by Saskia Mier
MURTAS
Situated at an altitude of over 1,500 metres, Murtas is one of the best vantage points for viewing the whole area, from the peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the Mediterranean coast. The village sits at the foot of Cerrajón, the highest peak in the Sierra de la Contraviesa. Its two famous caves, La Gotera in the north and La Vieja in the south, attract many visitors. Behind the Venta del Chaleco, in the Cerro del Minchal, there is another cave which is said to be so large that its end is unknown. The village has a population of around 460.
HISTORY
The earliest known data about human presence in these lands dates back to the Neolithic era (9,000–7,000 BC). Its peculiarity and strategic location have always made it a centre of attraction. The remains of ancient cultures found here bear witness to this, such as the polished axes from the Neolithic period found at the La Centena estate and preserved in the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Granada. More>
THINGS TO SEE
Museo El Pradillo
The art museum has been open since August 2004 and was donated to the town by José Antonio Jiménez Tovar. More>
Iglesia de San Miguel
This neoclassical church dates back to the eighteenth century. It has three large naves and beautiful red marble decorations inside. More>
Ermita de la Santa Cruz
Built in the nineteenth century, the chapel marks the entrance to the town centre. More>
Lavadero
The laundry area dates back to the 18th century and has recently been restored. The original large stone washing sink and fountain form a rectangular structure measuring approximately 10x4 metres. More>
THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE TOWN
Castillo de Juliana
Situated on a prominent rocky outcrop by the Cojáyar stream, the castle's remains reveal its importance as the area's main fortress. It is named after Count Don Julián, the father of Florinda, who is branded a traitor by medieval historians for his decisive role in the Muslim invasion of the Iberian Peninsula. Built on a Roman defensive structure during the medieval period, the castle contains ceramics from the Caliphal era. The castle originally comprised three enclosures, but only the remains of towers, walls and cisterns remain today. It was declared a Monument of Cultural Interest in 1985.
Iglesia de San Fernando
Dating back to the seventeenth century, the church gives us an idea of the notable importance that this town once had. Its exterior has simple lines and facades with very little ornamentation, just some simple mouldings on the base. Its tower, with an Arabic tile roof, stands out with its two robust, square sections. It is located in Mecina Tedel.
Ermita de la Virgen del Carmen
The small chapel contains the image of the Virgin which honors her name. Of simple construction, it has a square floor plan with a gabled roof and lacks any exterior ornamentation. Located south of the town, on the GR-5202
Cuevas
There are numerous caves in the area that can be explored. The most popular of these is Cueva La Gotera. Other notable caves include Cueva del Patio, Cueva del Cortijo and Cueva La Vieja.
COUNTRYSIDE WALKS
For those keen on hiking, Murtas offers several hiking routes to enjoy such as Sendero de la Solana, Sendero del Cerrajón, Sendero Mecina Tedel-Cojayar, Sendero El Arroyo, Sendero Ruta de los Molinos and Ruta del Vino.
BUS SERVICE
There is a bus service from Murtas to Albondón and Granada. More>
GASTRONOMY
The most famous dishes from Murtas are its pastries and cakes, including traditional alpujarreño and morisco sweets such as soplillos (meringues) and cuajados (set curd). Murtas is also known for its wines, and it is one of the villages in the Contraviesa whose wine has the Designation of Origin “Costa”. The wines, young and fruity and often made in family wineries, are of very high quality and environmental value, and make the perfect accompaniment for one of the tastiest dishes in Murtas, conejo al colorín (a dish made with rabbit, garlic and peppers)
FIESTAS
Popular festivals in Murtas are Fiestas de la Santa Cruz, Corpus Christi, Semana Cultural, Fiestas de San Miguel and Fiestas de San Fernando. More>
WEATHER FORECAST
The weather forecast for the next few days for Murtas. More>
TOURIST OFFICE
The tourist office of Murtas is located in the Town Hall. More>
NEARBY PLACES
The neighbouring villages to Murtas are Turón and Cádiar.
