Introduction:

Huéscar is situated in the shadows of the Encantada range and the Barbatas River shoreline.  The town’s claim to fame is the giant Sequoia trees that were planted more than 100 years ago. Many historic buildings and impeccable gardens provide the visitor with eye-catching scenery.  Huéscar is a town rich in history and full of beauty.  In fact, the town’s name means “City of peace” and attitudes of the locals prove it.

History:

Until 1953, Huéscar was a town owned by the Catholic Diocese.  It can be shocking to think that only in the past fifty years has the town truly been in control of its own destiny. Archaeologists have discovered evidence linking the earliest settlers of Huéscar to Prehistoric times.  Piedra del Letrero, a natural shelter, contained evidence of Neolithic occupation.  Little is known of these early days, however. There is more comprehensive proof of Moorish occupation from the 7th century.  Huéscar became part of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada and suffered many attacks by the Castilians who hoped to gain control of the border area.  During the 1300s, Ismail’s army advanced on the area destroying the castle in the process.  They gained control until the 1400s when Don Rodrigo Manrique, the famed poet Jorge Manrique’s father, seized the fortress for his own uses. From that point until the mid 1900s, Huéscar remained under Catholic reign.  Unfortunately, the once bustling town of 6,000 dropped to less than 3,000 residents.  It took centuries to rebuild the population to the current standings of over 8,000 people.

Site Seeing:

The Festival of San Anton takes place very January 17th.  During this festival a pig is raffled off, parades are held, and fireworks light the night sky.  The festival celebrates the New Year in hopes of having nothing but good luck for the year ahead. February is an extremely popular month thanks to the yearly carnival. For almost one month, theatrical productions, music concerts, street performances, and talent contests are held in every section of town. During the end of October, a small run of the bulls is held in the streets of Huéscar.  This festival includes the Bull Run, games, concerts, rides, many food booths, and more. The Casa de los Penalva is set amidst the Huéscar plateau.  The house is unique with its Catalan style architecture.  Many decorative carvings of crops are included in the house’s exterior. Constructed in the 16th century, Colegiata de Santa Maria la Mayor is a Gothic-Renaissance temple.  A Gothic vault and Baroque temple are among the building’s highlights. Convento de Santo Domingo was built in 1547.  During the 19th century, the convent received a dramatic renovation.  The Mudejar convent includes glorious patios, and caisson ceilings. The Gothic Iglesia de Santiago was built during the 15th century over the remains of a former fortress and mosque.  A carving of the Duke of Dawn’s coat of arms is located on the main door.  Original stonewalls also grace the building’s interior and exterior. Canal de Carlos III is a canal that began construction in the 1500s, but by the 18th century, builders gave up on the costly and extensive project.  The remains of this impressive canal can be viewed today. The Tower of Homage is a wall that displays burial stones from the days of the Romans.  Tough deteriorating, the ancient language is still easy to read and worthy of viewing. Impressive forests that invite people to stroll through the winding hiking trails surround the town of Huéscar.  Do take the opportunity to gaze at the towering sequoia trees.  There is also a large pond on the edge of town that is a popular spot for picnics and swimming.

Industry:

Huéscar’s struggling economy revolves mostly around local produce and tourism.  There are serious efforts underway to drastically improve tourism within the town.  With many restaurants, hotels, inns, and shops, the town could handle an influx of tourists, but the town lacks media support and advertising.  There is a plan to have doubled tourism by the 2010s.

Gastronomy:

Most of Huéscar’s gastronomy revolves around four items: pig, lamb, vegetables, and olive oil.   Meals range from stews of pig, garlic, olive oil, wine, and vegetables to fresh sausages.  For larger parties and dinners, a whole lamb is skewered on a spit, stuffed with garlic, and then roasted on a spit over an open fire.  Most dinners are accompanied by a bottle of locally produced red or blush wine.  Desserts include sweet breads made with wine, almond, and honey.

Nightlife:

A plethora of bars can be found within Huéscar.  Some serve tapas others stick strictly to beverages only.  For most, this selection of establishments will suffice.  You can chat with the locals, enjoy a cold beer or succulent glass of wine and unwind from a busy day of sightseeing, work, or shopping. There is one discotheque in the area.  Tranqui is a full-service bar and disco.  The disco boasts weekly specials and even holds “Beatles” nights where the popular English band is the only music played. 

Summary:

Huéscar is an lovely town.  There is plenty to see and do and with tourism on the increase a trip to Huéscar is a-must.

Useful Business Links for Huéscar:

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