Guadahortuna

The town is located 65 kilometres from Granada, by the Río Guadahortuna, on the border of the province of Jaén and along the road leading to the Parque Natural de Sierra Mágina. This pretty and unique town is situated against a backdrop of vast farmlands.

The town is located on the edge of the Río Guadahortuna, whose name comes from the Arabic word ‘guad’, (meaning ‘river’), and the Latin word ‘hortus’ (meaning ‘garden’ or ‘orchard’). The town’s name literally means ‘River of the orchards’. It has some of the most beautiful buildings in the region, and the Iglesia de Santa María La Mayor is particularly worth a visit.

Another interesting monument is the Puente del Hacho, an old railroad bridge built in the late 19^th century on the Río Guadahortuna.

Although this area has been inhabited since Prehistoric times, it was not until the Muslim era when it took centre stage and was given its present name. It occupied the border area, so the population was subject to skirmishes for years. During this time the Christian troops were stationed in Cazorla and made regular incursions into Muslim territory.

After the conquest of the area by Don Fadrique de Toledo in 1486, Queen Isabel made sure it was repopulated with Christians to ensure the safety of the roads and guarantee the supply of bread to Granada. From 1492 Guadahortuna and its district became part of the city of Granada, until it bought its independence in 1557 by paying the Crown nearly two and a half million maravedí, which were contributed proportionally by their 351 inhabitants.

Its cuisine includes a lot of local seasonal garden produce. The typical dishes use ingredients such as cereals, legumes and olive oil.

As for meats, typical recipes are based on poultry and pork. Migas are served with partridge, and Olla gitana, the Puchero de matanza and the Potaje are all local specialities. Local pastries are delicious, especially the Nochebuenos, the Magdalenas and fried milk.