Cijuela

Cijuela can be found in the western sector of the Vale of Granada, surrounded by wide areas of verdant poplars, rich fruit orchards, and crossed by the river Genil. The town lies close to the A-92 motorway and is the starting point of the western part of the Vega of Granada.

It is an area of flat land, which the Arabs called “pequena llanura’ (small plain). Much of the historical and tourist interest is that in the tenth century the construction of an advanced irrigation system began, to carry water to the entire area through a complex network of canals and ditches. Besides this irrigation system, the local alluvial soils are very fertile, resulting in agriculture being the mainstay of the economy.

Legend has it that Alhamar, founder of the Kingdom of Granada, directed from here the recovery and refurbishing of the irrigation systems and canals (built by Al-Haken II in the tenth century and expanded by Yusuf in XI) and increased the number of ditches.

Its history is and has been closely linked to that of Granada, which is nearby. Today Cijuela is a town which participates in industrial and commercial activity and services for the city of Granada.

Monuments

Iglesia Parroquial (Parish Church, XVIII century).
Ermita. (convent)
Ayuntamiento (Town Hall, XIX century)
Arab Tower, Hoja de la Torre.

Town planning

Town very much “of the Vega”.
Hoja de la Torre.

Gastronomy

Cijuela has a diverse cuisine, the richness of the land providing lavish horticultural products, as well as crops for drying, such as barley, wheat and olives, and the provision of rich oils and table olives, together with various salads, including white beans. There are tasty soups for cool nights even in summer, some with rice, chickpea stews, beans with ham and beef, lamb and chicken. Classic dishes made from vegetables are recommended, and the fertility of the land also provides melons and watermelons.

Directions

Leave Granada. Continue along: A-92G. Continue, direction Santa Fe: A-92G / Carretera de Granada direction Malaga . Continue straight on towards: Málaga - Sevilla - Airport. Santa Fe Take Exit A-92 heading to Malaga - Sevilla - Airport. Take the exit towards: Exit 225 - Cijuela - Chimeneas - Romilla.

Distances