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Places in Spain - Albacete
Located in southeastern Spain within the region of Castile La Mancha, Albacete is the capital of the province by the same name. It's one of those cities that many have passed by, en route to a more important destination. Indeed, few tourists stop, which is a shame really as the city has a great deal to offer.
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Albacete has gained the reputation as one of the major industrial hubs of Spain although its not always been the case. Recently the industrial area in Albacete has expanded and the Poligono de Campollano is one of the largest industrial parks in Spain. The biggest industry here is the manufacture of metalwork such as scissors, knives and fine daggers. There's also a large assembly plant for Eurocopter, one of the world's leading helicopter manufacturers. |
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As well as the important industry, Albacete, along with nearby Ciudad Real, has one of the main campuses of the University of Castilla la Mancha with an estimated 10,000 students in its schools here. Albacete is a modern, thriving and vibrant city.
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For those who do find the time for a visit, they will not be disappointed, for Albacete is a beautiful city. It's impecably clean and tidy and there are some important monuments. Albacete has a long standing history, dating back to 1269 when it was just a small village. Over the centuries Albacete has been conquered and changed hands several times. Each time its prosperity grew. In 1526 Albacete was governed by Isabella of Portugal, the wife of Charles V. It was at this time that construction started on the Church of Saint John the Baptist, which was later to become a cathedral. |
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Albacete's prosperity continued, mainly due to its strategic position between Madrid and southern Spain. The railway arrived in 1855 and in 1888 it became the first provincial capital to have electric lighting.
The Cathedral of San Juan de Albacete was built around 1515 but was only finished in 1960 when the lateral facade was added. During the Spanish civil war, the bells were melted down only to be replaced in 1947 by the current bells. It received its cathedral status in 1949. The cathedral makes for a wonderful visit. |
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The Museo de Albacete is one of the best museums in the province and is dedicated to archaeology and fine art. It has existed here since 1927 and moved into its present building in 1978. It houses a fine collection of Roman and pre-Roman artefacts as well as pieces by contemporary artists. |
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Albacete has managed to retain several large public spaces such as the main park which is shaded by tall trees. This is the most pleasant place to sit in the heat of the summer. Locals use this park as a meeting place, especially on a Sunday when it can be packed with families. There are several outdoor cafes and restaurants.
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The large number of students in Albacete has fueled a growth in cultural activities such as clubs and associations and helped the spread of fine tapas bars and restaurants. The main festival in Albacete in September features 10 days of music, dance and food. Its one of the most important fiestas in the region.
Albacete is also known the world over for its quality bullfights. The Plaza de Torros (Bullring) is a fabulous work of art. |
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The Municipal Knife Making Museum, open since 2004, has become a main attraction in Albacete.
This museum has two distinct areas: the first offers an Historical Collection showing the evolution of the art of knife making over the centuries, and another offers the best pieces produced by the industry in Albacete in the last century, under the auspices of the Association on Knife Makers and Sharpeners of Albacete.
Plaza de la Catedral s/n, 02001
Albacete (Albacete)
Phone: 967 616 600
Fax: 967 616 601
Email: reservas@museo-mca.com
Website: www.museo-mca.com
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The main post offices of Albacete are:
Bernabe Cantos, 40, Tel: 967 550 393
Cronista Mateo y Sotos,10, Tel: 967 217 331
Av.Primero de Mayo, S/N (CARREFOUR), Tel: 967 229 599
(POLIGONO INDUSTRIAL CAMPOLLANO), Tel: 967 214 115 |
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| Police, Albacete |
Emergencies 092 / General Tel 967 596 126 |
| Fire brigade, Albacete |
Emergencies 080 / General Tel 967 596 108 |
| General emergencies |
112 |
| Tourist Office, Albacete |
Tel 967 580 522 |
| Knife making museum |
Tel 967 616 600 |
| Albacete Museum |
Tel 967 228 515 |
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Bus station Albacete - Tel 967 216 012
Train station Albacete - Tel 967 210 202
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Public holidays in Albacete
January 1: New Year, January 6: Epiphany; March 20: Saint Joseph's day; May 31: Castile-La Mancha Day; May 1: Labour Day; August 15: Assumption; October 2: National day of Spain (Columbus Day); November 1: All Saints Day; December 6: Spanish Constitution Day, December 8: Immaculate Conception, December 25: Christmas Day.
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