ALHABIA
Alhabia was once a Muslim farm, and is located at the confluence of the Nacimiento and Andarax Rivers, in a fertile valley. A very unique feature of the town is its pharmacy, founded at the end of the nineteenth century (1871), as well as the monument built in honor of women who work in the pharmaceutical industry. It has around 640 inhabitants.
HISTORY
Alhabia is thought to be of Arab origin and, throughout history, has been known by numerous names, such as Aljaiba, Aljabia, Aljabiati. Its current name, Alhabia, was given to the town in 1587. According to a twelfth-century Muslim geographer and chronicler, its origin was due to the colonization of the territory carried out in the ninth century by Urs al-Yaman. Agriculture was the main economic activity of the Al-Andalus period.
With the Christian conquest, the Taha de Marchena was taken with the surrender of Baza and the Capitulations of Almería in 1489.
During the sixteenth century, Alhabia was characterized by instability. The Moorish rebellion in 1568 and the subsequent expulsion of the Mors in 1570 brought serious economic and demographic consequences from which the village did not recover until the eighteenth century. Alhabia obtained its status as an independent municipality with the abolition of the Maqueda and Arcos Lordship in 1835. Economic and demographic growth continued until the first decade of the twentieth century with the cultivation of the Ohanes grape.
THINGS TO SEE
Iglesia de San Juan Bautista
It took approximately 25 years to build this Church. It was commissioned by Ventura Rodríguez in 1775, but construction did not begin until 1800, which made it predominantly establish the Neoclassical style. Located on Calle Iglesia.
Monumento a la Mujer Farmacéutico
This is a monument in honour of the women in the pharmaceutical industry, representing Carolina de Yedra y Rittwagen. The sculpture is the work of Santiago de Santiago, commissioned and honoured by his son, Francisco Sánchez Yedra. Located on Calle Almeria.
Farmacia
The pharmacy was founded in 1871 by the current pharmacist’s great-grandfather, and is an unusual building worth visiting. Located on Calle San Juan.
Reloj de Sol
A sun dial that is estimated to be over 300 years old.
THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE
Castillo de Pago de los Nietos
Although there are few remains of this fortress, this is one of the monuments of Alhabia that is worth visiting, and has been classified as an Asset of Cultural Interest. Over time, the structure has deteriorated, but visitors can still get a clear image of its Arab features. Located south of Alhabia, off the A-1075.
HANDICRAFTS
The main handicraft activity in Alhabia is pottery, and many objects are produced and sold by locals.
GASTRONOMY
The gastronomy in Alhabia involves delicious cold meats and dishes such as the fritada alpujarreña, choto al ajo cabañil (a special sauce made using garlic, vinegar, water and salt served with goat), cocina mareá (bean stew), migas (fried breadcrumbs served with pork), gurullos (pasta stew) and pelotas (meatballs). For sweet treats, try the roscos de Semana Santa (Easter doughnuts), soplillos (almond meringues), mantecados de miel (honey lard cakes) and rosquillos de vino (aniseed doughnuts).
FESTIVALS
Popular festivals in Alhabia are Fiesta del Voto, Semana Santa and San Isidro. More>
NEARBY PLACES
The neighbouring villages to Alhabia are Alsodux, Terque and Santa Fe de Mondújar.
