Pujerra - Málaga

Pujerra is one of the smallest villages in the region and its population keep unalterable during the last two centuries. Its name is an etymological mystery; nobody knows for sure what its meaning is. We have seen it written in different ways, such as Oxera, which is an obvious error of the copyist, Poxera, Puxerra and finally Pugerra. It is possibly that this name has to do with the name of Alpujarra, if we delete of Alpujarra the Arab article Al-, we have almost the name of Pujerra.

Pujerra is located in the northern slope of Sierra Bermeja, at north it borders on the Valley del Genal, where we can emphasize the hill of Sanara, of the Corcha and the one of the Hiedra. The highest point in this village is the peak Guaitará. Pujerra is to 28 kilometres from Ronda and 150 from Málaga at a height 800 metres above sea level. The river Guadalmansa crosses these lands through a valley across Sierra Bermeja. Up north of Pujerra it also crosses the river Genal and the stream of Bentomiz and Hiedra.

There is few documented information that tell us about the origins of Pujerra. We can suppose because of the design of the steep and narrow streets that Pujerra and its neighboring towns belong to Arab age. What it is known about this village is based on the legends told in an oral way from one generation to another like the ones that are told about the Visigoth King Wamba.

Pujerra is located to 770 metres above sea level and to 116 kilometres from the capital. The town has an average rainfall of 1.100 l/m2 and an average temperature of 13,5º C

Monuments

Church of Espiritu Santo 
hermitage of San Antonio

The most important monument in Pujerra is the Church of Espiritu Santo. It was built after the expulsion of the Moorish at the beginning of the XVI century. It is about a church with a very simple style, typical of the Renaissance. The only element that was added later is the bell tower, with a baroque style (XVIII century) and which is very curious because it adapts itself to the corner of the church. Its roof is a coffered ceiling with a Mudejar style.

The main work of art that we can observe in the church is the image of San Antonio (XVIII century) who dresses the Franciscan habit and has three of the emblems that represent to the Saint: The Iris or White Lily, which is a symbol of the youth and of the chastity; the book of the Holy Scriptures, an emblem the wisdom of the Saint; and the Child in arms because in one of his miracles this child appears to him. We also have the images of Ntra. Sr. de la Soledad and the Christ-Child, both from the XVIII century and other modern sculptures such as Holy Heart of Christ, a Crucified and the Virgin of Fátima.

Legend about the King Wamba

It is said that many centuries ago, when the throne of the Goth Monarchy was vacant, an inhabitant of Pujerra called Wamba was appointed to hold it.

The legend tells that a delegation of nobles and clergymen were the people in charge of looking for Wamba to anoint and crown him king. Wamba, who was busy in the shepherding of his cattle, at first, put up resistance, but in the end, he left the matter to the Divine will saying:

"When this stick I have in my hand flowers I will be the King of Spain"

It is said that when the stick was inserted into the land, suddenly it became green again covering with green leaves and white flowers.

More information about Pujerra

Pujerra was an obliged way of the arrieria roads which connect the rondeña Meseta with the Coast.

Pujerra is located in the middle of a Wood of chestnut and cherry trees, it had a copper mine, 3 factories of liqueur, 3 flour mills and one oil mill.

We can emphasize its town planning of Moslem design, its church of the Espiritu Santo and a gastronomy based on stew of kid, fritters, tostones (croutons), mistelas (fortified wines) and homemade bread rolls.

In some facades of the houses we can find bricks with Greek initials of the name Yesous Christos and whose date is from the II century.

Pujerra celebrates the Huerto del Niño, the Easter Sunday, the June Fair, the procession in August and in November the Virgin of Fátima.

Gastronomy

We can find the stew of fennels, the stew of chestnuts, the oatmeal porridges, el veguero, the refried soups, the bread rolls, and also many sweets cooked with chestnuts; other traditional products are the grape juice and the mistela.

How to get there

You have to take the Mediterranean Motorway (AP-7; N-340) and to arrive at San Pedro de Alcántara, a place located between Marbella and Estepona, and access through the Motorway A-376 towards Ronda. To 12 kilometres before arriving Ciudad del Tajo you have to take MA-526 until Igualeja and continue through MA-527, that leads you to Pujerra.

Distances

To Ronda 25 km  
To Málaga 116 km  
To Marbella 60 km  
To Júzcar 23 km 
To Cartajíma 20 km 
To Parauta 17 km 
To Igualeja 6,5 km