Compliments of the city’s impeccable and plentiful historic buildings, fine restaurants, and breathtaking scenery, Ugíjar is considered one of Alpujarra’s best cities.

 

The population stands at around 2,500 residents, which is not huge by any means, but the array of sites and activities ensure you will not suffer from boredom during your visit.

It was Homer (author of The Odyssey and Ulysses) who many believe first wrote about the town of Ugíjar. Ugíjar may well be Homer’s literary town of Ulyssea. Ulyssea was the town in which Odysseus left his shields and other wealth. In addition, the town housed the temple of Athena.

 

What is known for sure about Ugíjar is that the Moors settled the area. They chose Ugíjar due to the abundance of resources both within the town and in neighboring towns. If an item (food, mineral, metal, etc.) was needed, they were certain to find it close by.

 

When the Christian’s began seizing towns from Moorish occupation, the Moors battled to remain in Ugíjar. Their attempts, however, failed and they were eventually driven from the town.

Iglesia de la Virgen del Martirio is a stunning church built in the 16th century. The architecture contains many Mudejar features that have been painstakingly restored in the past few decades. The church’s most prominent feature is the carving of the Virgen del Martirio, which is located within the church’s main room. In front of the church is a beautiful square filled with colourful vegetation. This square, called Martyr Square, received its name after many died during the Moorish revolt after taking refuge in the church.

 

Pozo de la Virgen has an impressive story to go with the site. Legend has it that the carving of Virgen del Martirio became a victim of the Moorish revolt against Christian rule. The Moors took the revered Christian carving, burned it, and then used it as a makeshift bridge over a wide drainage ditch. An unnamed Christian saved the carving and hid it in the bottom of a well. Approximately forty years later, the carving was discovered by some people cleaning out the old well. The carving cried out, “My name is Martirio.” The old well became a historic landmark following that event.

 

Museo Etnológico is housed in a stately mansion. More than 7,000 artifacts are on display, including Ugíjar’s very first telephone system. Original classroom replicas and newspaper articles featuring many major historical events are also featured attractions.

 

Every October, residents honour their patron saint, Virgen del Martirio, by holding a grand fair. Sporting competitions, food booths, parades, dancing, live music, fireworks, and other forms of entertainment bring merriment to the town. This is the most popular festival and brings many from surrounding towns into Ugíjar for a day or two.

Ugíjar is an area that prides itself on handmade goods. A large silk factory has since closed down and now specializes in wooden flooring. The looms from the old factory are now used by many area weavers. Local weavers create elaborate wools, linens, and then some synthetic fabrics. These fabrics are used to make clothing, rugs, curtains, and more. You can find them in many area shops.

Wild game is popular throughout Ugíjar. One dish that stands out as an area specialty is the vinegar baked partridge. The partridge is stuffed with onion and bay leaves before being drizzled with balsamic vinegar and then slowly roasted in a clay pot. Serve the partridge with fresh figs and raisins. Gravies made from a mixture of olives and cod are popular.

 

Turrón is the most popular sweet in Ugíjar. Turrón is nougat that uses almonds and egg yolks to make the sweet treat that is popular at Christmas.

Ugíjar is a quiet town with plenty for the active shopper. If you need an active nightlife, selections are limited. You will find a handful of bars in the area. Many restaurants have open-air patios where you can enjoy tapas with a cold beer or delightful glass of wine. You will not, however, find jumping discos. You will need to go to neighbouring cities for establishments offering dancing.

Ugíjar may not bustle in the same manner as cities like Granada or Madrid, but many feel that is beneficial. Instead of being caught up in crowds, you can visit Ugíjar and really feel as though you have stepped back in time. The historic buildings, friendly townspeople, and old-world charm in Ugíjar make it a superb location for truly feeling like you are at a home away from home.