ÍLLAR
Once a major producer of dessert grapes, the agriculture of Íllar is now focused on citrus fruits. The town has around 390 inhabitants.
HISTORY
The first recorded evidence of this town dates from the Al-Andalus period, documented by the twelfth century geographer Idrisi, which inscribes it within the Urs al-Yaman region as one of the twenty castles in the territory. At the time of Al-Andalus, the town was located in a higher area than its present situation, called lugarejo. The author, Jorge Lirola, says that Íllar comes from the Arabic word al-Aliya, meaning “the high”. During the Nasrid period, it was part of the Taha de Marchena as a fief of the al-Nayar family. At this time, the main activity was agriculture, with silk, oil and raisins in production, which in turn prompted the creation of a network of pipes and irrigation channels that ran down to the river. More>
THINGS TO SEE
Fuente y Lavadero
The fountain provided drinking water to all the residents of the town as well as a communal laundry area to wash clothes. There is a plaque on the fountain which dates it to 1879 and presents it as one of the main monuments of the town. The fountain and washing area are still standing, on upright on lava stone pillars surrounded by semi-circular arches. Located on Glorieta de Santa Ana.
Glorieta de Santa Ana
The square is the emblem of the town and the centre of its life. It is surrounded by a continuous support where people can sit and has four beautiful palm trees in the centre. The square was built in 1926 and is dedicated to the patron saint of the town, Santa Ana. Located on Avenida Principe de Asturias.
Ayuntamiento
The Town Hall was built in 1914. In 1990, the building was demolished to build a new Town Hall without the same historic character. Located in Plaza de la Constitución.
Parroquia de Santa Ana
The Church was built in the sixteenth century in the Mudejar style. One of its interior highlights is the Baroque stucco door of the sacristy. Newly constructed buildings sit beside the bell tower where the Muslim minaret used to stand. Located in Plaza Constitución.
GASTRONOMY
When visiting Íllar, try their local dishes such as pimentón (fish stew), olla vieja (broad bean and fennel stew), migas (fried breadcrumbs usually served with pork), choto al ajillo (goat with garlic), encebollado con higado (liver with onions) and rape con patatas (monkfish with potatoes). Sweet treats include roscos (aniseed doughnuts) and soplillos de huevo y almendra (almond meringues).
FESTIVALS
Popular festivals in Íllar are Día de San Antón, La Candelaria, Semana Santa and Fiestas de Santa Ana. More>
TOURIST OFFICE
The tourist office is located in the town hall. More>
NEARBY PLACES
The neighbouring villages to Íllar are Bentarique, Institución and Alicún.
