History of Almegíjar
by Saskia Mier
The town's origins date back to the Neolithic era, as evidenced by artefacts found in the municipal area that date back to the time of settlement. The Romans and Visigoths also passed through these lands, but it was undoubtedly the Arabs who shaped its current appearance.
During the Caliphate of Córdoba and the Taifa of Granada, Almegíjar was linked to the Yûz’ Qāšturiš, and in the Nasrid period it belonged to the Taha of Cehel. Following the Moorish revolt of 1568, the territory was depopulated, as was the rest of La Alpujarra. However, with the repopulation of 1574, the corresponding council was established, to which the town of Notáez was added. This council was part of the Alpuxarras district, with Ugíjar as its capital.
Following the reforms of 1833, the municipality became part of the province of Granada and the judicial district of Albuñol a status it maintained until 1966 when it came under the jurisdiction of the judicial district of Órgiva. A significant earthquake caused damage to many of the town’s buildings in 1804, destroying a side chapel of the parish church and the town hall. The town hall was still standing in 1845. In 1882, the Almegíjar town council was suspended due to irregularities in the administration of funds, bookkeeping, tax distribution, and the drawing of lots for young men.
Since 1902, the municipality has enjoyed town status, granted by Alfonso XIII, due to its growing population and the development of agriculture.