Güevéjar
by Saskia Mier
Güvéjar is the defintion of survival, after having been hit by two earthquakes during its long history. The first was the famous Lisbon earthquake of 1755, which destroyed a large part of the village and the second, considerably more devastating, hit in 1884, opening cracks in the ground so big that authorities were advised not to reconstruct the village. Therefore, Güvéjar moved to Sierra de la Yedra, since this location offered safer and firmer terrain. It has a population of around 2200 inhabitants.
HISTORY
There are some Arab references that there was a Roman road that left Granada, passing through Güevéjar and arriving at Bailén, the main communication hub of eastern Baetica. Certain studies mention the Güevéjar farmhouse (al-qarya Wabasar) in the first half of the fourteenth century and there are chronicles that apply the toponyms Bobaxar and Vovexar to Güevéjar as Arabized forms of an earlier name. Simonet F. J. identifies it with the farmhouse called Ubexar, a toponym prior to the arrival of the Arabs in Spain, which demonstrates the existence of the town before the eighth century. More>
THINGS TO SEE
Iglesia Parroquial de San Ildefonso y Santa Cristina
The church was built in 1887 with a neo-Gothic historicist design including pointed arches, rose window, pinnacles and buttresses, and a stylized profile. Located on Calle Iglesia. More>
La Ruta del Califato
The town is part of La Ruta del Califato, a tourist route from Córdoba to Granada City. Visitors following the route will pass through Güevéjar, where they can enjoy various activities including trips to Peñón de Bartolo and horse-riding in the surrounding area, as well as experiencing its rich culture. More>
BUS SERVICE
There is a bus service from Güevéjar to Granada City. More>
GASTRONOMY
When visiting Güevéjar, try local such as gachas picantes (spicy pork stew), migas con melon del terreno (fried breadcrumbs served with melon), cordero a la caldereta (stewed lamb) and choto al ajillo (garlic stewed goat). For something sweet, try the roscos (doughnut), leche frita (fried custard) and borrachuelos (liqueur sponges).
FESTIVALS
Popular festivals in Güevéjar are Fiestas Patronales en Honor a la Virgen de las Angustias, Fiestas de San Juan, Día de la Cruz and Semana Santa. More>
WEATHER FORECAST
The weather forecast for the next few days for Güevéjar. More>
TOURIST OFFICE
The tourist office of Güevéjar is located in the Town Hall. More>
NEARBY PLACES
The neighbouring villages to Güevéjar are Calicasas and Alfacar.