Moclín

The municipality of Moclín has a very rich historical and artistic heritage. For many centuries this area has been inhabited by settlers, as seen by the many and varied archaeological remains from different eras and cultures. It includes a large number of towns and villages, most of which have more inhabitants than Moclín, the local capital itself. The other main towns in the municipality are Limones, Olivares Puerto Lope, Tiena and Tozar.

In Moclín there are many caves and natural shelters in which cave paintings have been discovered, such as in the Tajo de la Cañada de Corchera or in Abrigo de las Vereas. The Abrigo de La Solana, the Abrigo de Las Canteras, and the Cuevas Bermejas Caves also contain interesting examples of rock art. Much older than all of these are the Cueva de Malalmuerzo, where important remains of stone tools have been found.

Around Moclín there are a number of watchtowers or defensive towers built in in strategic positions. These were part of a defense system used to guard the surrounding area. These include the Torre de la Porqueriza, the Torre de Mingoandrés, the Torre de la Solana, the Torre de la Gallina Porqueriza, the Torre de Mingoandrés, the Torre Solana and the Torre Gallina. The foundation of Moclín goes back to the early Moorish period. The castle was built in the middle of the 13^th century to control and defend of the Kingdom of Granada.

In Tózar there is a huge archaeological site that extends over an area of ​​1000 square meters. It includes dolmens and anthropomorphic tombs carved into the rock.

A day trip to Tajos de la Hoz and from here to Olivares is also recommended. From the road to Tiena you can enjoy spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada, the Sierra de Almijara and the Sierra Arana. Below you will see stunning olive groves that stretch out to the plain.

The most recent archaeological discoveries prove the existence of some of the first human settlers in Europe, who shoes to settle in Orce. Subsequent investigations have brought evidence to light proving the existence of the Neolithic man. There are also many remains dating back to the Copper and Bronze Ages, especially pottery fragments.

The origin and history of Moclín is closely linked to that of the Kingdom of Granada. Its name comes from the Arabic Hisn Al-Muqlin (fortress of the eyes) in referring to its role as a important vantage station. The castle was built in the 13^th century on a high escarpment to protect the road leading to the plains. It was almost always a frontier town. In the Nasrid period it was the shield of Granada, especially after the conquest of Alcalá la Real and the Castillo de Locubín in 1341. Between then and 1486 the skirmishes became more frequent until it finally fell under Christian rule. After the fall of Loja, on 26^th July 1486 the city surrendered after three days of siege, and became one of the seven towns that were forced to supply Granada with food and goods.

Between 1486 and 1492 the Catholic Monarchs, together with the Court of Castile, spent long periods in the fortress. The repopulation of the area was carried out quickly with settlers from the north of Spain. The local economy was based on agriculture and the breeding of livestock and most of the peasants were received a salary, which was unusual for the time.

One of the greatest attractions of Moclín is its cuisine; highlights include with Alboronía with chicken, garlic, almonds and white beans, Sopa cachorreña and Olla de San Anton. The doughnuts are made following a traditional recipe and are free from any artificial ingredients.