Málaga. España.

May 17, 2008

VILLANUEVA DE MESIAS

As one approaches the village, one is struck by the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Centenarian poplars surround you and the sound of water from the irrigation channels murmurs in your ears and one immediately notices the flatness of the surrounding land, which is broken only by the grooves on the land surface made by the streams and channels. The village is situated at the most westerly point of Granada´s fertile plain and is within the territory of Loja. Dedicated to olive growing and market-garden cultivation, it conserves the irrigation system inherited from the Andalusí epoch.

HISTORY

Though its origin goes back to the Arab occupation of the village, the first documents alter the reconquest show that the first settlers established themselves around a comercial post “del Río”, named “Cabo de las Ventas en los Tajos de la Granja”. In later documents another commercial post is mentioned, this time situated above the fortress of Tájara. During the Arab occupation, there weree over 300 mills, hamlets and small farms in the surrounding area. To the right there was a mill which must have been situated near Cerro Colorado.

GASTRONOMY

Local gastronomy is characterised by an abundante of pulses, which give rise to recipes Duch as:
Potato and oranges “remojón, Fresh salads, “Porra malena”
Stewed snails, Pork sausage and other products, asparagus sauces.

FESTIVALS

2 nd February, bonfires and carnaval
25th April, pilgrimage of Saint Mark
May, celebration of the Cross.
Last week in July, celebration of Santiago.
End of October: cattle fair.

MONUMENTAL HERITAGE

Dam.
Tahona o Pósito (SXVII).
Arroyo de los Pinares.
Sistemas de Riego Andalusí.
Iglesia Parroquial de Ntra. Sra. la Aurora de estilo mudéjar.
Merece especial atención la panorámica desde la Plaza del Visillo junto al paraje denominado la Presa donde se va de San Marcos.

NATURAL HERITAGE

Its uniform geography is characterised by high hills around the ravines of Arroyo de la Verdeja, La Torre and Los Pinares. In the centre of the village there are several recently channelled springs which cross the village before flowing into the Genil. The surrounding landscape is chiefly agricultural and banks of Mesomediterranean vegetation, with poplars and elm trees. Visitors can take advantage of splendid walks along the wooded avenues which follow the river Genil, which are dotted with small-holdings and cool orchards.