Sorvilán
Sorvilán has a privileged location, nestled between la Sierra de la Contraviesa and the Mediterranean Sea, making it the perfect destination for lovers of rural tourism as well as for those who prefer sun, sand and sea. It is comprised of four different areas; Sorvilán, Alfornón, Melicena and Los Yesos. It has about 525 inhabitants.
HISTORY
Sorvilán originally dates to the tenth or eleventh century when it existed as a farmhouse. At this time, the characteristic irrigation system of the region was established with water springs that fill pools from where they are led to the croplands through ditches. Vineyard cultivation was also introduced, although it was intended for the production of table grapes and raisins. More>
Things to see
Eras Bajas
This threshing floor dates from the nineteenth century and represents the communal use of these elements of high ethnographic character. Located on Calle La Paz.
Fuente Alta
This fountain is also known as “Fuente de Arriba” and it is believed that it possibly dates back to the eighteenth century. Built with plastered masonry, it is made up of an elongated rectangular pillar that is internally divided in half, with a body appearing on the left side from which two water pipes emerge. Located on Calle Funete Alta.
Fuente de Abajo
This ancient fountain is believed to have existed since the origins of the town itself. It is a gallery whose waters flow into a rectangular pillar where there are openings that communicate with four basins. The excess water flows into a small adjacent pool and the rest circulates down the ravine for irrigation. This fountain has been remodelled several times and currently bears no resemblance to the original. Located on Calle de la Acequia.
Iglesia de San Cayetano
The church was built in the seventeenth century and the tower stands out mainly for its high symbolic value. Internally it is structured by three naves that are separated by semicircular arches supported on rectangular pillars. The three naves are covered with a wooden coffered ceiling, the central one gabled, and the lateral ones with a single slope. In the presbytery, a slender pavilion on a smooth wall background presides over the central space of the church. The main façade, very simple and located at the foot, shows the interior staggering of the naves. Above the access door there is a large central oculus. Located in Plaza Magistrado Luis de la Torre.
Things to see outside the town
Castillo de la Rambla del Valenciano
The castle is arranged in three concentric rock terraces which have suffered greatly from erosion. No apparent remains are preserved on the lower terrace, leaving pieces of masonry walls from the second enclosure - which preserves an almost intact cistern - and from the first as well. The ceramics found cover an extensive chronology, some could suppose a first occupation in the early medieval period, although more evident is its use from the tenth to eleventh centuries. Declared a Cultural Interest in 1985. Located by the Rambla del Valenciano, about 3.5km north east of Sorvilán.
Torre de Melicena
A coastal watchtower from the Arab period, cylindrical in shape and circular in plan, it is 4.9 meters in diameter. Built with medium-sized slab masonry, forming courses, a double layer of exterior lime mortar plastering is observed. It dominates this coastal stretch and a large part of the maritime line. Declared a Cultural Interest in 1985. Located between the Cocones and Saltadero streams, to the east of Melicena.
Ermita de Los Yesos
The chapel was built in honour of the Virgen del Carmen, during the twentieth century. Located on Calle Del Mar.
Iglesia de Alfornón
The church is dedicated to the devotion of San Roque and was built in the mid twentieth century. Located on Calle La Era.
Beaches
Sorvilán has four beaches, which includes a small part of La Mamola beach - between the municipality of Sorvilanero and Polopos - as well as those of Los Yesos, Las Cañas and Melicena.
Gastronomy
The gastronomy of Sorvilán is varied, with typical dishes such as choto en salsa de almendras (stewed goat and almond sauce), migas (fried breadcrumbs with pork) and asadura con patatas (pork, pepper and potato stew). Sweet treats include pan de higo (fig bread) and buñuelos (doughnuts).
Bus Service
There is a bus service from Sorvilán to Granada and Berja. More>
Festivals
Popular festivals in Sorvilán are Fiestas de San Antón, La Candelaria, Fiesta de San Cayetano and Fiestas de San Marcos. More>
Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for the next few days for Sorvilán. More>
Tourist Office
The tourist office of Sorvilán is located in the Town Hall. More>
Nearby Places
The neighbouring villages to Sorvilán are Polopos and Albondón.
