Otura

The municipality of Otura is located halfway between the north western foothills of the Sierra Nevada, the plains, and the Valle de Lecrín. The surrounding area is mainly flat or gently hilly, ideal for agriculture. The town has both an urban and a rural feel to it.

The Suspiro del Moro, one of the most emblematic places in the province, is located here. According to legend King Boadbil, the last monarch of the Nasrid dynasty, could not stop crying when he saw Granada for the last time. It was the city where he was born and had ruled before being sent into exile after surrendering to the Catholic Monarchs.

The existence of a farmstead here during the Moorish period and during the first period after the Reconquista (15^th and 16^th centuries) is well documented . During this time the town supplied the city of Granada with agricultural and livestock products. However, the possible Latin origin of the town’s name seems to indicate that human settlers were here long before that.

After the Reconquista, Otura was given to the Mulleh Muhammed, one of the Nasrid diplomats who negotiated the surrender of Granada. Shortly afterwards Ferdinand gave it to the Convento Real de Santa Cruz. However, within a few years the monastery fell back into royal hands. In the 18^th century, the town enjoyed a period of prosperity and expansion and the municipality was defined. Recently it has undergone considerable urban growth and has become a popular commuter town for many people who work in Granada.

Typical local dishes include local meats and Migas. Sausages from the area are excellent as is the Olla de garbanzos (chickpeas stew) and Gachas.