La Tahá - Pitres

Written by Paz Rosado, Translated by Emma Cattle and Fiona Flores Watson

The municipality of La Tahá was part of the Taha de Ferreira, one of 14 such areas established during the Nasrid occupation (they were the Moorish dynasty who built the Alhambra). The tahas were administrative districts divided according to landscape, and each had a capital. The area is reached by the Barranco de Sangre (Blood Ravine), so named because it was the scene of a fierce battle during the Moorish Rebellion of the Alpujarras.

This municipal district combines three villages and several smaller hamlets. The villages are Pitres, Mecina Fondales and Ferreirola.

Pitres is the main village of La Tahá, and its plaza is one of the most spacious around, with lush trees. La Iglesia Parroquial del Cristo de la Expiración was built in the 16th century and almost totally reconstructed after it was plundered during the Civil War. Its inhabitants were labelled as louts when they asked the local government for a sea port (the coast is a short drive away). This bizarre request originated a fiesta where sardines are "planted" in a dry riverbed and watered to make them grow.

Hotels in and around Pitres

Book Hotels in Pitres

Hotel Maravedí

Hotel Maravedí has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, garden, a terrace and restaurant in Pitres. This 2-star hotel features free WiFi and a bar. Some units at the property have a balcony with pool view.

At the hotel, the rooms have a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels.

Holiday rentals in and around Pitres

Apartment rentals in Pitres

Village house rentals in Pitres

Casa Launa

Casa Launa is set in Pitres, in the Sierra Nevada National Park. The rustic two-bedroom house has a fireplace and a vine-covered garden terrace with barbecue facilities and Alpujarra Mountain views.

Cortijo rentals in Pitres

Mecina-Fondales well-known to followers of the writer Gerald Brenan, as he spent some summers here. Mecina Fondales is situated on south-facing slopes overlooking the river Trevélez. Located in the village is a lavadero (public laundry and washroom) which has been well conserved over the years. Mecina Fondales also has the remains of an old Arabic mill, while Fondales has an ancient bridge over the river Trevelez. Other places to visit include la Iglesia de San Marcos y San Cayetano, a church which dates from the 16th century.

Ferreirola is located nearby between two ravines. The quality of the village spring water is renoun throughout the area. In Ferreirola the tower of the Santa Cruz church is the most interesting building from a historical and artistic point of view. Built in the mid-18th century, it has the old cemetery next door. There is also a Casa-Escuela for foreigners, where students can learn Spanish language as well as the local history and traditions.

Capilerilla is the highest of the villages of La Tahá. Capilerilla, sits above Pitres, standing at an impressive 1,380m above sea level. Here you can see a well-conserved Visigothic temple from the eighth century, as well remains of another constructed in limestone and featuring elements of Gothic and Moorish architecture.

Atalbéitar is the smallest and most western of the villages that make up La Tahá. It is situated above Ferreirola. The most important building here is the church, with the cemetery next to it.

Lovers of crafts can find in La Tahá ceramic and fired clay workshops, as well as master luthiers (maker of stringed instruments) who still make guitars, mandolins, double bass and lutes by hand using traditional methods.

GASTRONOMY

The most famous dishes are migas (a dish made with breadcrumbs, garlic, olive oil and other ingredients), jamon (ham) and different sausages, as well as the salted chestnuts which are perfect with the locally produced wine. For dessert, there is nothing better than papaviejos (deep fried batter rolled in sugar and cinnamon).

FIESTAS

The calendar in La Tahá is marked by different fiestas in each different population, which take place in many cases during the summer months. The only one to be celebrated throughout the whole region is la Fiesta del Chisco de San Antón, on 16January. On this day, residents gather around a bonfire, dance around it and eat roast meat. In April, the residents of Capileirilla celebrate the fiesta of their patron saint, San Francisco de Paula, and in February, those from Atalbéitar, la Fiesta de la Candelaria.

DIRECTIONS

La Tahá is 79km from Granada city. Take the A-44 (direction Armilla-Motril), then leave at exit 164 to join with the A-348 (direction Lanjarón). From here, take the GR-421, which will take you directly to the main population, Pitres.

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