Pórtugos
History of Pórtugos
Pórtugos' origins as an urban centre date back to the Roman Empire, as its name clearly has Latin roots, coming from the word 'portus', meaning 'place of passage'. However, no remains from this period have been found. It was during the Muslim period that the region, and Pórtugos in particular, developed.
The current irrigation structure comprises a system of 'careo' ditches that filter water throughout the mountain, allowing it to flow into fountains. This uneven territory has had to be adapted for cultivation and the construction of terraces. In the sixteenth century, the town was divided into two population centres: Pórtugos itself and Lauxar, a separate district close to the town.
The Morisco Rebellion (1568–1572) had a particular impact on this municipality, with several episodes of the war taking place here, including the death of Aben Xahuar, one of the leaders of the rebellion. The chronicler of the war, Luis del Mármol, recounts the events that occurred here and the torments suffered by the so-called martyrs of La Alpujarra.
Following the War of the Alpujarra, the Moriscos of the Kingdom of Granada were expelled, leaving their lands depopulated. For this reason, King Philip II organised the repopulation of the entire kingdom. Pórtugos was repopulated with 72 settlers, including a beneficiary and a sacristan.
Pórtugos does not appear again in the chronicles until the eighteenth century. Specifically, the Cadastre of the Marquis of Ensenada produced the town's first map. From that time onwards, foreign travellers began to arrive, inspired by the spirit of Enlightenment, rationalism, and a return to nature. Many visitors spoke of the Fuente Agria and its medicinal properties.