The Almería viewpoint that will make you feel like you're in Rio de Janeiro: "It has stunning panoramic views of the coast."

Within the province of Almería, there's a corner that surprises everyone who visits it. It's the Mirador del Espíritu Santo , a place that, due to its height, its history, and its symbolic image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, inevitably recalls the famous Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro . But with a special twist, as here, in addition to incredible views, the history of a vanished city is preserved.

Located 148 meters above sea level, this viewpoint offers one of the most complete panoramic views of the Almería coast . From the top, you can see both the sea and the valley below, with the present-day city of Vera at your feet. And although it's a peaceful place today, it wasn't always so.

The Mirador del Espíritu Santo stands on the remains of Bayra , an ancient Hispano-Muslim city founded by the Arabs. It was reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1488, a key moment in the future of the region. Bayra once had a certain strategic and commercial importance, but its history took an unexpected turn when, on November 9, 1518, a powerful earthquake almost completely destroyed it .

It was then that it was decided to rebuild the city in a safer area , giving rise to the Vera we know today. Curiously, despite the passage of time and destruction, the remains of its castle and walls can still be visited . They were built by the Muslims on much older foundations, dating back to the Copper Age and Roman times.

Today, this site has come alive again as a lookout point and cultural center. Since 1949, the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus has stood at its summit, dominating the landscape and visible from many points in the region. At its feet, the archaeological remains have been protected and declared a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC) by the Andalusian Regional Government since 2004.

One of the most unique spots is the old Muslim cistern , which was transformed into a hermitage in the 15th century. This space has now been converted into an Interpretation Center for the Medieval City of Bayra, where the history of the site is displayed through panels, archaeological remains, and historical documents.

The visit is not limited to the interior of the center, but the entire route around the hill is dotted with information panels that accompany you between ruins and natural viewpoints .

The comparison with Christ the Redeemer is not gratuitous. As in Rio, here you can enjoy a 360-degree view , with the figure of the Sacred Heart dominating the horizon. The difference is that, in this case, what you're looking at is the Mediterranean Sea in Almería , its fields, mountains, and the urban center of Vera, instead of the great Brazilian city.

The Mirador del Espíritu Santo is a must-see if you're on a tour of Almería. It's easily accessible by car from the center of Vera, and the climb to the viewpoint, though short, has that special quality that makes the visit worthwhile. It's also one of those sites that hasn't yet been invaded by mass tourism, so a visit is sure to be worthwhile.