Larva
by Saskia Mier
Larva is a small municipality crowned with the remains of a former Cyclopean fortress, possibly of Iberian origin, located on Cerro Castellón. It has around 500 inhabitants.
HISTORY
The site of Larva and its environs have been populated since prehistoric times. Settlements were established due to the strategic location of the area beside the Guadiana Menor, a river which served as a key communication route between Baza, Guadix and Levante. The Iberian settlement of Cerro de Castellón can be dated between the second and first centuries BC. It is a rectangular, fortified enclosure, situated at the top of a plateau in the middle of the plain, which continued to be occupied in Roman times. Part of the ashlar walls and, inside, a large cistern, have been preserved. Nearby is the Tejar de los Moros castle-refuge, which suggests that Larva was once a small farmhouse dependent on this settlement. More>
THINGS TO SEE
Iglesia de San Pedro ApóstolThe eighteenth-century church has a simple architectural style, with whitewashed exteriors and pale yellow lintels above the doors and windows. The unornamented façade of the building has an arched doorway in the centre, a window paralleling this shape above and a small oculus. A two-tiered square bell tower rises from one corner of the roof, adding height to the town's skyline. Located in Plaza San Pedro.
Antiguo Ayuntamiento
The old Town Hall stands out architecturally in the town. Its symmetrical, whitewashed façade is accented with red lintels around the doors and windows. The prismatic pediment which adorns the roof houses a small bell and clock, following the typical model of Andalusian town halls.
Torre El Castellón
The Cerro del Castellón is elevated about 670m above sea level, resting on an isolated plateau in the lower valley of the Jandulilla River. The excellent visibility allowed by this location made it an important strategic site, evidenced by the remains of an Iberian Cyclopean fortress dated between the second and first centuries BC. This structure comprises a walled enclosure with a quadrangular structure with a cistern inside, built on a base of limestone blocks. The northwest wall is the best preserved, ranging in height between 1.20 and 3.90m across its length of 18.70m. Research on this structure is scarce, but the shape of the enclosure and the joining mortar could suggest later Roman construction. However, in addition to some fragments of terra sigillata, there are also fragments of ceramics decorated with Iberian-style geometric bands, and medieval ceramics with incised decoration. Classified as a Property of Cultural Interest with a legal typology of Monument, and registered in the BOE dated June 29, 1985. Located on Calle Gaspar Saro.
NATURAL AREAS
Zona Recreativa La CañadaThis well-equipped picnic area has an interesting viewpoint, a water fountain and an information panel to help visitors interpret the landscape.
La Laguna
This plateau of Mediterranean forest features a natural water lagoon. Located 10km from the town and accessible by car.
BUS SERVICE
There is a bus service from Larva to Jaén. More>
GASTRONOMY
Visitors to Larva should try traditional dishes such as lomo adobado (marinated pork), andrajos con liebre, conejo o arenques (pasta stew with wild hare, rabbit or herring), potaje de bacalao (cod stew) and gachas con pimientos rojos asados (polenta with roasted red pepper). Sweet treats include roscos fritos (doughnuts), empanadillas (sweet pasties) and soplillos (sponge cakes).
FESTIVALS
Popular festivals in Larva are Fiestas de San Antón, Fiestas de Santa Lucía, La Candelaria, San Blas, Feria de San Marcos and San Pedro. More>
WEATHER FORECAST
The weather forecast for the next few days for Larva. More>
TOURIST OFFICE
The tourist office of Larva is located in the Town Hall. More>
NEARBY PLACES
The neighbouring villages to Larva are Cabra del Santo Cristo and Huesa.