Nívar

Nívar lies a few kilometres from Granada, in the Parque Natural de Sierra de Huétor, in a mid-mountain area known as Sierra de la Yedra. There are many oak forests in the surrounding natural areas. The town of Nivar is 1055 meters above sea level on a hill from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the Peñón de la Mata and the Cogollos Vega.

The town of Mirador de Granada is also part of this municipality. From here you can get some of the most breath-taking views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada. It is a great place to go hiking, paragliding, cycling and do some photography. The town, set in a mountainous landscape, is very pretty. Places worth seeing are the Plaza de la Iglesia and the Balcón de Nívar as well as archaeological remains nearby.

The name of the town has traditionally been associated with the Carthaginian general Hannibal. In the Andalusian era, it was called Hannibal or Hisn Nibal, (Castle of Nibal). Experts reject the theory that the name comes from the Roman word ‘nivalis’ meaning covered in snow.

During Arabic times an irrigation system was built here in the days when it was a farmstead. There is also evidence of a border fortress in the Cerro del Castillejo, popularly known as La Peña de Bartolo.

Nívar played an important role in the war of Granada, as this was the route used by Christian troops to enter the Sierra Nevada. Many bloody skirmishes took place here. After the expulsion of the Moors, the population dropped significantly and the land was subsequently divided.

Local traditional recipes often include game. The Olla de San Anton, the Patatas a lo pobre and Migas and Gachas are all excellent typical dishes.

Handmade pastries are very good here and include Bollos de aciete, Roscos de vino and Pestiños. Another speciality is the Torta de Manteca.