Beas of Granada is located only a few kilometres from the capital and is part of the Natural Park of the Huétor Mountain range. It is an area of medium mountain, nailed between great masses of oaks and quejigos. At 1,071 meters of altitude over sea level and surrounded by hills, it almost hides from the neighbouring populations. Location that provides one of the most privileged situations of the capital surrounding area, with splendid panoramic views open in the south towards Sierra Nevada. It conserves the Moorish personality in some of its neighbourhoods and in its services it is left the inheritance of the architecture of the old stately houses.
The origin of Beas of Granada goes back to the time of the Roman Empire. The oldest documentary references locate it in the Roman road towards Acci, from there its name coming from the Latin word Viax. It was born as house to rest of the journey or place of supplying and rest, located in a crossroad. It had, due to its location, a great importance during the Roman settlement. It was a forced stop for travellers and military or mercantile actions. With the Arab domination it became a farmhouse in which twenty families lived and had their houses in the surrounding area of the castle of which there is nothing left. It was a farmhouse very related to the city of Granada. Its population were dedicated to the agriculture of dry land and the flourishing business of the white mulberry to breed the silk worm. After the Reconquest, the territories and houses of this town were distributed between Francisco de Bobadilla and the Moorish. However, these last ones were harassed with high taxes until they rebelled and they were expelled. During the revolt part of the church caught fire. The town was repopulated with settlers from Castile, Leon, Asturias and Galicia.
The salads of haricot beans, leeks and onion puree, along with the stews of chick-peas and wheat are some of the typical recipes of Beas of Granada. The pork ribs with mushrooms, lamb chops, granadinas of beef and rodillos of beef are also found often in their menus. The rich wines of the area are also present in the gastronomy of this town. There is a long wine culture tradition that is reflected in the celebrations and contests celebrated around the wine.
© Patronato Provincial de Turismo de Granada I Diputación de Granada
