Genalguacil

What to See in Genalguacil Genalguacil

Genalguacil, an archetypical mountain village, exhibits to the visitor an urban layout that is of Moorish origin and has survived to the present day with scarcely any changes. Thus, one finds steep gradients and confusingly oriented dwellings, mostly of delightful traditional architecture, whose unmistakable gleaming whiteness stands out from the green of the surrounding forest mass.

Tradition here has made way for modernity, however, in the best possible manner, which is through art. Scattered throughout the village are sculptures in stone, iron, wood or clay that have been made during the Encuentros de Arte del Valle del Genal (Genal Valley Art Seminars), a biennial event that has been held in the first fortnight of August since 1994.

Since that date the Town Hall has invited a group of artists who wish to live together and exchange ideas and experiences for the purpose of cultural invigoration, with the sole condition that whatever works are produced remain in the village. This locality has thus become an extremely interesting open-air museum that has notably increased the cultural and tourism attraction of Genalguacil. Some works are not exhibited on the street but rather in the gallery of the museum that has been set up in the former mill (9 La Lomilla Street), which is open to the public throughout the month of August. The absolutely natural and peaceful coexistence of tradition and vanguard surprises visitors and puts an unmistakable stamp on the village.

This village’s most representative historic monument is the San Pedro Mártir de Verona parish church, which was built in the mid-sixteenth century. The church was burned in 1570 during the Moorish rebellion and rebuilt in the eighteenth century. Only a few years ago it underwent another restoration. It consists of three naves separated by semicircular arches resting on columns, and its exterior is notable for its octagonal-based tower. The structure, as a whole, can be classified as Baroque with the odd Mudéjar reminder, such as the wooden roof frame of the central nave. In the eighteenth century, Genalguacil had almost a hundred wine-making facilities, some of which are still operating, and tourists can pay a visit and taste a cup of grape juice.

The splendid landscape surrounding the village holds extraordinary interest for nature lovers. It hardly matters which route one takes, whether the one through the Genal valley properly speaking or the one that climbs up to Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja; on either the visitor will probably find more than he expects of either flora-some 50 species have been listed for their interest or their endangered status-or fauna such as mountain goat, otter, or roe deer.

Genalguacil’s Fiestas and Gastronomy

The Candelaria celebration on 2 February opens the local festive calendar, which offers the fun of the carnival before the Semana Santa (Holy Week). The patron saint fiestas honouring San Pedro Mártir (Saint Peter the Martyr) add a programme that is designed for all ages and tastes. Genalguacileños throw rice to the statue of saint and set off fireworks while the saint is being carried along the streets.

The fiesta with the heaviest participation at the present time, however, is in fact one of the most modern: the Encuentros de Arte del Valle del Genal, which are held during the first fortnight in August. As well as the actual artistic activities carried out by the creative artists who gather in the village, various supplementary events are held that attract both local residents and a large outside audience that increases each year. The theatrical presentations, music, exhibitions and verbenas (traditional street parties) combine for contagious and pleasant excitement.

Easter Week

The chestnut fiesta in early November is much more traditional but just as popular. As in all Genal valley villages, where chestnuts are collected, it is customary to go out into the country to roast chestnuts, which are eaten accompanied by a good local wine.

Genalguacil’s Gastronomy

This area still follows the custom of adapting the menu to the season of the year, especially with respect to traditional dishes. In spring wild greens (golden thistle, fennel, dandelion and asparagus) rule the local cuisine, while migas (fried bread crumbs), gazpacho caliente (a veggie soup served hot in this case, although it is usually served cold), potajes de garbanzos (chickpea stew) and gachas (a soup made with flour and seasonings) are winter dishes. Sopa de tomate (tomato soup), gazpacho (cold this time) and salmorejo de carne (a spiced meat dish) are among the more common summer recipes. Pork products are popular in any season, not to mention the excellent local wine.

, with the Niño del Huerto commemorating the farming industry, which is the mainstay of the local economy, features the encounter of Virgin Mary and the Child.

More Information About Genalguacil

Hiking and Mountain Biking in Genalguacil

From Genalguacil, the visitor can make three different journeys by foot or mountain bike. One of them starts at Genalguacil and reaches Jubrique. It takes around two hours and the path, along the bank of the River Monardilla, is lined with chestnut, almond, olive and cherry trees. From Genalguacil to Los Reales, the visitor can go on a mountain bike. It is a strenuous ride that can take three hours. The trail passes through groves of dwarf evergreen oaks and holm oaks. Finally, the third route links Genalguacil with Prado de la Escribana, a 7.5-km-long, moderately difficult walk that takes hikers 3.5 hours.