Alhendín

The charm of Alhendín lies in its many different landscapes. It is situated in the heart of the Vega de Granada near the Suspiro del Moro, and includes a mix of agricultural land and arid landscapes.

The Tarajal stream runs through the municipality, giving contrasts between the fertile land of the plain, the drier country and the Mediterranean forests. The natural heritage lies side by side with the historical legacies of the Arabs and the Catholic Kings, in the shape of the many chapels built in the 18^th and 19^th centuries.

Alhendín had human settlers as far back as Prehistoric times, evidenced by the many ancient pots and vessels found in the area. A semi-artificial cave is preserved in Montevives that dates back to the Roman period. The town began to gain importance in the Nasrid era.

Located between La Vega and the Valle de Lecrín, its strategic position made Alhendín very popular amongst settlers and it was continually inhabited beteen the 8^th and 16^th centuries. The first inhabitants were members of the Yemeni tribe of Hamdan. During Nasrid rule it was a large farmstead that belonged to the Nasrid kings and it was defended by one of the most important towers in the area. It was conquered in 1483 by Ferdinand, but Boabdil destroyed the castle in 1490.

Part of the culinary wealth of Alhendín lies in the sheer variety of local dishes. Among its more typical recipes are Migas, porridge, chickpea and bean dishes and spinach tortillas. Often you will find goat with garlic and fried potatoes. Another specialty is the olive oil bread bun with an egg inside it, known as hornazo, a special treat served on the feast day of San Marcos.