It is located over a thousand meters of altitude. Huétor Santillán is part of a mountainous land that takes its name and whose mountain range is catalogued like Natural Park. This protected area is immersed in diverse landscapes, from medium Mediterranean mountains to ravines bathed by streams, forests and areas of oaks, maples and quejigos. The historical value of the town, of Arab origin, goes together with the leisure offer and coexistence in the middle of nature that offers to the visitor, like trekking and interesting routes in bicycle. This area is very demanded by the foreign neighbours and by the locals as place for relaxation.
Huétor Santillán has beautiful places in its proximities, like the Fuente del Moro and the popular Venta del Molinillo, as well as the births of the Darro and Fardes rivers that, leaving both the same mountain range, direct their waters towards opposite slopes to flow respectively to the Genil and to the Guadiana Menor.
The Huétor Santillán villa owes its name to its andalusi denomination and the surname of its old owner. This was the al-Wata Qaryat (hill farmhouse or town) mentioned in the XIV century by Al-Jatib in its description of the Kingdom of Granada. The second part of the name it is owed to Diego de Santillán, Marques of Guadalcázar that according to chronicles of the time bought it shortly after the conquest.
Since then, Húetor Santillán belonged to the Señorío of the Marquises of Guadalcázar. It was, in particular, estate and dominion of the Casa Profesa de la Compañia de Jesus de la Villa and Corte de Madrid, which founded the Marquise. When one of its holders died it passed to the hands of the State. During the Moorish revolts, in the XVI century, it is documented the burnt and destruction of its church. Lately, its proximity to Granada and the routes of communication with the capital has caused that urbanizations of second residence have been built.
The agriculture and the cattle, economic engines of the town, spurt the gastronomy of Huétor Santillán with rich ingredients for their plates. Thus the stews, lamb chops and granadillas of cow, as well as the partridges and the potatoes a lo pobre stand out. The cereals, the mushrooms and the vegetables also are present in their cuisine.
© Patronato Provincial de Turismo de Granada I Diputación de Granada
