La Alpujarra
	A brief History After the Moors retreated from Granada in 1492 they fled to the Alpujarra where they remained until their final battle was lost in 1610. During these years some famous and very bloody battles were fought. In Valor 800 men were killed by the Moors, but in Pitres another battle ended in Victory for the Christians. The site of this battle is known as El Barranco de la Sangre (the Valley of blood).
							The myth goes that the blood of the dead and dying flowed uphill rather than downhill in case it was contaminated by the blood of the Moors. The victorious Christians were unable to entirely vanquish the memory of the Moors, who gave the area its name and distinctive architecture which remains today. The flat roofs and chimney pots are an everyday reminder of their influence, while their agricultural innovations have helped the area to survive - the acequias (irrigation channels) which run throughout the Alpujarra and are fed by snow melt from the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Some of these were built over 1,000 years ago and are still in use today.
	Environment The Alpujarra is reputed to have the freshest air in Europe; the countryside is magnificent with picturesque villages perched on hillsides covered with woodland and everywhere dominated by the Sierra Nevada. It’s an extraordinary place of contrast, with its sun and snow, situated halfway between historic city of Granada and the beaches of the Mediterranean.
	The region is also of special interest to lovers of all wildlife. The Sierra Nevada having the largest number of indigenous botanical species in Europe alongside endangered species living in their natural habitat. Wild boar, Mountain Goats, Wolves, Deer, Eagles and Partridge all thrive here. Throughout the villages of the Alpujarra the Architecture is similar in style to the more remote Berber villages of North Africa. The following are a selection of the most interesting villages in the region.
	The market town of Orgiva is a lively bustly place with a Cosmopolitan feel. There are plenty of restaurants and pavement cafes to sit at and watch the world go by. On Thursdays there is a large market which is well worth a visit. At an altitude of 1,450 metres, Capileira is the highest village in the Poqueira ravine. This beautiful village retains its cobbled streets and an array of shops, bars and restaurants near the square. From here it is possible in the summertime to take a road up over the Sierra Nevada to Bubión, another of the stunning ‘White villages’ of the Poqueira valley and is worth a visit just to see its recently restored 16th century church. Trevélez is the highest village in Spain at 1,476m and also one of the most spectacular: The Mulhacén mountains tower above the village and below flows a river that provide the excellent local restaurants with Trout, a local speciality (along with the famous air dried hams) Torvizcón, the nearest village accessible by road from Catitera is a typical agricultural enclave, lying at the foot of La Contaviesa and near the Rio Guadalfeo. On the hillsides above vines grow from which Torvizcón produces its own ‘Costa’ wine.
	Life and Culture In recent years the Alpujarra has become a magnet for artists, writers and craftspeople along with those seeking an ‘alternative’ lifestyle. Many of these people fitted in seamlessly into the traditions of the region for producing arts and crafts. Particularly typical of the region are the beautiful painted ceramic tiles and pottery, while woolen rugs, curtains and blankets continue to be woven on the loom. Unique to La Alpujarra is the age old practice of making baskets, sandals and panniers by weaving Esparto grass. Many examples of all of the above can be found in Torvizcon’s small rural crafts museum.
			Unlike many other parts of Spain the region is not particularly well known abroad. Until recently one of the few books that existed on the area was Gerald Brenan’s pre-civil war account, South from Granada.
			There has been renewed interest in the region thanks to publication of Driving over lemons by former Genesis drummer Chris Stewart. This increased popularity is well deserved. The social mix, striking art, architecture and culture combined with the remote beauty of the countryside make the Alpujarra one of Europe ’s most perfect retreats.

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