Marchal

Marchal is located in Hoya de Guadix, in a fertile plain watered by the rivers that descend from the northern slope of the Sierra Nevada, the nearby natural park. This little town has some spectacular scenery that is set against the backdrop of snowy peaks. It is a unique town with numerous cave dwellings.

The town is of mediaeval origin and was known for centuries as El Marchal. The many interesting historical buildings of the town are worth visiting including the Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Anunciación, the Palacio de los Gallardo or the Casa Rosa. You can also rent a house or stay the night in one of the many cave dwellings that have been set up as tourist accommodation.

This area formed part of the estates of the Gallardo family, who also had a number of other important lands in their jurisdiction including Purullena. It used to be the former municipal capital. It lost the ‘El’ in front of its name, a decision that coincided with the division of the land that ended the feudal system of estates.

Many archaeological remains have been found dating back to Prehistoric civilizations. In the middle ages, under Arab rule, the place used to be a farmstead. For many centuries it suffered in the armed conflicts until the Reconquista in the late 15^th century when the Christians took it. It is believed that after the expulsion of the Moors, some managed to secretly return to the town and live in the cave dwellings.

Many fruits and vegetables, cereals, almonds and olives are all popular ingredients in Marchal. A lot of wine is produced locally, and is always enjoyed with the local foods.