Llano de Los Olleres: Church, Art and the Ruta del Agua

Llano de Los Olleres brings together a votive church whose history dates back to a vow made during the 1860 cholera epidemic, the historic Los Pozos and the Ruta del Agua. This gives you two distinct themes to consider when choosing a destination: the history of the church and its festivals on the one hand, and water management and landscape on the other.

The votive church and its history

The Iglesia Parroquial y Votiva de Nuestra Señora del Carmen del Llano de los Olleres originated in a vow made by local residents during the 1860 cholera epidemic. Construction of the church lasted from 1869 to 1872. Later dates mark further milestones: on September 3, 1973, it was granted the status of a parish church; on December 16, 2017, following several restorations and the complete renewal of its furnishings, it was consecrated. The vow, construction period, elevation to parish status and consecration represent different chapters in its history.

The architecture and works of art also shape the church’s character. A single-nave church forms the main space; it also has a choir loft and a century-old iron railing that separates the altar platform. The main altarpiece was designed by the Molina brothers and includes a painting by Rosa María Pardo Mármol. The church also houses three Portuguese-style ceramic altarpieces, along with important images of saints and paintings from the 18th century. Together, these elements bring different aspects into focus: the layout of the church interior, the design of the altarpiece and works of art from different periods.

Festivals and religious traditions

Llano de los Olleres’ main festivals are held on July 16, the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. There are also festivals in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua. The visits of the Pequeñica to Albox take place on a different schedule: every five years, the sacred image is venerated in the church in Llano de los Olleres. If you want to plan your trip around a celebration, the exact date matters; in particular, the Pequeñica visits follow a five-year cycle.

Los Pozos and the Ruta del Agua

Los Pozos del Llano de los Olleres reflect the area’s former use of water. They collected and regulated water from the springs of Llano de los Olleres and La Chinica; today, they are no longer in use. As an emblematic historic site in Albox, they are also visited on the Ruta del Agua. The wells’ former purpose and their connection to the route today are two distinct aspects of the same place: one tells the story of water collection, while the other places Los Pozos along a route.

The Ruta del Agua reaches Llano de los Olleres after 3.7 kilometers and branches again at the settlement. At the fork, the right-hand option follows the rambla. Another view of the landscape can be enjoyed from a viewpoint on the Ruta del Agua overlooking Llano de los Olleres: from there, you can see where the Rambla meets the Cañada de Bentandux and the extensive reed beds. The route information thus offers both a specific point of reference and an impression of the landscape features you can see along the way.

You can weigh up these themes as you plan your trip: the church brings together architectural, artistic and festival history, while the Ruta del Agua focuses on water management, the route and the landscape. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can start by deciding which of these themes best suits your stay.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: San Isidro de Níjar, La Breña, Cuevas Del Almanzora, El Saltador Bajo, Olula Del Río, Carboneras, Chirivel, Garrucha

Return to the main travel overview: Almeria.