BENALÚA DE LAS VILLAS
Benalúa de las Villas was repopulated with people from other parts of Spain during the Christian Reconquest. Located in the Las Montes area, the town is the centre of olive oil production for the surrounding area through the San Sebastián Co-operative. It has a population of around 1,400.
History
The archaeological remains found in the area suggest that the site was inhabited by the Iberian people. Traces of the Roman Empire have also been discovered here, including coins and a bust of Emperor Trajan. During the Moorish period, the site's strategic location between the Kingdoms of Granada and Jaén meant it gained great importance. More>
Things to See
Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación
Built between 1964 and 1966, the church stands on the same site as the old church and has a rectangular floor plan. Virtually all of the townspeople participated in its construction, demonstrating their cooperative spirit. Until 1875, the town cemetery was located next to the old church. It is located on Calle Iglesia
Cooperativa de Aceite San Sebastián
Founded in 1954 by just over 60 members, the San Sebastián Cooperative initially produced less than 100 tons of oil. The cooperative gradually grew to comprise more than 1,800 members and an olive grove area exceeding 11,000 hectares, all of which are managed under a certified integrated production system. It is located on Calle Puente del Ventorro.
Plaza de España
The triangular town square overcomes 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 centre. As with all town squares in Andalusia, it is a popular meeting place for families, especially during the warm summer evenings.
THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE TOWN
Yacimiento Arqueológico de Cerro del Cántaro
This archaeological site is located on Cerro del Cántaro, where remains from the Iberian era have been found, along with various millstone fragments and farming implements. Roman artefacts found here include pottery and coins bearing the image of Emperor Trajan, as well as several tombs. The site is located approximately 2 km from the town.
NATURAL AREAS
Pantano de Colomera
The reservoir, which belongs to the Guadalquivir River Basin Authority in the Granada region, was constructed between 1982 and 1989, although it did not begin operating until 1990. The basin covers an area of 245 km², receives an average annual rainfall of 664 mm, and has an average annual inflow of 30.73 hm³. The 60-metre-high dam is made of loose materials and has a straight plan, standing 65.34 metres above its foundations and 60 metres above the riverbed. The crest is 350 metres long and 13 metres wide. The reservoir covers 258 hectares and has a capacity of 42.45 hm³. The gently rolling landscape includes notable landmarks such as Cerro Pelón, Solana de las Juntas, Solana de los Arrieros, Cerro Zapatero and Cerro Alto. It is located 1 km south-west of the town.
BUS SERVICE
There is a bus service from Benalúa de las Villas to Granada City. More>
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>
WEATHER FOARECAST
The weather forecast for the next few days for Benalúa de las Villas. More>
TOURIST OFFICE
The tourist office of Benalúa de las Villas is located in the Town Hall. More>
NEARBY PLACES
The neighbouring villages to Benalúa de las Villas are Colomera, Campotéjar and Alcalá la Real.