Purullena

Purullena is well known for its enormous number of cave dwellings and for its agricultural and handicraft traditions. It is also famous for its ceramics decorated with a cobalt blue pattern using a special polychrome technique that dates back to the 16^th century. These pieces are displayed and sold in cave shops. In the words of the historian Carlos Asenjo Sedano this is “…an amazing town, which seems to hang off the clay cliffs.”  In the town’s underground dwellings legend has it that the famous bandit José María ‘El Tempranillo’ once took refuge.

The municipality has one of the most important archaeological sites in the province. In Cuesta de Negro a fortified enclosure that dates back to the Argaric period (1800 BC) was discovered. Almost 50 graves were found in its necropolis, all with varied and rich burial objects. Many of these archaeological remains are now on display at the Archaeological Museo Arqueológico de Granada.

Purullena has been inhabited since Prehistoric times. Here, archaeological remains dating back to 3000 BC have been discovered. This is the ancient Roman town of Purullius, which was later transformed into a farmstead by the Muslims.

Its name refers to the defense towers that were built in the Middle Ages on the Río Fardes to prevent attacks by the Christians camped in Cazorla. As is was located on the border it played an important role in the Nasrid period, until in 1489 it was finally conquered by the Catholic Monarchs and given to Juan de Benavides.

Later it became dependent on the town of Marchal and was given the title of Villa Real by the Catholic Monarchs, which it still holds today.

Typical dishes such as Gachas pimentonas or Arroz con cracoles have been enjoyed locally since the 18^th century, and today are still made with the same recipe. This town is also well known for the quality of its peaches. So much so that Purullena has its own peach festival.

In addition, you can enjoy good bread, excellent wine, varied fresh vegetables that are used a lot in preparing local dishes.