure — for generations it has marked the hours and served as a point of reference for locals organising their working day in the fields and around town.

Unlike many 18th-century town halls in small Alpujarra villages, which have since moved to newer premises, this building has continuously housed the local government of Laujar de Andarax, keeping its original civic function intact.

How do you get there?

Laujar de Andarax sits in the Almería Alpujarra, roughly an hour's drive inland from the city of Almería along the road that follows the Andarax river valley into the mountains. The easiest way to navigate is simply to head for Plaza Mayor de las Alpujarras, the town's central square around which most of its landmarks, cafés and services are clustered. A car is by far the most practical option, since public bus connections from larger cities are infrequent and usually require a change.

Once you reach the centre, everything around the town hall is walkable — park nearby and explore the square and surrounding streets on foot.

What will you see there?

The main draw is the facade itself: the symmetrical run of arches, the proportions of the three storeys, and the modest but striking bell tower combine into one of the most photographed views in town. The square in front of the building is a natural place to pause during a walk through the old quarter, since the parish church and other historic buildings are only a short stroll away — easy to combine into a single loop around the centre.

Because the building is still in active administrative use, the interior is generally not open to visitors. The visit is really about the exterior architecture and the atmosphere of the square, which looks especially good in the afternoon when the light catches the brick facade.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) are the best months, when temperatures in the Alpujarra are mild and the mountain scenery around town is at its greenest. Summers can get very hot, particularly around midday, so it is worth planning a visit to the square for the morning or evening. Winters in Laujar de Andarax are cooler, but that also means fewer visitors and a quieter look at the building.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the town hall? The building is an active seat of local government, so the interior is not generally open to tourists — visits focus on the facade and the square outside.

Is there an entrance fee? No, viewing the exterior and walking around Plaza Mayor de las Alpujarras is free.

Is it worth combining with other sights? Yes — the town hall sits right in the old quarter, close to the parish church and other historic buildings, so it fits naturally into a short walking route through the centre.

What is the best way to reach Laujar de Andarax? By car is most convenient, since the town lies in the Almería Alpujarra mountains and public transport connections from larger cities are limited.