Otura

Otura is geographically located in the area known as La Campana Granadina, a region once alluded to as lands formerly under the jurisdiction of a parish, looked at with a more romantic view, it has been said that the La Campana region covered the entire territory of the area of Granada where the ringing of the bell of the Torre de la Vela de la Alhambra could be heard. That reference to the proximity of the city of Granada ably demonstrates either of the two interpretations, amply fulfilled in the case of Otura: located between Sierra Nevada and Granada, just 8 kilometres from the city of the Alhambra.

The origin of Otura seems to be XIth century, although there are historical records to tell us that it was an annexe to Alhendín, but considering that the first writings we have of Alhendin date from the XIIth century, we can deduce that Otura is after this date.

The revolt of 1567-68 was a time of abandonment and depopulation of this Municipal area, but the subsequent arrival of new inhabitants from Castile helped to repopulate the area.
The repopulation of the land was made through direct sales by Castilian royal grant to farmers as payment for services rendered to the Crown.

We know that in the XVcentury Otura had a Mosque in the main area located below the church, two ‘rabitas’ (one on the other side of the barrio (neighborhood) and one outside of town) and two ovens.

The XVIIIth century was a period of expansion; the barrios were maintained, the church passed to the control of the town, and the Calle Real remained the backbone of the ‘barrio alto’. The expansion was only limited by the canals.

The Vega currently retains abundant surface archaeological evidence of prehistoric times, ancient Bronze Age, Roman, Visigoth and Moorish. In the early sixties, the region began to enjoy an urban growth, which was enhanced significantly in the nineties.

Monuments

Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Senora de la Aurora (Parish Church of Our Lady of the Dawn)

Gastronomy

Otura products are characterized by the traditional ‘Matanza ’(the slaughter of the pigs) and migas, together with sausages of all kinds and classes, also bean casseroles and stews.

Directions

Leaving Granada. At the roundabout, take exit 4 Go to: E-902 / A-44 heading to Armilla - Motril. Pass near Armilla and Ogíjares. Take the exit towards: Exit 137
Otura - Alhendín. Pass Alhendín and follow signs to Otura.

Distances