By Dee McMath
Situated in the north of the Granada Province,
the exceptionally beautiful village of Benamaurel is in the Baza
region of the Altiplano of
Granada. The village sits at a height of 723 metres above sea level
and covers an overall area of some 130 Km2. The municipality of
Benamaurel is spread over a series of gullies, split into the village
of Benamaurel and its surrounding hamlets: Puente Arriba, San Marcos,
Cuevas de la Blanca, Huerta Real and Cuevas de Luna. Situated on
an inlet between the river Guardal and the gorge, the area is reminiscent
of Tolkein's Hobbit landscape, with the majority of dwellings being
caves, carved
out of the rock face. The overall population is around 2,500 and
the inhabitants are known as "Benamaurelenses".
Getting to Benamaurel
To get to Benamaurel by car, take the A92 motorway
from Granada towards Murcia.
After about 100 kilometres you come to Baza, where you take the
turn off for Benamaurel, which is about another 10 kilometres. There
are buses between Benamaurel and Baza
running twice a day both ways (normally leaving at 08:00 and 15:00
and then coming back, leaving Baza at 11:30 and 14:00). It is always
best to check the times beforehand in case of any changes to timetables.
The bus company is called Maestra. Ask for more information at the
Benamaurel Town Hall. Tel: 958 733 011.
What to expect of Benamaurel
The surrounding area is alive with nature, being
within very close proximity of three Natural Parks: the
Sierra de Baza and the Sierra
de Cazorla. Also close by is the Negratin lake
and the Jabalcon hills, making this one of the
most beautiful natural spots in Andalucia and indeed in Europe.
There are many lovely excursions on
foot, bicycle or by car in the surrounding area.
The Mayor of Benamaurel, Antonio Arredondo García,
warns visitors that they may "become spellbound by the by the
ancient Arabic influence" saying that "you could fall
for the enchantment". The strongly contrasting sensations cannot
be denied and it is well worth the risk of experiencing, not only
the amazing and often surprisingly palatial cave
living, but also the wonderful local
gastronomy. A visit to Benamaurel is one of the few chances
you will have in modern life to step back in time and enjoy the
experience totally.
Although you are inland and away from the sea,
there is an open air municipal swimming pool in Parque San
León, which is open from June until September.
Benamaurel is a traditional village where fiestas are colourful and give a real sense of rural Andalusia.
Benamaurel - A Historic Municipality
Benamaurel is a historic
village set out over a series of gullies, upon which the various
areas are set out today. The Alhanda, Cuesta
Del Rio and San Antonio quarters are very
much where cave dwelling are found. But don't expect to find peculiar
cave men living there, in fact you may be surprised at the comfort
and decoration of these pretty houses. There is also the area of
El Fuerte, where you can still see remains of the ancient fortress
wall.
The Town Hall in Neoclassic style and the Church
built on the site of an Arabic Mosque take up pride of place in
the main square Plaza Mayor at the highest point
of Benamaurel. A walk through the village is quite a unique experience
and what most hits the senses is the enormous contrast in scenery
and all in such close range. The panoramic view over the rich green
valley and the River Guardal is starkly contrasted against the San
Marcos quarter right opposite, which looks more like a desert enclave.
Local Handicrafts
In times gone by, farm implements were hand made and nowadays it is mainly the older generation who make baskets and matting, etc. by hand weaving the esparto grasses. These make very useful and decorative gifts to take back as a souvenir of Benamaurel.
Weekly Market
Every Sunday there is a weekly market, selling a variety of goods, local produce and handicrafts. In winter it is held in La Cañada and in summer in Calle Vigen de la Cabeza.
For further information on Benamaurel, contact the Town Hall:
Ayuntamiento de Benamaurel
Plaza Mayor, 1
18817 Benamaurel (Granada)
Tel: 958 733 011
Fax: 958 733 036
e-mail: aytobenamaurel@telebase.es
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