Turón

Turón is located south of Murtas, on the eastern edge of the Sierra de la Contraviesa and near the Pantano de Benínar reservoir. Here the best fig bread of the entire region is produced. The town is both of culinary and historical interest. The town itself as well as the surrounding area make it well worth a visit.

Located at 705 metres above sea level, Turón is a unique and picturesque town. The charm of its white houses on the hill, its flowered terraces and the tranquillity of its narrow winding streets will make you fall in love with the village. The surrounding natural environment is amazing too. Nature lovers will enjoy visiting some fantastic places where you can go hiking and take part in a variety of mountain sports.

Turón was known as Turobriga during the Roman Empire, when its now abandoned lead mines were in intensive use. It fell under the jurisdiction of the Taha del Gran Cehel during the Muslim period. At that time it was a prosperous and peaceful town, sheltered by the surrounding hills.

The history of Turón is exceptional in that it was one of the few places where no violent acts were committed against Christians during the Moorish uprising. According to historian Luis de Mármol, it was the local Moors who, despite joining the uprising, protected and accompanied their 18 Christian neighbours to the port of Adra to save their lives. This noble gesture did not save them, however: when the troops of King Felipe II arrived, all the Moors were killed. After the Muslim defeat, the town had almost no inhabitants so it was repopulated by settlers from other parts of Spain.

Sausages, pork products and game are used a lot in local dishes. Locally grown almonds, figs, olives are popular as is the local wine. The highlight of Turón’s cuisine is its fig bread.