Málaga. España.

4. Juli, 2008

ILLORA

Illora is included in two of the routes of the “legasdo Andalusí”: that of Washington Irving and that of the Califat. It is situated to the east of the Parapanda mountain range and is centred around the majestic Encarnación Christian church and the ruins of the walls which surround the fortress, built on a large rock. The outlay of the village, with its evident Muslim influence and heritage incorporates a system of streets, side streets and back alleys which make the steep slopes of the place habitable. There are two main ways of getting to Illora-either via the A92 from Villanueva Mesía, Tocón and Alomartes or via the N432. There are nearly 11,000 inhabitants distributed between the following villages: Alomartes, Brácan, Escóznar, Illora, Obéilar and Tocón. The zone boasts an Arab fortress and castles which restify to its role as a border during the last frontier of Al-andalus. It was deservedly given the name “Right Eye of Granada”.

HISTORY

During the Muslin period it was an important town with fortications.Its strategic position on the Nazan frontier of Granada earned it the nickname “Right Eye of Granada”. It Catholic Monarchs, Ibn al-Jatib, on describing the different zones of the Nazarí kingdom of Granada, says of Illora and Montefrio that: …between them they formed a mine of excellent wheat, homesteads and grazing land, having as disadvantage the continued attacks of the enemy in Alcalá la Real in Christian hand´s.-

MONUMENTAL HERITAGE

Califal castle (IXth-Xth centuries).
Church of the Encarnation, built over an old XVIth century mosque, designed by Diego de Siloé.
Parish Archive.
Pósito (VIIIth and XIXth centuries), the old town halland future Museum of arts and Customs.
House of López de Font in Neo-Mudejar style.
Parish church of “Los Dolores”
Towers and watch towers.
Handicrafts:
Hand-looming in the manufacturing workshop of “La Devenadora”.

GASTRONOMY

Muslim cultura has impregnated the region´s gastronomy. There is extensive use of almond and garlic in local dishes. Typical delights include pottage and stews made of different pulses, “gachas de mosto”, “aliño”, “gachas fritas” quince liquor and nuts.

FESTIVALS

1th Februery “La Merendica”, bonfire celebration in Alomartes
End of June: Parapanda Folk Festival
1 st two weeks of August, festival in honour of Saint Rogelio

NATURAL HERITAGE

The surrounding landscape is full of contrasts, from the Mediterranean forest to the low lying vegetation and trees to be found along the banks of the streams which flor into the river Genil and the lunar landscape of the higher peaks in the area.

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