Agrón
Agrón dates back to the Muslim rule over southern Spain, but didn’t develop until many centuries later, when Spanish settlements started to emerge after the Reconquista. It has about 290 inhabitants.
History
Its toponym, reminiscent of Latin “Ager”, meaning “field”, refers to the agricultural activity that has been a livelihood for its inhabitants throughout history. The municipality, like all those in this area of El Temple, has been closely linked to Alhama de Granada in terms of its historical development. Like all the municipalities in this area of El Temple, it has seen the passing of the Roman Empire, the long Muslim rule, the subsequent Christianization after the Granada War, and, already in the nineteenth century, the presence of Napoleonic troops on its lands during the Peninsular War. Currently, the Duke and Duchess of Wellington own a large estate called Fatimbullar in Agrón.
Things to see
Iglesia Parroquial Inmaculada Concepción
This is a relatively new building, having been constructed in 1967. With modern lines, very sober architectural volumes, and hardly any exterior ornamentation, its interior consists of a central nave and adjacent chapels surrounding it. Directly in front of the main altar are seven stained-glass windows depicting the figures of the Apostles, which allow a large amount of light into the church, providing a wide variety of colours. The tall, prismatic bell tower stands out on its façade, with few openings in its slender silhouette, and opens at its highest point to house the bells. Located on Calle Granada.
Things to see outside the village
Cuevas de Fatimbulla
The prehistoric Fatimbulla Caves, which are located on the grounds of a privately owned property, require prior permission to visit.
Torre o Atalaya de Agrón
On the borders of Agrón, Alhama de Granada, and Arenas del Rey, lies this tower, a watchtower located approximately four kilometres from the town of Agrón and at an altitude of 1,168m.
El Cerrajón
To the south, there is a large ravine carved into blunt hills called Barranco del Toro, offering impressive views. This entire area is known as El Cerrajón, a place where we find low forest and scrubland, and a plant typical of these areas called tocha (esparto grass). This esparto grass is harvested in February, and in the cool air, the townspeople make long, tailed torches. On the night of February 2nd, they burn them in honour of the Virgen de Candelaria, as a purification rite. There is also a cave called Cueva de la Vieja, where many people took refuge during the Spanish Civil War.
Sierra de Pera
To the south, we find the Sierra de la Mora mountain range, also a landscape of low forest and holm oaks. There is a place called “La Paridera”, an old gypsum and limestone quarry. This place was given this name because, according to the town’s residents, it was where female wild boars gave birth to their young. Two important farmsteads are located here: Fatimbullar, recently remodelled, and Don Juan farmstead, formerly owned by the Duke of Wellington (See more on the Duke of Wellington). Surrounding this farmstead is a landscape of holm oaks whose appeal lies in the age of these trees, some of which are thousands of years old, making them well worth a visit.
Bus Service
There is a bus service from Agrón to Granada City. More>
Handicrafts
As the town is agricultural, there are not many local handicrafts. However, some older members of the community still work with esparto, and the village produces small sculptures.
Gastronomy
With regards to the gastronomy of Agrón, the dishes that stand out are foods typical to the area such as; chickpeas; cereals; a great array of local vegetables; almonds; olives and cured ham. Try the local dish, conejo con salsa de almendras (rabbit in almond sauce).
Festivals
Popular festivals in Agrón are Fiesta de la Virgen de Agosto, Procesión de la Santísima Virgen, Fiestas de la Cruz, La Candelaria and San Marcos. More>
Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for the next few days for Agrón. More>
Tourist Office
The tourist office of Agrón is located in the Town Hall. More>
Nearby Places
The neighbouring villages to Agrón are Ventas de Huelma and Cacín.