Válor

Válor

by Saskia Mier

Beautiful Alpujarran village of Valor

Beautiful Alpujarran village of Valor

Válor is known for its 16th-century popular festival known as Moros y los Cristianos, one of the most famous in Spain. As one of the last areas where the Moors lived, it is one of the best places in the Alpujarras to see these re-enactments, the other villages being Trevélez and Pampaneira. It has around 700 inhabitants.

History

Although archaeological sites show that human settlements have existed here since the Bronze Age, and there are also traces of the Roman period, Válor first became a centre during the Muslim period and has almost completely preserved its appearance from that time, with narrow streets and typical Alpujarra houses. It had its heyday in the Arab-Andalusian period, when the whole of the Alpujarra was an important agricultural centre specialising in silk production. During the Nasrid period it belonged to the Taha de Juviles.

Things to see

Puente de la Tableta
Bridge of Moorish origin built over the Válor River, on the important Calle Real (Royal road) that linked Almería with Granada. It is built with red brick and stone, and consists of a single slightly orgive (pointed) shaped arch. It is surrounded by a variety of vegetation that changes colour according to the season. Today it is part of the GR-7, between Válor and Yegen. The bridge has been be rebuilt several times over the centuries. The bridge is located over the Rio Valor to the west of the village. From the village walk along the old Calle Real or from the A-4130 parking near the new bridge and walking down to the Calle Real.

Casa de Abén Humeya
Sixteenth-century dwelling that once belonged to Fernando de Córdoba y Válor, Abén Humeya, the first leader of the Moorish rebellion in the Alpujarra (1568 - 1570). Located on Carretera del Puente street.

Ermita de la Virgen de Lourdes
This hermitage is closed to the public due to its state of disrepair. It is a simple building with a whitewashed façade and a tiled roof. The entrance is through a semicircular arch and the building is crowned by a Spanish arch. Located in Calle Real.

Ermita de los Varones Apostólicos
This chapel dates from the 16th century and is located in the Torrecilla quarter.

Iglesia de San José
This sixteenth-century church has an interesting Mudejar-style coffered ceiling and a beautiful image of Christ of the Yedra and the Immaculate, created by an artist from the school of Alonso Cano. Throughout its history it has undergone several reconstructions and restorations, but its original structure has always been respected. It has a rectangular floor plan with three naves separated by arches supported by pillars, a separate main chapel and a transept with side naves lower than the central one, covered with plaster vaults. The exterior has brick walls and masonry boxes. The church was destroyed by fire during the Spanish Civil War, saving the tower and part of the dressing room of the Cristo de la Yedra, a modern sculpture copied from the one that disappeared at that time. Located in the Plaza de la Iglesia.

 

Hotels in and around Valor

Book Hotels in Valor

Hostal Las Perdices
Hostal Las Perdices

Hostal Las Perdices is located in the heart of La Alpujarra Region. It offers free Wi-Fi in public areas and rooms with private bathroom. Free luggage storage and tourist information are provided. The swimming pool, located 300 metres away, can be used for free.

 

 

Holiday rentals in and around Valor

Book Holiday Rentals in Valor

The notorious Morisco rebel Aben Humeya (aka Hernando de Córdoba y Válor), leader of the 1568 revolt against the Christians, was born in the village in the Casa Palacio de Aben Humeya, and Válor was an outpost of Moorish resistance to the increasingly powerful Catholics. Internal differences weakened the Moriscos and they were expelled in 1609, when the village was repopulated with Christians from Jaen province.

Like many other Alpujarran villages, Válor has a 16th-century Mudéjar church, which has an artesanado coffered ceiling and a Baroque image of Cristo de la Yedra.

There are several attractive and well-signposted walks starting from the village. A circular walk called the Sendero de los Castaños, leads as its name suggests through woodland of sweet chestnuts along the Válor river. The circular Sendero de los Aguas runs along part of the GR7 long-distance footpath that crosses Spain. Sendero Local de la Launa starts at the roman bridge, the Puente de la Tableta, and passes through almond, olive and chestnut groves.

valor
Hover the cursor over Válor to see bigger map and click to go to the maps page.