Benizalón

BENIZALÓN

Benizalón has an Arab past which is evident in its centre, with narrow and cobbled streets flanked by whitewashed houses. It has about 250 inhabitants.

HISTORY

The first reliable data on the occupation of the area dates from the Moorish era. After the expulsion of the Moors from the Kingdom of Granada in the sixteenth century, the town became part of the State of Tahalá, a jurisdictional possession of Don Enrique Enríquez de Guzmán. Later, it passed into the hands of the Lordship of the Marquis of Águilafuente.

The strong emigration of the 1960s did irreversible damage to its demography, leaving its current population very small and aged.

THINGS TO SEE

Iglesia de la Virgen de las Angustias
The church was built on the site of the former mosque, dating from the sixteenth century. The choir is impressive, created with great originality, and the interior is divided into the main altar (dedicated to the Virgen de las Angustias) and the two side chapels (one in honor of Jesús Nazareno and the other of the Virgen de la Soledad). The tower dates from 1886, according to a headstone placed at the foot. In 1570, the beneficiary was Juan de Solís. The temple preserves images of exquisite value, the oldest being that of the Holy Christ. Located on Calle de la Estacion.(Location)

Plaza de la Constitución
The town square has always been a meeting place for a ball game or conversations. A plaque has stood in the centre giving the square its name since 1881.(Location)

THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE TOWN

Santuario de Monteagud
The Monteagud Sanctuary is dedicated to the Virgen de la Cabeza, a symbol of the Sierra de los Filabres and the spiritual backbone of the entire region. The sanctuary is a religious and recreational space with spectacular views of the sea, desert and mountains. According to legend, the Virgin appeared in an oak tree on the hill of the same name. Located east of the town.(Location)

COUNTRYSIDE WALKS

GR-244
This route is a total of 109km, passing through the towns of Alcudia de Monteagud, Benitagla, Benizalón, Castro de Filabres, Lucainena de las Torres, Senés, Tabernas, Tahal, Uleila del Campo and Velefique. However, different stages of the route can be enjoyed by themselves, such as the 10km route in the Benizalón area.

GASTRONOMY

Benizalón has a varied selection of local dishes, including migas (breadcrumbs served with pork), caldo de huevos (egg soup), gurullos (pasta stew), acelgas (chard), remojón (orange salad), pelotas (meatball stew) and choto a la pastoral (goat stew). Sweet treats include roscos de aguardiente (aniseed doughnuts), roscos de naranja (orange biscuits), suspiros (meringues) and almendrados (almond biscuits).

FESTIVALS

Popular festivals in Benizalón are the Romería de la Virgen de la Cabeza, San Antón, San Juan and El Día de las Mozas. More>

NEARBY PLACES

The neighbouring villages to Benizalón are Benitagla and Uleila del Campo.

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