Purullena

The town of Purullena is located in the Hoya de Guadix, in a plain watered by three rivers, surprisingly lively to a traveler, and has a rough profile of clay hills, into which have been dug the unique local cave dwellings, which manifest their presence initially by the white chimneys clearly seen sticking up out of the red earth.

Purullena is one of the most representative cave dwelling habitats, being a recommended site of great beauty and quaintness, where you may also purchase the famous handicrafts of the entire region, as well as the local produce of the plain (pay special attention to the peaches), all sold in the numerous stalls that line the road.

This town was inhabited since prehistoric times. Archaeological remains have been found dating back to 3000 BC. There was the ancient Roman villa Purullius, which was converted to the farmhouse Guadix by Muslims. Its name refers to the defensive towers which were built in the Middle Ages along the river Fardes to prevent the incursion of Christian knights camped in Cazorla. As a frontier it had special importance in the Moorish period, until in 1489 it was finally conquered by the Catholic Monarchs and given to Juan de Benavides. The town later became an annexe of Marchal and was raised by the Catholic Monarchs to the category of Villa Real, (Royal Town), which can still be seen in the Municipal Titles.

Monuments

Iglesia Paroquial de San Martin ( Parish Church of St. Martin)
Ethnological Museum Cuevas La Inmaculada
Almagruz Interpretation Centre

Gastronomy

In Purullena you can find fresh local bread, Migas (meat stew with breadcrumbs) and the popular Gachas (a kind of red pepper stew). The fertile plains provide many vegetables, and the local pork dishes are very rich and tasty. Purullena is famous for its peaches.

Directions

Leave Granada. At the roundabout, take exit 2 Continue along: E-902 / A-44 direction: Armilla - Motril. Pass near Maracena and Peligros. Follow directions towards Almería - Murcia. Pass Albolote, go towards: A-92. Pass near Lopera. Take the exit towards: Exit 288 - Purullena - Cortes and Graena - Beas de Guadix – Ciudad Troglodita - Ceramica Artistica. Follow signs to Purullena. Turn right: A-4100. Reach Purullena.

Distances

Granada 47 km
Guadix 6 km
Diezma 14 km
Fonelas 12 km
Albuñán 16 km
Hernán Valle 15 km
Beas de Guadix 5 km
Alcudia de Guadix 12 km
Benalúa Guadix 4.5 km
Minas del Marquesado 30 km