The Unique History of Almería’s Bullring

It is one of the most beautiful bullrings in Spain, but beyond its striking charm, Almería’s arena has a story unlike any other — one that sets it apart from similar buildings. Would you like to discover it?

The bullring on Avenida de Vilches is one of the most beautiful and distinctive in Andalusia. What makes it truly different is that it is privately owned. Unlike most bullrings, which belong to the local council, provincial authority or regional government, Almería’s arena is the property of the Cuesta family.

This is because González Canet, great-grandfather of the current owners, took part in the original construction company. The bullring later passed to their grandfather, González Egea, and then to González Montoya, mother of the three brothers who now look after the arena: José Antonio, Francisco and Manuel Cuesta González, the latter acting as their representative.

Inaugurated in 1888, it was declared a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC) in the Monument category on 20 January 2021, recognised as a building of exceptional beauty with more than 130 years of history. It has two tiers and can hold more than nine thousand spectators. The chapel, infirmary, two corrals, the smaller pen for the veterinary inspection of the bulls, eight holding pens, as well as the stables, porter’s lodge and administrative offices, make up the rest of its facilities.

Its construction was part of the urban expansion that took place in the mid-19th century, when the city grew following the demolition of its walls, in a prosperous period driven by trade and mining. This expansion brought an atmosphere of wellbeing, reflected in the creation of leisure buildings — among them, one dedicated to bullfighting.

But the arena has not only hosted bullfights. Musical recitals, open-air cinema, boxing nights and basketball games have all been regular events, in addition to the Feria de la Virgen del Mar, one of Spain’s most notable summer fairs in August. Since its opening on 26 August 1888 with a bill featuring Rafael Molina “Lagartijo” and Luis Mazzantini — two leading matadors of the era who fought bulls from Veragua — the greatest bullfighters of every generation have stepped into this ring.

The building stands out for its classical architectural elements, while incorporating Neo-Mudéjar references such as horseshoe arches and twin-arched windows. Its main entrance is crowned with a bull’s head sculpture, beside which stands a monument dedicated to the most famous bullfighter born in the city: Julio Gómez “Relampaguito”. Born in 1884, he took his alternativa in this very ring in 1907, with Bombita acting as his sponsor — the same matador who confirmed his status in Madrid a year later.

The bullring was managed for 65 years by Casa Chopera, which organised its bullfighting seasons from 1965 until the break caused by the pandemic. After that pause, the Basque impresarios were succeeded by the Sevillian promoter José María Garzón, who ran the venue from 2022 to 2025.

From 2026 onwards, the company Funtausa — led by Toño and Jorge Matilla — will take charge of managing this monument. The Cuesta family continue to care for and maintain the building with great affection, refusing to entertain speculative offers despite receiving many over the years, as they understand that, beyond their sentimental bond, the bullring forms part of the heritage of this wonderful city.