Poet and translator Lawrence Bohme reminisces on the summer of 1960 and his discovery of the Montefrio which became his home. In the last three essays Laurence returns to Montefrio in 1985, this time to live in the idealic 'Cortijo de los Siete Olivos'.
Huelva and its environs is a Mecca for those interested in Christopher Columbus, with a number of significant tourist attractions relating to the famous explorer. Cristóbal Colón (as he is known in Spain), is thought by most to have been born in Genoa, Italy around 1451.
Pampaneira's history is similar to that of other towns in Granada's Alpujarra region. Due to its geographical isolation, the area developed its own distinctive characteristics, reaching its moment of greatest splendour during the Arab-Andalusian period when it was an important agricultural centre specialising in silk production.
Pórtugos' origins as an urban centre date back to the Roman Empire, as its name clearly has Latin roots, coming from the word 'portus', meaning 'place of passage'. However, no remains from this period have been found. It was during the Muslim period that the region, and Pórtugos in particular, developed.
The earliest known data about human presence in these lands dates back to the Neolithic era (9,000–7,000 BC).
Nevada is the highest and most easterly peak in the Alpujarra and boasts stunning natural landscapes. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to see wild goats, which are one of the animals that best represent the region's alpine fauna.
The earliest record we have of Cástaras comes from a text by the Almerian al-Udri (1003–1085), who lists the name 'Yûz' Qāšturiš' alongside a series of other place names in La Alpujarra.
This municipality, comprising Lobras and Tímar, was founded during the early years of Islamic domination. However, the presence of an inactive mercury mine suggests that there was likely an earlier settlement. This is further supported by the Celtic origin of the place name Lobras and the possible Iberian origin of the place name Tímen (Tímar), as well as some Iberian-Roman archaeological remains found in the municipality. In any case, the earliest written record of Lobras and Tímar is provided by Ben Aljatib (1313–1374), minister to Mohamed V, who cites a twelfth-century writer's description of the Kingdom of Granada.
The history of Laroles dates back to Roman times. The name is thought to derive from the Latin 'laurus' (meaning 'laurel'), although remains of pottery from the Argaric culture have been found in the area.
The exact origins of this village are unknown, but evidence suggests that it dates back to the 13th century. During the period of Muslim domination, Busquístar belonged to the 'yuz' of Ferreyra, and then to the Taha of Ferreyra.
The earliest recorded information about Juviles dates back to the beginning of the Hispano-Muslim era in the eighth century, as evidenced by the fortress (El Fuerte de Juviles) dating from that period. Its location was chosen for strategic reasons, and in times of difficulty it protected the neighbouring towns.
The municipality's history is similar to that of other towns in the Alpujarra region, which has always developed its own distinct culture due to its geographical isolation. This culture reached its zenith during the Andalusian period, when the entire Alpujarra was an important agricultural emporium specialising in silk production.
The origin of the name Bérchules is believed to be derived from the Arabic 'berchul', meaning 'vergél' (garden), possibly due to the abundance of springs, fertile lands and pleasant temperatures, despite the town being situated at an altitude of over 1,300 metres and close to the perpetual snows of the Sierra Nevada.
At the beginning of the Muslim occupation, Cáñar was known as Gebel, and with the administrative division of La Alpujarra it was included within the Taha de Órgiva. After the conquest of Granada and falling into Christian hands, the population was gradually subjected to a pressure that became intolerable. This was followed by the insurrection, led by Abén Humeya.
The town's origins date back to Roman times, and numerous archaeological remains demonstrate its importance during the Muslim period.
The towns of Restábal, Melegís and Saleres did not come together as El Valle until 10 October 1972, when they were united under the same council, which adopted the name El Valle and established its headquarters in Restábal.
The first records of Albondón date back to the Andalusian period, when it flourished due to its dry climate, which made it possible to exploit its lands. The area covered by the municipality contains vestiges of Cave Culture, including important archaeological sites such as the Cueva de las Campanas and the Sima de Los Intentos. In addition to interesting karstic relief, numerous Neolithic artefacts were found here, which are now on display at the Archaeological and Ethnological Museum of Granada.
According to notes by the researcher Henríquez de Jorquera, the origin of Capileira dates from the Gothic period. Antonio Nevot Robles, a Capileira scholar, corroborated this, as the area's place names have a Latin origin.
The name El Padul originates from the Latin words palus and dis, meaning 'lagoon' or 'pond'. During the Arab period, the name was transformed into Al Badul, which over time became El Padul.
Dílar’s history begins long before the arrival of the Arabs in the Iberian Peninsula. In 1850, a hunter discovered an important prehistoric dolmen (a type of single-chamber megalithic tomb), surrounded by a cromlech (a stone circle) of tall stones, close to the Casa Rural.
