Urrácal

URRÁCAL

Urrácal still preserves much of the typical character of the old Arab settlements, particularly in its steep, narrow streets. It is found to the south of the Sierra de las Estancias, half-hidden by a ravine, so provides ideal surroundings for lovers of rural tourism. It has around 350 inhabitants.

HISTORY

The town has special relevance to the Tartessian period, from which an arrowhead dating back to the fourth millennium BC and a Tartessian stele from the sixth century BC have been recovered. With the Christian Re-conquest at the end of the fifteenth century, Urrácal was given the title of Villa in the year 1504, for its unconditional adherence to the cause of the Catholic Monarchs.

The twentieth century in Urrácal was characterized, as in many other towns in the province, by a significant loss of population. At the beginning of the century, a time of economic splendor for Urrácal, olive and cereal were cultivated, soft soap was obtained from the surpluses and murky oils from the oil mills, and linen and hemp cloth was bought raw and bleached. In 1925, the town had two printers, “La Economía” and “La Exactitud” .

THINGS TO SEE

Iglesia Parroquial de Santa María
The Parish Church dates from the sixteenth century and is formed of a central nave and two lateral ones. At the entrance, there is a space for the choir, with a painted oval roof. The altar has an oval dome with eight windows and magnificent paintings and inscriptions. A highlight of its many images is that of José de la Escuela de Salzillo, which has recently been restored. Located on Calle del Pilar.

Lavadero Público
Many municipalities in the Almanzora Valley retain their old the public washing areas. Urrácal’s was created in 1947. They are places of great ethnological interest that transport us to another era, in which these facilities were sites for both the execution of daily chores and the verbal exchange of local news. Located on Calle del Pilar.

Mirador de la Cerrada
Natural balconies like the Mirador de la Cerrada serve as viewpoints from which visitors can observe beautiful and impressive landscapes, and are common across the Almanzora Valley. Located on Camino a la Sierra, Calle Cañabate.

HANDICRAFTS

Handicrafts in the town are scarce, although some elderly residents dedicate themselves, as a hobby, to straw work.

GASTRONOMY

Gastronomically, Urrácal is well known for its cold meats, primarily morcilla (black pudding), chorizo and other cured sausages. Other typical dishes are migas (fried breadcrumbs served with pork), cocido de morcilla (black pudding stew), arroz con conejo (rice with rabbit) and tortilla de ajos (garlic tortilla).

FESTIVALS

Popular festivals in Urrácal are San Blas, Semana Santa and the Asunción de la Virgen María. More>

NEARBY PLACES

The neighbouring villages to Urrácal are Somontín, Purchena and Olula del Río.

Booking.com

Destinations