Gérgal towns in almeria Andalucia, Spain. Descriptions and photographs. Almeria

Gérgal
Distance to the capital (Km): 40
Local Inhabitants: Gergaleños
Number of Inhabitants: 1063
Postal Code: 04550

An old Moorish village in the Sierra de los Filabres, Gérgal stands on
the edge of the River of the same name, at the side of the road leading
from Almería to Granada along the inland route. A sloping village
with white washed houses, many with an Arabic feel are made of earth
and slabs of stone covered with slate. Dominating the village is
the castle, which is now a private residence.
The tombs of saints show that this land primarily inhabited by
Mozarabic and Moslem hermits. Gérgal took part in the Moorish
rebellion and the governor of the village Francisco Portocarrero, a
Moor himself, deceived the local Christians and locked them in the fort
where he subsequently slit their throats. Upon hearing the news
that the Marquis of Los Vélez was on his way with his army the Moors
abandoned the village.
During the 19th century the village’s prosperity improved by the
cultivation of the Ohanes grape and the mining of iron but this only
lasted for a couple of decades.

Places of Interest
Parish church of Santa María, 16th century
Castle Conde de la Puebla, end of the Middle Ages and recently restored
Remains of the Tomb
Rock shelters of El Almendral

Festivals
Festival of St Sebastian, 23rd – 25th January
Patron Saint Vigen del Carmen, 13th – 16th August
Nuestra Señora del Carmen, 3rd – 8th September
Fair, September

Gastronomy
Wheat stew. Cured meats. Migas (fried bread with garlic, sausage…). Stew with black pudding. Garlic soup.
Ring shaped cakes.

Town Hall
Tel 950 353 006
Email gergalalcaldia@cajamar.es