Cortes de Baza

Cortes de Baza is to be found in the extreme northeast of the province of Granada , 132 km. from the capital and 24km from Baza, and belongs to the Judiciary of Baza. The climate is continental Mediterranean, rigorous and extreme. Cortes de Baza borders the municipalities of Castril, Castillejar, Benamaurel, Baza (all within the province of Granada) and Pozo Alcon (province of Jaén ).

Although written data on Cortes de Baza is scarce, it is known to have seen human settlement since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the numerous archaeological sites found in the area known as "Hoya de Baza." The region of Baza was inhabited by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans. This town had a rapid stage of development during the Arab period, during which irrigation systems were built which still exist today, but fell into decline after the repression and subsequent rebellion of the Moors.

The area was conquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1489 and later went into decline. In the Moslem period, in the thirteenth century, there was a Moorish fortress which posed a serious danger to the Castilian advance, the site of which is now only distinguishable by its foundations.

Monuments

Iglesia Parroquial (Parish Church, XVI century, with a magnificent Mudejar coffered ceiling.)

Archaeological Sites

There is an extraordinary archaeological wealth in the whole area of the Hoya de Baza.

Town planning

Cave-dwellings.
Negratín Dam

Gastronomy

The cuisine is very rich and varied throughout the area, both in sweet foods, "gurupina" is one of the oldest dishes known, also savory foods such as migas, casseroles, ‘migas matanza’, fried rabbit with garlic and wine, bean dip, pipirrana, kid with garlic, baked lamb, and many kinds fried foods, stews, and casseroles etc. ..

As for sweets and pastries of the municipality, there is a variety of them from the typical Christmas fare (roscos wine, butter, pastries, macaroons, etc..), also Semana Santa, Easter, offers fried donuts, foils, borrachuelos, rice pudding, etc also the delicious dessert hiuevos a la nieve.Also noteworthy is Torta de la Candelaria, which is prepared every year on February 2, coinciding with the feast of Candlemas.

Directions

Exit Granada. A-92. Continue along: A-92. Take the exit towards: Exit 295 - Baza - Murcia. Take A-92N. Take the exit towards: Exit 339 - Baza (Centro) - Benamaurel - Caniles - Huércal Overa. Turn left: A-4200, direction: GR-NE-5 - Benamaurel. Pass Baico. Take GR-NE-8. Arrive at Cortes de Baza.

Distances