Let's Discover El Pinar in the Lecrín Valley, southern Spain

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Let's Discover El Pinar in the Lecrin Valley, southern Spain

El Pinar (GPS: 36.90° North -3.53° West) lies on kilometre 37 of the N323 / A44 road to the Coast and often said to be the gateway to Las Alpujarras. In addition to its extraordinary agricultural and landscaping wealth, to its abundance in fountains and water births, has one of the most spectacular natural places of the region.

However El Pinar is not so much a town as a administrative convenience formed by the union of the towns of Pines del Valle and Ízbor. It occupies by both slopes of the Lecrín Valley and includes the historical bridge at Tablate and the castle of Venta de la Cebada.

As well as the historic, 16th century bridge there is another one built in 1859. And now, in the 21st centry, we have yet another bridge at Tablate, considered to be the greatest of its class in Spain. It is a metallic structure with a single eye. It spans 200 meters supported by two separate pillars.

Located in the shade of Cerro Chinchirina (1059 metres) on top of which sits the hermitage of Santo Cristo del Zapato.

The depth and narrowness of the Tablate Ravine is spectacular and so is the sight of the small village of Ízbor on the other side of the road. In the middle of all the white houses of this town stands the Iglesia de la Concepción (Church of the Concepcion). Not far from the town centre is the Acebuches quarter.

We know that the Moors were here, indeed the name Ízbor is certainly Arabic. Indeed this place played a very important role in the Moorish uprising of the 16th century. However evidence has been found of much earlier habitation, certainly around El Pinar.

There are many large plots of almond trees in this district, which are used in stews as well as desserts. Also bean omelette, elaborated with eggs, chives and olive oil, is one of the most characteristic dishes of El Pinar. Its location in the middle of the Lecrín Valley, on the main trade route between Granada and the Coast, and the quality of its agricultural products has enabled El Pinar to prosper.

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