General

Cantoria is a village belonging to the area of Valle del Almanzora, in the marble zone. This is the principal economic resource of the village, especially the transformation of the stone. It also has a fertile plain.

The village is situated on the banks of the river  Almanzora and is of new design, in straight lines, with straight streets and uniform houses. The Parish Church is a focal point as it stands out above the houses. In the dependent municipality of Almanzora is the Palace of the Marquis of Almanzora, a beautiful example of  neoclassical architecture.

• Distance from the capital (km): 92

• Altitude above sea level (m): 382

• Area (km²): 79

• No of inhabitants: 3206

History

The origin of its name is not clear. For some, the Arabs called it Canturia. For others, it is related to the neighbouring Oria, a Castilian name.

Cantoria was a primitive Arabic-andalusi population settled in the XII century. From these times, only a few remains of the old fort are preserved in the place called Piedra de lugar viejo. The current site of the village was settled on between the years 1570 and 1573.

With the Christian conquest, the Catholic Monarchs  gave it the title of Villa on their way through towards the conquest of Granada. The Marquis of Los Velez bought it together with Partaloa for two and a half million maravedies (old Spanish coin) in the year 1515.

The Marquis of los Velez tried to put down the Moorish rebellion (1568–1570). The resistance of Cantoria was epic. It was don Juan of Austria who ended the conflict. Once the war was over, the Moors were expelled from the kingdom of Granada.

The village of Cantoria is of new design; it emerged in the Modern Era and therefore its urban structure has a homogeneous form of straight lines  the main axes  of which converge on the Square. Currently, apart from agriculture, there is one of the largest marble companies in the province of Almeria in Cantoria. 

Cuisine

Gazpacho cantoriana (Cold tomato and garlic soup). Migas (Bread fried with garlic and spicy sausage). Arroz con conejo (Rice with rabbit). Cocido de morcilla (Stew with black pudding). Conejo al ajillo (Rabbit in garlic). Tortilla de ajos (Garlic omelette). Patatas bocabajo (Upside down potatoes). Patatas con ajo (Potatoes with garlic). Carne en salsa cantoriana (Meat in sauce).

Festivals

• Festival of San Antonio Abad, 17 January. During this festival bonfires are made in the village and everything that is of no use is burnt; after the bonfires firewoks are launched from carts

• Festival of San Cayetano, from 6 to 9 August, in honour of the joint Patron

• Livestock Fair, end of November