Polícar
Polícar dates back to the Lower Roman Empire, though its narrow streets and distinctive architecture clearly reflect its history under Islamic rule. Today, the village has a population of around 250 residents.
History
This place appears to have originated as a population centre during the late Roman Empire, though it experienced its greatest development under Islamic rule. It still has its narrow streets and distinctive architecture. During the Nasrid Kingdom, it was a farmstead that depended on Beas de Guadix, which was then known as Beas de los Cautivos. More>
Things to see
Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua
Following the reconquest in 1489, the area was home to a farmhouse with no place of worship, whether Muslim or Christian. Either a place of worship was built after 1500, or a small room was used for celebrating mass, since the Synod of Don Martín de Ayala mandated that the clergyman of Beas go to the farmhouse to celebrate mass at least once every two weeks. This situation persisted until the expulsion of the Moriscos in 1570, when it was decided to build a proper temple, which is still standing today.
The interior of the church appears almost bare, perhaps resembling the original mosque. Of particular note in the church is a large painting donated to the church by the owner of Polícar. The church is single-naved with a rectangular floor plan, a bell tower, a choir stall and a wooden coffered ceiling. The altarpiece on the main altar has been replaced by two niches housing images of San Antonio and Our Lady of Fátima. On 18 June 1923, the parish priest of Beas, the mayor, town residents, the archpriest and the cathedral chapter agreed to create a parish church and restore the chapel. The church is located on Calle Andalucía.
Ermita de San Antonio
This is a small shrine housing the image of San Antonio de Padua, the town’s patron saint. Locals customarily cross themselves whenever they pass by. They often make promises to him and give alms. Before this shrine, there was another small shrine whose only light came from candles, for which someone was responsible. When the town had no electricity, locals say that this shrine was a reference point for people arriving at dusk or in adverse weather conditions. It is located on Calle Ermita.
El Centro Vitivinícola
The Interpretation Centre was created by the Town Hall in 2006. Initially intended to be a museum where visitors could learn how wine was made using a wine press, it now hosts the "El Mirador del Fin del Mundo" employment workshop. The centre offers courses on vines, including which ones to plant and how to do so. It also covers how to harvest grapes and make wine, using the best machinery for the desired outcome. The employment workshop has already held open days, during which an exhibition detailing its work has been held. The centre is very spacious and boasts beautiful views of the town. It is located on Calle Eras.
La Cruz del Tío Serafín
In ancient times, it was believed that every village entrance should have a cross to protect it. According to local residents, Tío Serafín said that he had to place a cross on the Camino Narváez (Narváez Road) because the "La Cruz de los Caídos en la Guerra" was located at the main entrance. In 1959, he engraved the words "Sagrado Corazón de Jesús" on a plaque and placed it on a stone mound topped with an iron cross. Today, the stone structure has disappeared and a whitewashed pedestal now stands in its place. It is located on Camino Narváez.
Bus Service
There is a bus service from Polícar to Granada City. More>
Handicrafts
Polícar's handicrafts include esparto grass work by the elderly, who use it to make baskets, fruit bowls and even egg cups, not for trade, but for their own consumption, or as gifts.
Gastronomy
Local dishes to try when visiting Polícar include gachas (savoury porridge), rin-ran (cod salad), choto al ajillo (garlic stewed goat), conejo frito con ajos (fried garlic rabbit), olla de San Antón (chickpea stew) and migas (fried breadcrumbs served with pork). For something sweet, try the potaje de Bolones (chestnut pudding).
Festivals
Popular festivals in Polícar are San Antón, San Blas, San Marcos and San Antonio de Padua. More>
Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for the next few days for Polícar. More>
Tourist Office
The tourist office of Polícar is located in the Town Hall. More>
Nearby Places
The neighbouring villages to Polícar are Beas de Guadix and Lugros.