Vélez de Benaudalla
Vélez de Benaudalla is well-known by climbers as it has some of the best spots in the area to practice this sport. One example is the Garganta de los Vados, in the Guadalfeo River gorge. Nature lovers will also find places such as the Toba River valley, which separates the sierras of Chaparral and Los Guájares. It has about 2885 inhabitants.
Vélez de Benaudalla is a beautiful village set in a stunning natural environment, making the area a popular destination for climbers and hikers alike. After a day of adventure retire to the local… More →
Walking through the streets of Vélez de Benaudalla, visitors should stop for a look around the Museo de Aceite (Museum of Oil), established to promote the culture of andaluz products: olive oil in… More →
History
Vélez de Benaudalla has indications of the existence of settlements prior to the Arabs, who historically inhabited the area (there is still a mine with the name of Aníbal). In the ninth century it was known by the name of Bâlis as Arabic alquería. In 1494, the town was delivered as a settlement to the mayor of Almuñécar. During the re-conquest with the expulsion of the Moors and the settlement of the Christian populations, at the beginning of the seventeenth century, the town became dependent on the Motril Cabildo.
Vélez de Benaudalla has the meaning “valley of the son of the servant of God”. There is no record of a prehistoric history, however, in nearby municipalities various settlements have been found that give some indication. The existence of the “culture of the caves”from the middle of the Neolithic period must be highlighted too.
It is more likely that these lands were exploited by the different peoples throughout history taking advantage of agricultural and mining resources, taking into account the coastal valleys which were covered by the Gualdafeo River. The previous settlers to the Arabs were interested in the territory due to its potentially for mining; various Roman era tools have been found.
Things to see
Casa Jardín Nazarí
This unique example of a Spanish-Arab garden of the “Granada” style is an orchard-type agricultural exploitation as well as an ornamental garden. The fundamental elements of this property are the house, the mill and the garden, crossed by the irrigation ditch. Located on Calle Blas Infante.
Opening Times:
Wednesday-Saturday, 11:00-14:00hrs and 17:00-19:00hrs.
Sunday, 11:00-14:00hrs.
Tel: 607 52 75 56
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario
The current parish church dates back to the end of the nineteenth century. It was built on the foundations of two previous religious sites. The first of these temples, in Mudejar style, burned down and had to be rebuilt several times during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. In 1778, after several requests, it was rebuilt during the reign of Carlos III, under the direction of the Chief Architect of Madrid, Ventura Rodríguez. Located on Calle Iglesia.
Castillo
Within the ongoing investigations, they have not been able to locate extensive and uniform documentation that gives us a historical description of the castle that was originally built by Arab settlers. The castle is located on a rocky promontory and is accessed via a road built with a considerable slope. Because it is a tower-bulwark, it does not have the distribution importance of fortresses of other types such as those of Salobreña and Almuñecar. Declared of Cultural Interest in 1985, the castle was rebuilt later in 1993. Located on Calle San Silvestre.
Things to see outside the town
Museo de Aceite
The oil museum was established to promote the culture and history of andaluz produce, with a particular focus on olive oil. Here, visitors can not only learn about how oil is made, but they can also see wine and cheese making process too. They will have the opportunity to try the various produce of the museum and will of course be able to purchase their favourites. Located on Carretera Bailén-Motril.
Opening Times:
Monday-Friday, 10:00-14:00hrs and 16:00-19:00hrs.
Saturday, 10:00-13:30hrs.
Price: €1.50-€6.00 depending on package.
Tel: 958 65 80 89 / 626 754 752
GASTRONOMY
When visiting Vélez de Benaudalla try local dishes such as cazuela con caracoles y arroz (snail and rice stew), choto al aliño (stewed goat), puchero de hinojos (fennel stew) and migas de harina (fried bread with pork). Sweet treats include pan de higo (fig bread) and polvorónes (lard cakes).
Bus Service
There is a bus services from Vélez de Benaudalla to Granada, Úbeda, Lanjarón and Nerja. More>
Festivals
Popular festivals in Vélez de Benaudalla are Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos, Romería de Santa Ana, Carnaval, Festividad de San Francisco de Asís and San Juan. More>
Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for the next few days for Vélez de Benaudalla. More>
Tourist Office
The tourist office of Vélez de Benaudalla is located in the Town Hall. More>
Nearby Places
The neighbouring villages to Vélez de Benaudalla are Los Guájares, Motril and Ízbor.
