Oria
Oria is a town in the Valle del Almanzora region of the Sierra de las Estancias, surrounded by bare hills and fields of corn, olives and almonds.
Regarding the history of the town, we know of the existence of archaeological remains in nearby El Picacho. We also know that in the Sierra de Oria, in villages and the Cerro Roel several mezquitas have existed since ancient times, where many Muslims of the region lived and worshipped, and they made grants of estates and other property to the area.
According to the historian Jose Angel Tapia, "The hills around Oria were holy places from the Neolithic and Iberia eras, remains of Roman-Visigoths, Christians and Mozarabic were found through to the Middle Ages."
In the late fifteenth century, in June 1492, the Catholic Monarchs gave Oria territories and rights to Don Juan Chacón, who was son of Don Pedro Fajardo de Quesada.
After the death of Don Juan in 1503, Oria passed to his second wife, Doña Inés Manrique, who sold it in 1515 to Pedro Fajardo, first Marquis of Vélez. In the sixteenth century most of the documentation of Oria was lost, so we have little data of that time. The Marquis de los Vélez had six houses, a bread oven for baking and a flour mill. Oria's population at this time was 80 residents. The marquis named four aldermen, two mayors, a sheriff, a clerk and a steward of Equity; revenues to the marquis are noted in the census of the time. It had been noted that the land was poor and barren, not able to sustain any agriculture.
The Moorish rebellion in the late sixteenth century also took place at La Cuenca del Almanzora, and Oria formed a troop of 150 men under the command of Sebastian Elquagaci, and it was sent to rescue the nearby villages.
Especially dramatic was the battle at Albox, when 40 Christians were killed, 13 women and two girls taken prisoner, and their homes destroyed.
After the freeing of Almanzora by Don Juan de Austria, the Moorish leader, Quagaci, was taken to the bishopric of Cuenca, submitted to the Inquisition, his lands and property were confiscated, and he was sentenced to six years in prison.
Besides the beautiful views over the valley and the mountains, offers visitors the historical interest of the Basilica de la Merced, to be found in the ruins of a castle. There are also many orchards, making a beautiful vista at the foot of the mountain.
Also of note is the church of the Sagrada Familia (XVI century), in which there are interesting and informative archives; the Mudejar tower resembles most others in the province.
Close to the church is the hamlet of Cerricos, which has several abundant fountains, most notably the Polaca and Roca de Doria.
It is said that the first parish church in the area was built in Oria, it is similar to the church of San Gregorio Ostiense.
Monuments
Basilica Church of Our Lady of Mercy and the Homeless, eighteenth century. Neoclassical style.
Ermita de San Gregorio. (convent)
Archaeological Sites
Olías remains.
Remains of the fortress of Olias.
Remains of the castle.
Gastronomy
Migas.(bread and meat stew) Egg broth. Gurullos (pasta flour, water and oil formed into a ball and fried, then coated with grains).
Pelotas. Red mullet with white garlic. Choto. Wheat stew. Black pudding. Hornazo.
Sweets: Roscos of brandy. Orange donuts. Almond. Suspiros.(local delicacy)
Directions
Exit Almería direction: N-340 - Murcia - A-92 - Granada. Take the exit towards: Exit 453 - Viator – Pass Military Base - A-92 - Guadix - Granada. At the roundabout, take exit 4 Continue along: A-92. Take the exit towards: Exit 373/376 - Tabernas - Murcia - N-340a. Pass near Tabernas, Benitorafe and Macael. In the outskirts of Oula del Rio, take A-334. Turn left: A-399. Pass by Partaloa . Arrive at Oria.
Distances
Almeria 105 km
Olula del Rio 27km
Tíjola 41km
Cantoria 20km
Albox 25km
Macael 29km
Purchena 33km
Lucar 47km
Serón 47km |
