Benalúa de las Villas
Benalúa de las Villas was repopulated with inhabitants from other parts of Spain during the Christian Re-conquest. The town, located in the area of Las Montes, is the centre of olive oil production for the surrounding area through the San Sebastián Co-operative. It has a population of around 1400 inhabitants.
Things to See
Benalúa de las Villas has various archaeological remains, like Cerro del Cántaro, an Iberian settlement, and El Paraje de la Pedriza. Roman coins have been found as well as a bust of the Emperor Trajan. Another monument to visit is the Encarnación church, which was built recently.
Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación
The church was built between 1964 and 1966 standing on the same site as the old church and has a rectangular floor plan. Virtually all the townspeople participated in its construction, demonstrating their cooperative spirit. The town cemetery was located next to the old church until 1875. Located on Calle Iglesia.
Cooperativa de Aceite San Sebastián
The San Sebastián Cooperative was founded in 1954 by just over 60 members, and at that time oil production was less than 100 tons. It gradually grew to more than 1,800 members, with an olive grove area exceeding 11,000 hectares, under a certified integrated production system. Located on Calle Puente del Ventorro.
Plaza de España
The town square is triangular in shape, overcoming the slope of the terrain with a horizontal platform and steps on one side. Trees line one side, and an ornamental lamppost stands at its center. Like all town squares in Andalucia, it is the meeting point of families especially during the warm summer evenings.
Things outside the town
Yaciemiento Arqueológico de Cerro del Cántaro
This archaeological site is located on Cerro del Cántaro with Iberian-era remains being found at this location, along with various millstone fragments and farming implements. Roman artifacts include pottery, coins bearing the image of Emperor Trajan, and several tombs have also been found here. Located approximately 2km from the town.
History
Archaeological remains found in the area suggest that this site was inhabited by the Iberian people. Traces of the Roman Empire have also been found, such as some coins and a bust of the Emperor Trajan. During the Moorish period, it gained great importance due to its strategic location between the Kingdoms of Granada and Jaén.
Benalúa de las Villas was conquered by the Christians in 1486, with numerous skirmishes taking place between the troops in the surrounding area. Later, it was granted the status of a town, bestowed upon the field marshal, Fernán Sancho del Cañaveral. He established the Benalúa entailed estate within its territory, giving rise to one of the most significant noble titles in the history of the province; the now-defunct Sierra Nevada tramway and the road to Veleta Peak are also associated with it. For some years, Benalúa de las Villas suffered massive depopulation until it was settled by colonists from other parts of the kingdom.
The town had farmers who worked their own lands under a system of forced labor established by the landowners, as well as day laborers. In 1614, Cristóbal Cañaveral de Córdoba, the third Lord of Benalúa, purchased the town. In 1781, the title passed to José Miguel de Cañaveral y de Mesía, becoming the Condado de Benalúa de Las Villas. The current area of the municipality corresponds to that of this former lordship.
Handicrafts
Over the years, handicrafts have been gradually disappearing until nowadays only the elderly residents make objects for their own personal use.
Natural Areas
Pantano de Colomero
The reservoir belongs to the Guadalquivir River Basin Authority, in the Granada region, and was constructed between 1982 and 1989, although it began operating in 1990. The basin has an area of 245 km² with an average annual rainfall of 664mm and an average annual inflow of 30.73hm³. The dam is made of loose materials and has a straight plan, 60m high above the riverbed and 65.34m high above its foundations. Its crest length is 350m and its crest width is 13m. The reservoir has a surface area of 258 hectares and a capacity of 42.45 hm³. The landscape is characterized by its gently rolling hills, including notable landmarks such as Cerro Pelón, Solana de las Juntas, Solana de los Arrieros, Cerro Zapatero, and Cerro Alto. Located 1km south west of the town.
Gastronomy
When visiting Benalúa de las Villas, try local dishes such as manitas de cerdo en salsa (stewed pigs trotters), calabaza al ajillo (garlic stewed pumpkin), patatas guisadas (stewed potatoes) and gachas (savoury porridge served with pork scratchings, chorizo and croutons). For something sweet, try roscos de huevo (doughnuts) and cerezas en aguardiente o almíbar (cherries in liqueur or syrup).
Festivals
Popular festivals in Benalúa de las Villas are Festividad de San Sebastián, Virgen de la Cabeza, Fiesta de las Cruces and Fiesta de la Juventud. More>
Bus Service
There is a bus service from Benalúa de las Villas to Granada City. More>
Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for the next few days for Benalúa de las Villas. More>
Nearby Places
The neighbouring villages to Benalúa de las Villas are Colomera, Campotéjar and Alcalá la Real.
Location
Benalúa de las Villas is around 55km from Granada - take the A-44 towards Armilla, leave at exit 89 signposted Benalúa de las Villas. From there, take the A-403 to the GR-NO-7 which leads to the town.