Cádiar

Map of Cádiar

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As the writer Gerald Brenan said, Cádiar is the central point of the Granada's Alpujarra, "its belly button" According to the words of the British writer, this is a "prosperous and cheerful" town that without a doubt constitutes the ideal point for the travellers who need to recharge energies of all type. Apart of having the only petrol station in many kilometres, it has also excellent restaurants where to satisfy the appetite and a vineyard, Barranco Oscuro, where some of the red and white wines of quality of the province are elaborated. In addition to these attractions, Cádiar has in its proximities one of the most interesting tourist accommodations of the Granada province. It is the Farmhouse of Moyrama, call this way because it is designed in the style of the traditional andalusíes farmhouses and in tribute to the wife of Boabdil. It is equipped with an assorted library, traditional cellar and several museum sections that gather some of the most interesting ethnologic and archaeological pieces of the region. By the Cádiar district it crosses the great route GR-7, that links Greece with the most western part of Andalucia.

History

Cádiar was, in the days of Al-Andalus, permanent residence of the main judge of the Eastern Alpujarra and its name derives, according to its inhabitants, of the Arab word al cadi (the judge). At Muslim time the town was formed by five neighbourhoods and two anejos. During the revolt of the Moorish, in the days of Felipe II, it was native country of Aben-Xaguar, uncle of the leader of the revolt, Aben-Humeya, and person in charge of his election. The first rebellious leader was crowned king in an olive grove near Cádiar, and there is the fact that was also here where the conspiracy that would end its ephemeral reign, in favour to his cousin and successor Aben-Aboo, was planned. Until the XV century it did not receive the title of villa and after the expulsion of the Moorish it suffered a massive exodus. Later it was repopulated with settlers of other Spanish regions.

Gastronomy

Place of good breads, excellent stews and flavourful desserts. The rice to the liberal style with partridge or rabbit, the barbecued meats and the traditional Moorish pastry making are the specialties of the town. We cannot leave to a side its magnificent wines. In order to check it you only need to taste any of the wines that Manuel Valenzuela elaborates and bottles in his vineyard of Barranco Oscuro.

Written by: Ian Burton