Introduction:

Alpujarra de la Sierra is a community formed by the towns of Mecina Bombarón and Yegen.  On the left banks of the Rio Grande and on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada, Alpujarra de la Sierra is breathtaking.  It is a favourite zone for photographers and nature lovers alike. Yegen’s claim to fame comes from a novel, South of Granada, by English author Gerard Brenan.  Steep streets, historic homes, and stunning gardens are the town’s best features.  The smaller town, Mecina Bombarón, is best known for the Rio Bombarón and the resulting Chorreras, also called The Spouts, (cascades), a stunning waterfall that collects in a pool of water underneath the rocks.

History:

Though historians have no exact proof as to Alpujarra de la Sierra’s beginnings, it is known that the Romans populated the area.  A Roman Bridge sits in the middle of Mecina Bombarón.  When the Moors entered the area, they reinforced the bridge and divided the town into two separate zones - Mecina Bombarón and Yegen. In 1492, Catholic Kings seized Granada.  Alpujarra de la Sierra was part of their claim.  Moors were forced from the area, and Christians slowly began repopulating Alpujarra de la Sierra.  For the next century, Moors planned strategic rebellions, none being truly successful.  It was 1609 before all of the Moors had been evicted from the area.  At this time, Alpujarra de la Sierra found itself growing as people from other areas of Spain opted to settle in the scenic beauty that Alpujarra de la Sierra provided.

Site Seeing:

Museo Fotográfico de La Alpujarra is a unique museum that features photographs taken of the area in and surrounding Alpujarra de la Sierra.  The photographs range from decades long past to present day. The Yegen Church dates back to the 1500s.  The plain Mudéjar décor delights travellers searching for historic architecture styles. The rectangular Parochial Church of San Miguel dates to the 1500s, but has undergone many transformations through history.  This church is the area’s greatest monument to the architectural traditions that have passed through Alpujarra de la Sierra. The Rock of the Fort is part of an old Moorish fortress that now is a stunning natural site.  For many years, it was home to a family of wildcats.  Nature lovers would flock to the area hoping to catch a glimpse of the beautiful felines. Mecina Bombarón features the Roman Bridge.  The bridge connected important regions, and remains solid needing few repairs throughout the years.  The structure and architecture of the bridge are not to be missed. In both Mecina Bombarón and Yegen, one can view ancient Laundromats.  These buildings housed large baths were area women would gather on laundry days and do all their laundry together. The Spouts is a stunning vertical drop of river that plunges over a rock outcrop to the pool of water below.  Many tourists converge on the waterfall and pool (Golco) for refreshing summer swimming and bathing.

Industry:

Tourism and agriculture share important parts in forming Alpujarra de la Sierra’s revenue base.  The fertile soil of the Sierra Nevada allow for crops such as oats, barley, wheat, olives, grapes, almonds, garlic, apples, cherries, and walnuts to thrive.

Gastronomy:

Alpujarra de la Sierra claims two dishes as being unique to their culture.  Migas de Alarcón honours Spanish writer Antonio de Alarcón, a man who found the garlicky dishes to be delightful.  Migas de Alarcón blends pan-fried bread cubes with huge chunks of garlic, chorizo sausage, and olive oil.  The dish is hearty and satisfying.  A soup blending fennel, fried garlic, and stock is also popular.  The “Burnt Garlic” soup practically bursts with a myriad of flavours.  Finally, a stew using chestnuts is another staple of the Mencineros diet.

Nightlife:

Within Alpujarra de la Sierra, a few pubs offer small dance floors.  Some establishments (La Bomba is one) usually look rather dirty and worn from the outside, but tourists say the staff is friendly enough and usually a fun time can be had.  Do bring a dictionary as the staff speaks Spanish. Bar Donaire is slightly more upscale.  This bar touts itself as being Yegen’s best discotheque.  From pictures, the establishment looks small, though inviting.  Brick walls add visual appeal.

Summary:

Nature lovers and photographers will enjoy all that Alpujarra de la Sierra has to offer.  If you are seeking plenty to see, you will find many historic churches, natural wonders, and gorgeous buildings scattered throughout the area.  If you are seeking loud dance clubs, theatrical culture, and the likes, you would be better off spending a couple of hours touring Alpujarra de la Sierra and then moving on.

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