Freila

Freila is a town located in a fertile valley where many olives, fruit and mulberry trees are grown. However, these areas contrast starkly with the dry, red earth of the semi-desert area that surrounds Freila. It is a beautiful natural place full of geographic contrasts, next to the Embalse del Negratín reservoir, where you can enjoy water sports like canoeing or fishing.

The town is known for its cave dwellings, where a large part of the population lives today. The massive tower, which are nine metres tall and belonged to a medieval castle, the several murals and the 16^th-century parish church dedicated to the Virgin of the Annunciation are particularly interesting.

According to Pascual Madoz, in the Roman period the town received the name of ‘Fraximun’. During the Reconquista, the rebellion of the Moors and their subsequent expulsion it was badly damaged. There is evidence of the existence of cave dwellings with one floor in the Muslim period, as well as during Christian times, when the dwellings were larger and had several floors.

Homemade casseroles such as Gurullos, Gachas or Gurupina are a local specialty as are desserts such as Roscón and Tortas de chicharrones. Dishes made with fresh fish from the Negratín reservoir are also very good. The town is a major producer of extra-virgin olive oil.