BEIRES
Beires is a perfect destination for a relaxing break or to enjoy the great outdoors. A place where you can relax in total tranquility, this rustic village forms part of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park. It has about 110 inhabitants.
HISTORY
Beires is divided into two districts by the Barranco del Nacimiento; Zambron and Beires. It is one of the least populated villages of the province. Its origin is unknown but it is known that, with the conquest of the Catholic Monarchs, its inhabitants remained in the village and maintained their property. After the Moorish uprising they were expelled in 1570 and their property, which was confiscated, passed into the hands of the new population of Christians.
The main economic activity has traditionally been agriculture, especially dessert grapes, almonds and oil. At the beginning of the century mining activity started. The mineral was transported by overhead cable to the Doña María y Ocaña railway station. This mining activity ceased in the seventies.
THINGS TO SEE
Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia
The Church was built between 1676 and 1679 by Pedro de Cerezuela to replace the old one, which in 1673 had to be propped up by what the master of masonry Pedro López was on the cusp of Cerro de Beires. The conditions for the construction were given by the Church Vendor of the Archbishopric, José Granados de la Barrera, in 1676. In December 1679 the transfer was made from the old Church, while the master bricklayer would keep the usable materials of the old Church. The new Church is rectangular in plan, with a tower at the head and armor of the Mudejar tradition. In 1745, Indalecio Guiot made works and repairs, but the most important intervention occurred in 1782 with the construction of the new head with a transept. Possibly coinciding with this expansion, the tower was raised with a new body of bells. It is a clear example of the transformations that rural churches have suffered throughout the Modern Age as a consequence of the increase in population and the change in aesthetic tastes. Located on Calle Reducto.
Plaza
The main square in Beires is also worth a mention, as it offers spectacular views ranging from the Sierra de Gádor to the Cabo de Gata.
THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE
Ermita de los Desemparados
The seventeenth century Chapel is shared by Beires, Almócita and Padules. Located south of the town, off the A-348.
Castillo
The Moorish Castle particularly stands out, however it has almost disappeared; leaving only remains of what was once the structure. It was declared a Site of Cultural Interest with the Category of Historical Monument and in 1993 the Junta de Andalucía gave special recognition to the Castle.
La Pileta
The water in the pool comes from a small mine that fills this small reservoir. Initially the reservoir was used to collect water for a few of the town’s irrigations, but as time went by it has become a place of leisure. Inhabitants of the town have bathed here over the years, even attracting inhabitants from other towns as the water is said to have curative effects, although one must be warned it is extremely cold.
COUNTRYSIDE WALKS
An abundance of chestnut trees and a rich variety of flora and fauna provide a perfect place to hike, reaching right up to the recreation area of Fuente del Nacimiento. It is situated close to the Barranco de Nacimiento, which separates the two neighbourhoods of the village which you can get to via a stone bridge which dates back to the seventeenth century.
HANDICRAFTS
Arts and crafts in the village consist mainly of metalwork and forgery.
GASTRONOMY
Dishes to try when visiting Beires are migas (fried breadcrumbs served with pork), virrutas (angel hair pasta stew), potaje de hinojos (fennel soup), panecillos de bacalao en Semana Santa (Easter cod dumplings), trigo alpujarreño (wheat stew). Sweet treats include papajotes (sugar dumplings), arroz con leche (rice pudding) and turrón (almond nougat). One can also enjoy the locally grown fruit such as oranges, apples, cherries and grapes.
FESTIVALS
Popular festivals in Beires are Fiestas de San Roque, Semana Cultural and Semana Santa. More>
NEARBY PLACES
The neighbouring villages to Beires are Almócita, Padules, Ohanes and Fondón.
