Huesa
by Saskia Mier
La Iruela is a small and pretty town situated at the foot of a rock, with an impressive panoramic view of the countryside and the surrounding lands. The hamlet (town) extends along the slope of the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas, under the rock crowned by the remains of the castle and the Monasterio de los Templarios (Monastery of the Templars). It has approximately 2,000 inhabitants.
HISTORY
The first signs of human life in La Iruela area date from the Copper Age until the Bronze Age, when the area was densely populated. From 1500 BC, there was an unexplained decrease in the population; however, from 200 BC, the settlements began to repopulate. One of these was Nubla, an active settlement from the Iberian period until medieval times, with remains of its fortifications still visible. More>
THINGS TO SEE
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza
The Iglesia (church) represents the local architecture of Huesa. Previously, Huesa had another small Gothic church, built around the middle of the 15th century. Even with various restorations over the years, generally the church’s current design maintains the lines of the religious architecture of the 18th century. Its most characteristic element is its tower, a visual reference point for the entire population. The tower has a square base, finished with a body of bells differentiated by moulding with four rectangular openings completed in semi-circular arches and crowned with a hipped tiled roof. Inside visitors can observe carvings from the 18th century such as that of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno and the Virgen de la Cabeza. Located on Calle Iglesia.
THINGS TO SEE Outsid ethe Town
Molino Harinero el Gato
The El Gato flour mill is an electric mill dating between 1950 to 1959, equipped to carry wheat and flour from one machine to another. It has small compartments for wheat storage, a chamber to moisten.
NATURAL AREAS
Calle de los Moros
During the Islamic period, Huesa was located at the foot of a cliff, measuring between 800m and 900m in height. The remains of the Huesa fortress have been of interest for many years. Today, the fortress is known as ‘the Street of the Moors’ and is protected by high natural rocks and a double wall that dates to the 11th century. After the conquest of Granada, Huesa was consolidated, and the town and its people were moved to a nearby flatland, which is its current location.
Picos el Guadiana
The Picos el Guadiana (the Guadiana Peaks), a beautiful green oasis, surround the Guadiana Valley. Entering the valley across the bridge named ‘de la Risa’ (of Laughter), there is a contrast between fertile irrigated lands, the hills, and the Guadiana limestone peaks that rises over the valley with heights greater than 700m. Located south of the town, next to the Guadiana Menor River.
Los Rincones
Los Rincones (The Corners) is a settlement from the Middle Ages. No structural ruins remain, however, there are some untreated glass ceramic remnants which because of their structure are difficult to place into an historical period. It has been suggested the settlement dates to Medieval times.
Cerro Negro
Cerro Negor (Black Hill) is a settlement dating to the late Bronze Age. The surface of this hill comprises four stepped terraces from north to south from the highest part, falling towards the river. On these terraces, remains of stone constructions can be seen, forming a low-rise lattice-like surface that defines rectangular spaces, adapting to the land’s topography.
HANDICRAFTS
Crafts in La Iruela traditionally used esparto grass (a fibre produced from two types of perennial grasses) typically used to produce crafts such as cords, wickerwork, and espadrilles (originally peasant footwear with soles made from esparto grass). Today esparto grass is still cultivated mainly for construction purposes, used to assemble, and hold plaster.
In addition, a new type of craft has recently emerged from Huesa - soaps made with a blend of extra virgin olive oil and essences of aromatic and medicinal plants.
BUS SERVICE
There are bus services from nearby Cazorla to Jaén. More>
GASTRONOMY
Visitors to Huesa can try traditional dishes such as gachas picantes (like polenta, made with red pepper), fritás (fried meats and fish) and talarines (pasta stew served with wild hare, partridge, or wild ceps). Sweet treats include torrijas (eggy bread soaked in honey) and roscos fritos (doughnuts).
FESTIVALS
Popular festivals in Huesa are Fiesta en Honor a San Silvestre and Semana Santa. More>
WEATHER FORECAST
The weather forecast for the next few days for La Iruela. More>
TOURIST OFFICE
The tourist office of huesa is in the Town Hall. More>
NEARBY PLACES
The neighbouring villages to Huesa are Hinojares, Larva and Quesada.