Location
Montejícar is a beautiful rural village of the province of Granada, situated in the Montes Orientales ("Eastern Mountains") region, close to the province of Jaén. Located at the foot of Sierra Alta Coloma, it is watered by the river Guadahortuna.
Montejícar is located in a valley surrounded by olive groves and crops. The local fauna consists of partridges, rabbits, foxes, small vermin and other mountain species, such as wild boars and deer amongst others.
History
The date of the foundation of the village is uncertain, since different human settlements dating back to prehistoric times have been found in the municipal area. Amongst these settlements, the Cerro de los Ayosos, with pottery and tools from the Argar culture, deserves special mention.
The village was conquered in 1486 by Lucas de Iranzo and Don Fabrique de Toledo. In 1498 it was repopulated by order of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand.
At the Cerro del Castillo, we can also find the rests of an Arabian fortress which was built on top of the remains of a Roman fortress.
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Monuments
In the village we can find a Roman bridge, the Chapel of the Virgen de la Cabeza (from the 16th-17th centuries) and the Parish church.
Traditions
Montejícar has numerous traditions that can be traced long back in history. There is, for example, the festival of the Moors and Christians in honour to the Virgen de la Cabeza, patron saint of the village,
celebrated at the end of August. Another festival takes place on the day of Saint Isidro, May 15th, with a procession at the Altas Eras. Last but not least, we should mention the day of La Torta (traditional Spanish
cake), with family gatherings outdoors.
Gastronomy
 Montejícar also has a rich and varied
gastronomy and confectionery, which
can be tasted in the different local shops and restaurants of the
village. |
