By Dee McMath
The village of Galera is a natural beauty spot,
which is steeped in the history of many cultures going back some
4,000 years. With a population of less than 1,500, this unspoiled
village in the Granada 'Altiplano' area and is one of the six villages
with makes up the Huescar region within that area. Galera has a
spectacular surrounding landscape including remarkable sparkling
crystal deposits, where an interior lake has dried out over the
years, leaving fascinating rock formations. It is about 150 kilometres
from Granada City and at an altitude of around 830 metres above
sea level its geographical situation is dominated by the surrounding
mountains of Sagra, Castril, Cazorla.
 It is a land of contrasts, with rivers flowing through
lush, green valleys, juxtaposed with dry areas where plant life
has to adapt to the drought conditions. As well as the many types
of flora, species of fauna such as rabbits, hares, foxes and partridge
are just a few examples of those who enjoy this natural habitat.
Along the river banks, willow, poplar and ash trees form a cool
forest of shade in the summer months. Fish, crabs and turtles abound,
as well as eels and much more.
The surrounding countryside is perfect for walking
and cycling and many more outdoor sports.
History
Galera, like the other villages in the Altiplano
area of the Granada Province is of special interest to historians
and anyone who enjoys learning about the evolution of mankind through
ancient cultures. There are traces of life in these parts going
as far back as 2000 B.C. After the Bronze Age inhabitants came the
Phoenicians, with their alabaster gods. During that time the area
was called Tútugi.
Later, the Romans arrived and fell in love with
the very beautiful surroundings and so they built temples, impressive
villas and monuments. When the Moors came over from Africa, both
the name and the position changed. Upon arrival to what was then
Tútugi, the new settlers began to build the fortified walls
around what became known as Galera.
There were numerous battles between Moors and Christians
and many thousands of lives were lost in bloody conflict. The geography
of the area changed considerably in the 19th century with the advent
of the railway lines which passed by on the periphery of the area.
Although the lack of direct connection and mod cons was seen by
many as a life sentence to the area, looking back on it now, it
is considered by many as a blessing that has managed to preserve
the historical and cultural value of Galera.
Iglesia de la Anunciación
The Church of the Annunciation
This magnificent building is built in the Granada
'Mudejar' style from the 16th Century. In 1983 it was officially
given status as a National Monument. If you visit this church, you
will be astonished at the incredible crafted wooden roof inside
the main part of the church. The chapel of 'el Santo Cristo de la
Expiración' is in the baroque style with ornate plaster decoration
from the 17th century, while the Main Alter is in the 20th century
baroque style copied from a previous altarpiece which was destroyed
during the Spanish Civil War.
Archaeological Museum
There is an archaeological museum in the chapel
of the old convent in Calle San Marcos. On two floors of exhibits,
you can see many pieces of historic evidence of the centuries of
different cultures in and around Galera. There is also an old underground
bodega, where the traditional Galera wine cellar is recreated. There
are also plans for having an ethnological museum there in the future.
For further information Tel: 958 739 276 or 696 829 388.
Puente de Hierro
Iron Bridge
This very interesting piece of engineering work
was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century. It spans 80
metres and is made entirely of iron, supported by 4 concrete pillars.
The construction of this bridge made travelling between Galera and
the more northern parts of the area towards Baza and Granada much
easier.
Arabic Watchtowers
There are three watchtowers built for defence and
vigilance between the Christians of Castilla and the Muslims of
the kingdom of Granada. They are strategically placed for keeping
watch and the two towers, Fuente Amarga and the Ozmin Tower are
still in good condition. The third one, the Teón Tower has
not survived the rigours of time so well, but all three are witness
to the historic struggles and defences of the past.
Chozones
"Bothies"
You may notice small rudimentary rock built huts
in the agricultural and dry land in the municipality of Galera.
These are a similar idea to the ancient Scottish highland 'bothies'.
They were used in the past by the farmers when the weather turned
against them. Some are made entirely of stone and are impressive
in the simplicity of construction - without the use of cement or
any other material.
Tútugi Necropolis
There is an archaeological dig of great national
importance, consisting of some 170 graves in tombs, over quite a
large area of ground. This is in fact the largest burial area of
its kind in Iberian culture (Dating from the 7th to the 3rd century
BC) It was officially declared a National Historic Monument by the
Spanish State in 1931.
