Benalúa

Benalúa is in the Guadix region, about 866 metres above sea level, in the northern province of Granada and to the north of the Sierra Nevadas, which seems on the landscape to be like a great wall that separates the area of the Costa Tropical. It lies in the centre of a region that in itself is a natural communications corridor, and along the major roads in eastern Andalusia, the A-92 and the railway Linares- Almeria and Guadix-Almendricos have promoted economic and cultural development throughout its recent history.

The first settlements were very old, as evidenced by archaeological findings on the outskirts of the municipality. It always held a strategic position, situated on the Camino Viejo Jaén - Almería, the probable continuation of the old Roman ‘Via Augusta’.

During the Middle Ages it appeared as a series of cave dwellings, small castles and widely scattered settlements, defending the entrance of Guadix against the advancement of Cazorla.

After the Christian conquest it became a simple farmhouse which was passed down the family of Zapata and the Earl of Alcudia.

With the dissolution of the manors in the nineteenth century, Benalua gained jurisdiction over its own affairs and boosted its economy with the construction of the major sugar factory ‘Nuestra Senora del Carmen’.

Monuments

Iglesia Parroquial (Parish Church, formed by the union of two temples, one of the sixteenth century which is now the crosspeice, and another in 1966 that forms the nave of the present church).

Archaeological Sites

 A wealth of archaeological finds in the area.

Town planning
Numerous cave-dwellings.

Gastronomy

Many local sausages (relleno, salchichon, chorizo, blood sausage).Tortas de pringue. Grilled lamb. Onions. Casseroles.

Directions

Leave Granada. At the roundabout, take exit 2 Continue along: E-902 / A-44 direction: Armilla - Motril. Pass near Maracena and Peligros. Follow directions Almería - Murcia. Around Albolote, go via: A-92. Pass near Lopera. Take the exit towards: Exit 288 - Purullena - Cortes and Graena - Beas de Guadix - Troglodyte City. Follow signs to Purullena and after Purullena continue: GR-NE-48. to reach Benalúa.

Distances