
VILLANUEVA DE MESIAS
As one approaches the village, one is struck by
the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Centenarian poplars surround
you and the sound of water from the irrigation channels murmurs
in your ears and one immediately notices the flatness of the surrounding
land, which is broken only by the grooves on the land surface made
by the streams and channels. The village is situated at the most
westerly point of Granada´s fertile plain and is within the
territory of Loja. Dedicated to olive growing and market-garden
cultivation, it conserves the irrigation system inherited from the
Andalusí epoch. |
HISTORY
Though its origin goes back to the
Arab occupation of the village, the first documents alter the reconquest
show that the first settlers established themselves around a comercial
post “del Río”, named “Cabo de las Ventas
en los Tajos de la Granja”. In later documents another commercial
post is mentioned, this time situated above the fortress of Tájara.
During the Arab occupation, there weree over 300 mills, hamlets
and small farms in the surrounding area. To the right there was
a mill which must have been situated near Cerro Colorado.
GASTRONOMY
Local gastronomy is characterised by an abundante
of pulses, which give rise to recipes Duch as:
Potato and oranges “remojón, Fresh salads, “Porra
malena”
Stewed snails, Pork sausage and other products, asparagus sauces.
FESTIVALS
2 nd February, bonfires and carnaval
25th April, pilgrimage of Saint Mark
May, celebration of the Cross.
Last week in July, celebration of Santiago.
End of October: cattle fair.
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MONUMENTAL HERITAGE
Dam.
Tahona o Pósito (SXVII).
Arroyo de los Pinares.
Sistemas de Riego Andalusí.
Iglesia Parroquial de Ntra. Sra. la Aurora de estilo mudéjar.
Merece especial atención la panorámica desde la Plaza
del Visillo junto al paraje denominado la Presa donde se va de San
Marcos.
NATURAL HERITAGE
Its uniform geography is characterised by high hills
around the ravines of Arroyo de la Verdeja, La Torre and Los Pinares.
In the centre of the village there are several recently channelled
springs which cross the village before flowing into the Genil. The
surrounding landscape is chiefly agricultural and banks of Mesomediterranean
vegetation, with poplars and elm trees. Visitors can take advantage
of splendid walks along the wooded avenues which follow the river
Genil, which are dotted with small-holdings and cool orchards.
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