Juviles is located high in the Alpujarras. The town sits on a plateau that is encircled by beautiful chestnut trees. Much of Juviles splendor comes from the sheer limestone walls that border the town. The historic ruins of the ancient castle are in a state of disrepair, but many tourists enjoy viewing this glimpse into the past despite its sad condition.

An 8th century fortress was built when the Moors settled in the area of Alpujarra that would become Juviles. The area was settled in the hills and gave views for miles around making it an excellent location for defense. In the summer of the 10th century, Andalusian Moors captured a number of Christians who were then used in trade to protect their domain. In the end, the Christians were beheaded, thus beginning centuries of bloody battles for control of the area.

 

Eventually, Christians came into the area and thousands of Moors died. The area became known as the Orchard of the Martyrs. Fernando the Catholic ordered the fortress to be demolished to prevent future skirmishes. Once this act was completed, Juviles had to be completely repopulated by Christians from all over Spain, though many moved to the area from Castile. It would be many decades before Juviles’ population recovered.

Every year reenactments of the battles between the Moors and the Christians are held in the town centre. These reenactments are invigorating and offer an important look at times past.

 

Iglesia Parroquial de Santa Maria de Gracia is a 16th century stone church. The rectangular church offers remarkable interior and exterior architectural details. Thoroughly restored in 2004, Iglesia Parroquial de Santa Maria de Gracia is the area’s only site for tourists to visit.

 

Beyond the church, there are a few specialty shops that tourists can visit. Otherwise, life in Juviles is calm and quiet with many locals preferring to spend time in the local bars if they go out at all.

With only one restaurant in the town and no true hotel, tourism is not one of Juviles best industries. The only industry in Juviles is agriculture. Olives, chestnuts, and grapes are the three largest crops.

 

With a population of less than 200, Juviles really has little to offer tourists. It is an attractive town to pass through, but it will not take up more than an hour’s time.

The most popular dish in Juviles is thinly sliced Jambon (cured ham) sautéed with mushrooms and served over rice or couscous. Most cuisine in Juviles utilizes area ingredients that are economical and nutritious. Peppers, potatoes, olives, jambon, couscous, and rice are found in many area kitchens. Pork is the meat eaten by most as pigs are easily to raise and butcher.

If you are coming to Juviles looking for a selection of nightclubs, you will not find what you need. There are a few bars that offer a nice selection of tapas and cold drinks.

 

Bar Fernandez is one area bar. It is not a large establishment, but a good selection of beer, liquor, and wine are on hand. Hanging over the bar are huge legs of locally cured ham (jambon) sliced thin and used for tapas.

 

Tino is a small bar that serves full meals, tapas, and drinks. Patrons can rent rooms above the bar for a small fee.

 

Alonso has a gorgeous outdoor patio. Local wines, artisan cheeses, Jambon, beer and liquor are available to those of legal drinking age.

Juviles population is 180 residents at the most. It truly is a small Spanish town, yet it also offers a pretty good selection of bars for the wandering traveller.

 

Do not expect to find a lot to see while you are in Juviles, but it is an excellent location if you are passing through and need to get out and stretch your legs for an hour or so.