Gójar

The municipality of Gójar is part of the Parque Natural de Sierra Nevada and is located in the area known as La Campana Granadina, the area of the plain in which the ringing of the bell of tower Vela de la Alhambra can be heard. It is an extensive natural area, streaked with numerous hiking routes where you can visit interesting places including the Boca de la Pescá, Collado del Fraile, Fuente del Artillero, Molinos de Ampuero, Cerro del Bufón and Molino del Buquete.

These natural resources are complemented by an interesting group of ancient buildings, scattered both inside and outside of the town. In a bucolic environment, Gójar’s core is made up of old original houses, preserving the taste of history, and is free from any modern developments.

Henríquez de Jorquera, in his Annals of the Kingdom of Granada, dates the foundation of this town in the Muslim era, particularly in the Arab-Andalusian period. However, this is not based on any specific evidence. During this period, the population mainly worked in agriculture and forestry.

Later it was conquered by the Catholic Kings on their way to Granada. After the rebellion of the Moors, they were expelled from the town and in the second half of the 16^th century Felipe II repopulated the town with settlers from other parts of the country. According to Tomás López’s dictionary and other documents, the town was known as Gójar de la Vega until the early 19^th century.

The most typical agricultural products are used in all local dishes. They include almonds and oil. Particularly good recipes are the local leg of lamb and dishes that contain rabbit or veal. Other recipes include the many different types of soups and stews and the famous partridge with cabbage.