Only a few kilometres from the Granada’s capital, Nívar is nailed in the Natural Park of Huétor Mountain range, in an area of medium mountain known as the Yedra Mountain range. The landscape and the natural surroundings of this town are formed by masses of quejigos and oaks. The Nívar town centre is at 1,055 meters of altitude, on a hill with panoramic views towards the Peñon de la Mata and Cogollos Vega.
It is also in the town the so called Viewpoint of Granada. From there you can contemplate one of the most spectacular landscapes of the city of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada. Its surrounding area is ideal for the practice of trekking, para-gliding, bike strolls, and for the photography lovers. Framed in its peculiar mountain urbanism, you can visit the places of Plaza de la Iglesia and the Balcony of Nivar, as well as the archaeological sites of its surroundings.
The name of Nívar has been related traditionally to the Carthaginian general Aníbal. At the andalusí time, it was called Hannibal or Hisn Nibal, which meant "castle of Nibal". In spite of its similarity, the experts have denied the possibility that one name derives from the other. Another of the origins of the name is Roman, Nívalis, which is translated like snow place setting. During the time of the Moorish establishment a system of irrigation was created in the town and it was a farmhouse. It has also been determined the existence of a border fortress in the so called Cerro del Castillejo, popularly known in the town as “La Peña de Bartolo”. Nívar has also its role in the war of Granada, since it was one of the accesses selected by the Christians to enter in Sierra Nevada. In this place virulent confrontations occurred. After the expulsion of the Moorish the depopulation of the area took place and then the redistribution of plots and estates.
In their traditional recipe book the dishes elaborated with products of the homemade slaughters are common. The pot of San Antón, the potatoes a lo pobre, migas and gachas are other of the cuisine excellences that can be tasted in Nívar. In its homemade pastry making, the oil buns, the wine twisted rolls and the pestiños stand out. Another of its well- known desserts is the butter cake.
© Patronato Provincial de Turismo de Granada I Diputación de Granada
