Málaga. España.

May 17, 2008

ALHAMA DE GRANADA

Via the A92 highway from Salar to Moraleda de Zafayona. We can also arrive at the town of Alhama via the A338 road near Bermejales lake and the A-335 road, via the “Boquete of Zafarraya”, the normal approach road to the territory of Alhama. Situated 55 km from Granada capital and inhabited since ancestral times, on cragged sierras, its different settlers surrounded it with walls and a strong defence system propped up with watch towers scattered around it´s the land.

HISTORY

It began as an important settlement largely because of its privileged position, being a natural stopping point on the main route between the Malaga coast and the fertile plain of Granada. The town of Alhama is surrounded by mountains from the ranges of Tejeda – Almijara, which is now a nature reserve. The Alhama river has opened amazing gorges in the rock over millions of years. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Taking advance of the curative powers of the waters, Romans and the Arabs made an important settlement here.
Strategically situated on a peak which overlooks two valleys, it was sought after and, once possessed, jealously guarded by inhabitants. Its rich archaeological legacy includes Neolithic remains found along the banks of the river Marchan, in the old part of the town and near the thermal baths. A visit to the village is a must as it is a stopping point on two of the “Legado Andalusí” routes: the Ibn Battuta route and that of the North American writer Washington Irving. No doubt it is the Muslim age which has had the strongest influence on the old part of town, narrow streets give place to picturesque corners which combine Arabic customs with Castilian forms. The Christian conquest brought new buildings: the Prison, the Public granary, Inquisition House or the church of Santa María de la Encarnacion, which reaches out above the outline of the town. The earthquake in 1884 provoked serious damage which led to new urban planning of straight, wide streets. Very interesting archaeological finds have been made at two country houses (cortijos), “El Navazo” and “El Chopillo”, both about ten kilometres from the town of Alhama.

MONUMENTAL HERITAGE

Roman Bridge.
Inquisition house.
Public Granary.
Prison.
Hospital of the Queen.
Caño Wamba Church of the Encarnation.
Church of Carmen.
Convent San Diego.
Thermal Baths.

FESTIVALS

2 February: bonfires.
The carnaval.
June, festival of Saint Juan.
August: Andalusian Song Festival.
September: Main fair.
Pilgrimage.

NATURAL HERITAGE

Nature reserve of the Sierras Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama.
Sites of botanical beauty and interest, such as La Presa and Tajos deAlhama.
“El Robledal”, “la Alcauca”, “Los Nacimientos” and “Los Barrancones”. “Tacita de Plata”, “La Maroma” “Pozas Bajas” and Valdinfierno gorge.

GASTRONOMY

Olla jameña.
Land wine.
For those with a sweet tooth, the local claretian nuns elaborate a wide variety of tarts and cakes using ancient Arabic recipes.