Castellon Alto
This archaeological site, is just one kilometre
from the centre of Galera on the left bank of the Galera River.
This was once home to the el Algar people during the lat Bronze
Age (around 1900 - 1600 BC)
Fiestas
Rosario de San Aquilino
At dusk on the 4th of January the
people of the village sing the rosary and local ballads, accompanied
by traditional music.
Fiesta de San Antón
This religious fiesta takes place
from the 15th to the 18th of January.
Jueves Lardero (Día de la Tortilla)
Thursday before Lent ( the day of the omelette)
On the Wednesday prior to Ash Wednesday, the
people of Galera go off into the countryside and traditionally eat
Spanish omelette as the main food of a communal picnic.
Semana Santa - Easter Holy Week
The Way of the Cross is a cultural
and religious Easter celebration of great importance. The people
of the village follow the image of Jesus being carried through the
streets. Religious songs from the 16th Century are sung. The procession
takes place at night with images of the Holy Sepulchre and the Virgen
de los Dolores, with the brotherhood and maidens of the virgin following
on. This is a very beautiful and haunting procession, especially
within the context of this historic rural village.
The Fiesta of Christ of the Expiration
(Fiestas del Cristo de la Expiración)
This traditional religious celebration is held in
the first week of August. The celebrations go on in the evening
with music, food and drink and by day there are many competitions
organised, such as chess tournaments, local football matches and
lots of events for the children. The week's celebrations culminate
with the main mass on the Sunday and the procession, when the images
of Christ and the Virgin are carried through the village streets.
This last day of this important fiesta attracts people from near
and far and is considered a major date on the religious calendar.
Fiesta de la Virgen del Rosario
This is a religious festival held
on the first Sunday in October. The people of the village form a
procession at dawn and spend the day together, singing and dancing.
Many of the songs are taken from 16th century prayers. There is
a main mass midday and another procession at night.
Santa Lucía
On the 13th December bonfires are
lit and the people gather round to sing Christmas songs. Food is
cooked around the fire, barbeque style and local wines accompany
the celebrations.
Misa de los Gozos (The Mass of
Joy)
This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy folklore
in the historic village of Galera. From the 15th to the 23rd December,
each day there is a mass leading up to Christmas Eve (Nochebuena),
when beautiful 17th century songs are sung, accompanied by string
instruments, tambourine and cymbals. This is a really authentic
Andalusian experience in this richly historic village.
Fiesta de las Migas
On the evening of 26th December the
town hall provides the ingredients and the logs to light a fire,
so that everyone in the village can savour the typical dish called
'Migas'. This is a tasty Andalusian recipe, which is widely popular,
consisting mainly of flour, oil, water, garlic and some meat, such
as sausage, bacon, etc. The town hall even provides the wine to
go with it and various groups of people help with the cooking and
organisation.
Baile de los inocentes (Dance on
the day of the 'Innocent Souls')
The 28th of December is the day of the Innocent
Souls. Equivalent to April the 1st being April Fool's Day in UK
and other countries. One of the church brotherhoods organize a special
celebration where traditional dances, such as the jotas and seguidillas,
which are very lively, energising and wonderful to watch.
Gastronomy in Galera
Alongside all the many wonderful
Andalusian country dishes to try while you are visiting the village
of Galera, two important features not to be overlooked are the excellent
locally baked bread and locally produced wine. The wines are certainly
well worth trying and regarding the bread, it is interesting to
note that one of the local sayings about Galera is the understatement
"they sell bread in Galera…" The local dishes are
determined by local produce and they all encompass the authentic
Mediterranean flavours. Look out for migas, the home made stews
and the wonderful roasts from wood burning ovens. During the Easter
and Christmas periods, there are also special seasonal sweets and
deserts.
Bars & Restaurants in Galera
Bar "Manolo"
C/ Iglesia, 1
Tel: 958 739165
Bar "El Cazador"
Avda. Nicasio Tomás
Tel: 958 739195
Mesón "La Zalona"
Avda. Nicasio Tomas, 12
Tel: 958 739032
Pizzería "La Posada"
C/ Iglesia, 11
Tel: 958 739153
Restaurante "El Parador"
Ctra. de Huéscar
Tel: 958 739199
For further information on Galera:
Ayuntamiento de Galera (Galera Town Hall)
Plaza Mayor, 8
Tel: 958 739 115
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