Aldeire is located in the slopes of Sierra Nevada, being the Natural Park part of its district. Unlike many towns of this region, the origin of the name Aldeire is clear: it comes from the Arab word Al-Dar ("the house") and it could allude to some Mozarab monastery that was preserved here of the Islamic pressure hidden by Sierra Nevada. It is the population centre of El Marquesado that penetrates more in the mountain. Its proximity to the Puerto de la Ragua was without a doubt decisive for the construction in its surroundings medieval fortress known as Castle of the Caba.
Located on the slope of the hill of this castle, the population of Aldeire presides, next to its Triana neighbourhood, the small and pleasant valley formed by the Benejar river, in whose right shore and at little distance of the Rastro street are the old Arab baths.
A pleasant day in the field can be spent visiting the recreational area of La Rosandrá, to which you can access through a calm stroll next to the river. It is the perfect place to practice trekking or horse riding until the Hill of San Juan and the Hill of the Lobo, crossing oak and chestnuts trees forests and other spectacular corners of Sierra Nevada.
Numerous vestiges confirm that this area has been populated since prehistoric times. The copper deposits were almost on the surface and this caused that the Culture of the Argar was based in this land. Although the references to the Phoenician, Roman and Visigoth past are numerous, the origin of the present Aldeire dates from the Arab-andalusi period. In 1489 it becomes part of the Castile Crown and in 1490 becomes part of the Estate of the Great Cardinal of Spain, forming the Marquesado del Zenete next to seven towns more. During the Moorish revolt, from 1568 to 1571, this town was one of the ones which more resistance opposed against the Christian troops and, therefore, was one of more hardly repressed.
In Aldeire excellent homemade sausages and the traditional recipe of pork with chestnuts and plums are elaborated. Due to its proximity with the Benejar and Benabre rivers, the villagers cultivate a great variety of vegetables and fruits. With these they make the best marmalades. They also harvest good chestnuts and almonds.
© Patronato Provincial de Turismo de Granada I Diputación de Granada
