Marchal

Marchal is to be found in the province of Granada, within the district of Guadix, and is bordered to the north by Purellena, to the west by Cortes and Graena, to the south by Beas de Guadix, and to the east by Guadix .

Within its boundaries lies the area known las Carcavas de Marchal, this being an area of solid clay with very beautiful natural formations, known as ‘Acarcavadas’. Historically, this solid clay was used in the creation of cave dwellings inhabited by residents of the municipality. The area has been declared a natural monument by the Government of Andalusia.

The municipality of Marchal was part of the Senorio de los Gallardo and included within its jurisdiction many nearby population enclaves, which are more important today, as in the case of Purullena, which long remained under its jurisdiction. But besides its being the former capital city, for a few decades Marchal also lost its name, which coincided with the division of the lands that ended the regime of the previous large estate.

Numerous archaeological remains found in the area testify to the settlement of prehistoric civilizations. It has been a population centre since the Middle Ages, growing from a farmstead established by Muslims. The town suffered through centuries of war and harassment by Christian armies until its final conquest in the late fifteenth century, when the Moors were expelled, although it seems that some returned to live in cave houses, camouflaged from the eyes of the Christians.

Monuments

Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Anunciation (Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation)
Palacio de los Gallardo and Casa Rosa
Carcavas

Gastronomy

Marchal's cuisine is based on products grown in the fields and combined with grains, beans, meat and other local products from the ‘matanzas’(locally slaughtered), in addition to the top quality olive oil and fine wines produced ecologically by local artisans.

Directions

Leaving Granada. At the roundabout take the 2nd exit Continue along: E-902 / A-44 heading to Armilla - Motril. Pass near Maracena and Peligros. Follow directions Almeria - Murcia. Pass by Albolote, go to: A-92. Pass near Lopera. Take the exit towards: Exit 288 - Purullena - Cortes y Graena - Beas de Guadix - Troglodyte City - Ceramic Art - Picturesque Landscape. Follow signs to Purullena. Pass Purullena. Turn left: GR-4105 and arrive at Marchal.

Distances