This small town is located to the north of the Hoya de Guadix, at the shores of the Guadahortuna river and on the plain that extends on the foot of the San Bernardino Hill. Its district welcomes the so called Terrera del Reloj, the rests of a prehistoric settlement of the Argaric period. The route that leads to it is steep and winding, perfect for the practice of trekking. In its urban core we found that the great majority of its houses are new houses or mixed houses, part cave and part built around. There is also a viewpoint in its streets from which to contemplate the beautiful panoramic views of its location. It has recreational and leisure areas, like a complex with swimming pool and a kid’s park. In order to know the district and its surroundings different urban footpaths that cross it and arrive until the caves have been prepared. Nowadays the rural tourism and the practice of adventure sports in his hills are being promoted.
Dehesas de Guadix has the condition of district since mid XIX century, according to files of the City council and the existing ones in the near town of Alicún de Ortega, although they differ in the specific date. Previously it belonged as anejo to Alicún de Ortega. In its surroundings rests of prehistoric settlements have been found. Ceramic fragments of kettles, stamped casseroles and earthenware jars, of Nasrid style abound also in its surroundings. It lived its more prosperous period when it belonged to the Muslim Court of the king El Zagal. Of its medieval past, it conserves in its dominions vestiges of an old fortress known as Castillejo of the Cortijo of Don Cristóbal. Nowadays this defensive enclosure can hardly be appreciated.
In 1489, its excellent grass was assigned to the territorial jurisdiction of the Bishop of Guadix after the capitulations signed by the Catholic Kings with the king El Zagal. During the XVI and XVII centuries this district was a great meadow, dedicated to the breed of horses. The origin of its name is attributed to this function. In 1840 Don Jose Requena acquired the cortijo of Dehesas and the boulevard of the plum trees within the limits of the donation of the Catholic Kings. It is in 1888 when it appears for the first time with the name of Dehesas de Guadix.
It is typical in the gastronomy of Dehesas de Guadix the cuisine with Arabic-Andalusian roots, as well as the preparation of rich dishes with chotos, goats and lambs. As typical recipe stands out the hormigos, a Spanish stew of potatoes and green beans. The snails, gazpacho, the rags and the gachas are also elaborated in this district. And for dessert they have artisan doughnuts.
© Patronato Provincial de Turismo de Granada I Diputación de Granada
