Travel Guide Albacete

This provincial capital of more than 172,000 inhabitants is particularly well known for its craftsmanship and industrial know-how in cutlery. A tradition brought by the Moors which became widespread at the end of the 16th century and reached its peak in the 18th century. Today this sector still has 60 companies that still generate many jobs. And the importance of cutlery, classified as a "cultural asset" since 2017, is also reflected in the existence of a museum dedicated to it and in the many knife stores in town. As in France, there is a fear that knives will cut friendship. To avoid this curse, the one who receives it as a gift must give a coin to the giver. The other sign of identity of this city is its feria, declared of international tourist interest. What is less known is that it was the headquarters of the International Brigades and that the aeronautical sector is another engine of its economy, since the city is the headquarters of the NATO pilot school and the Air Maestranza, one of the most important air forces in Spain. At first glance you may not fall in love with Albacete, but give yourself time to appreciate this lively university city and let the charm of its southern Manchegos win you over. So quick to go out and party. Finally, you should know that the largest city in Castilla-La Mancha is surrounded by fields of great natural value. This is where its ancient Arabic name Al-Basit comes from, which means "the plain".