• The town of Almansa is situated in the south east of the province of Albacete, it is an important junction due to its location among the provinces of Alicante, Valencia and Murcia. It is a high plain which rises 700 metres height above sea level and is surrounded by hills. Almansa forms a natural path between the Castilian plateau and 'Levante' which is known as 'Corredor de Almansa'. This is one of the 17 natural paths of the Iberian peninsula.

• Almansa's population is constantly growing, that can be noticed by its urban development and industrial area. The latter represents an important zone for the establishment of different kinds of business.

History of Almansa

• The first evidence of settlements in the region are dated from V thousand BC and is proved by the prehistoric cave painting of Levantine style. Archaeological sites show some traces of settlements from the Bronze age, 11 thousand BC. The most note worthy trace is found at the top of the hill called 'Cerro de los Cuchillos'.

• Later other civilisations settled in Almansa, traces of an Iberian settlement known as Meca which dates from 1 thousand BC are found at the Mugron hill. This Iberian settlement is considered as one of the most important discoveries with in the area.

• Romans and Greeks also left their mark in Almansa, proof being at the main junction to the town which has been their since the ancient times. Via Heraklea which is one of the main Roman roads, which passes near Almansa.

• Islam comes to the Iberian peninsula and left its mark by the fortress which is at the highest point of th town. This fortress was built at the Almohade period. Almansa stopped belonging to the Muslim religion and became part of the Castile Crown. Due to its important location, Alphonso X gave the population the jurisdiction and other privileges called 'Fueros y franquezas de Requena, Cuenca y Alicante'.

• At the time of Don Juan Miguel, Almansa belonged to his domain which later would come into the Marquisate of Villena with Alphonso of Aragon. This is a period characterized by the successive marquees' intention to become an independent country from the kingdoms of Castilia and Aragon. The end of the marquisate occurred when the war ended between Juana la Beltraneja and Isabelle of Castilia. The marquees took part on the side of Juana la Beltraneja but the people who had been oppressed for a long period by tax, benefited from some of the privileges and advantages offered by the Catholic Monarchs which made the people take part on the latters side.

• In the 16th century, several urban changes were built as the Assumption Catholic church, known as 'Igesia de la Asuncion' and a reservoir. In contrast to the 16th century, the town under went an important decreasing of population due to the emigration in the 17th century.

• The battle of Almansa took place in 1707, on the 25th of April and was one of the most important battles of the War of Spanish succession. This war was fought between the Archduke Charles and Philip duc d'Anjou - the allied forces, lead by Marques de las Minas and Lord Gallway, fought against the forces of Philip V of Spain, lead by Duke of Berwick. The victory by the forces of the Bourbon king allowed them to advance to the Spanish Levante.

Property and living in Almansa

• Although Almansa remains very Spanish, as the trend continues throughout many of the villages in inland rural communities in Spain - Almansa is also benefiting from foreign buyers.

• In comparison to coastal resorts and heavily populated towns and cities, Almansa is value for money when buying a property here, the reason more and more residents of Spain (including ex-pats) is due to cost of living which is constantly rising, to escape the busy costas and to enjoy a better quality of life which Almansa can offer.

• There are a wide variety of properties ranging from new build apartments and villas which are now being constructed to supply the demand and also old typical Spanish country homes, some of which are in need of renovation or modernizing.

• The town offers a typical Spanish way of life for those that are looking to embrace the Spanish culture and get involved with activities and fiestas.

• There are a couple of theatres in Almansa that operate all year round and put on show great shows of Spanish arts and performance, and like all villages, towns and cities of Spain - they enjoy a typical Spanish fiesta.

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Author - Country property specialists Spain, property for sale in Granada & Jaen, Murcia & inland Alicante - Spanish country properties