The Roman road the Via Augusta passed Chirivel on its route from Cartagena to Cádiz, which indicates the importance of the roman culture in the development of this region, which, in terms of its landscape, is more similar to Granada than to the rest of Almeria.

Groves, terraces, gullies, extensive plains and plateaus, evidence of the fertile riverbanks which have attracted a multitude of civilisations, are an incomparable setting for this quiet, peaceful village of white houses. The typical three storey houses are still there, the last floors being lower, since it was originally used to store grain and cure hams after the slaughter of the pigs. Their thick stonewalls were witness to ancient traditions, such as the typical pastry making of the Moors, crafts using esparto, and the making of honey, all of which are illustrated in the village museum of Contador.

The archaeological site of El Villar is extremely important, and valuable Roman remains such as columns and capitals have been found, as well as a geometric mosaic and domestic dwellings. Also of great interest are the Loma de las Cometas, the remains of the Corridor of Chirivel, the Parish Church of San Isidoro and an ancient Arabic oven which is still in use.