BENTARIQUE
Bentarique is where a valuable Muslim treasure was found dating back to the fifteenth century, consisting of valuable pieces of metalwork and is on show in the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid. It has about 240 inhabitants.
HISTORY
The origins of the village lie in the times of Roman domination, an era when baths were the main focus. The twelfth century Muslim geographer and chronicler, Idrisi, links the town to Roman hot springs at a health spring, known as the Poznilla fountain. However, the village had to wait for the arrival of the Muslims to acquire its current appearance, with clear characteristics of being a bourgeois town. More>
THINGS TO SEE
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
The Church is dedicated to Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, although the patron saint has been the Virgen del Carmen since 1885; the ancient patron was San Lupo. It was built at the beginning of the sixteenth century, although Pascual Madoz locates the year of completion to 1604. It is of Mudejar style with a raised main head and wooden roof with limestone armor. Located on Paseo de la Iglesia.
Ermita de San José
This Neoclassical style Chapel is commonly known to all as “La Era” . In it several festivities are celebrated such as the Día de la Cruz or Cruces de Mayo (May 3). Located in the Plaza de San José.
THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE
Ermita de las Ánimas
This small Chapel has been recently restores and is located on the outskirts of the town.
NATURAL AREAS
La Posnilla
La Posnilla is a natural site well known for its spring, with its thermal waters, used frequently in the twelfth century.
GASTRONOMY
Grapes have a key role to play in the local gastronomy of the village, as a specific variety of top quality grape is produced here, called the Ohanes grape. Some of the typical dishes here are potaje de hinojo (fennel soup), migas (fried breadcrumbs served with pork), fritada de conejo (fried rabbit), trigo pelado (white bean stew) and gurullos (pasta stew). Sweet treats include soplillos (meringues), pan de mosto (grape bread) and hornazos de San Marcos (sweet pastries).
FESTIVALS
Popular festivals in Bentarique are Fiestas del Virgen del Carmen, San Isidro, Cruces de Mayo and Semana Santa. More>
NEARBY PLACES
The neighbouring villages to Bentarique are Terque, Íllar and Alicún.
