Líjar, or its English translation “To Sandpaper,” covers a span of ten kilometers. This small town is located north of the capital city Almería. With only one doctor’s office and no local schools, it is important to note that children and adults must travel to outlying areas for most health care and educational institutions.

 

With a population of 500 residents, Líjar’s growth has declined slightly in the past few years. Jobs are hard to come by if working in a quarry does not suit the resident’s need. For this reason, it is necessary for some people to commute to larger areas for work.

Líjar dates back to ancient times, though no one has dated the town with any certainty. Ancient drawings are etched in stone and offer insight into the town’s past. Historians cannot decide which culture created the carvings however.

 

It is known that the Romans settled in Líjar shortly after the Carthaginians reign ended. Romans harvest the precious metals from the surrounding mountains and turned Líjar into a strong base for metal crafts. These items could be used for trade.

 

The Moors were next. They continued down the path that the Romans started, but added silk and linen weaving to the list of materials for trade. Building strong fortresses, the Moors were able to fend off many attackers. This held true until the Christian armies attacked. Catholic kings ordered armies to seize many southern towns and cities so that the kings could take over the wealth that these towns were bringing in. Unfortunately, the Moors were killed or driven out during these battles, and many towns, including Líjar, were left vacant. Without a population to keep a town functioning, it was doomed to fail.

 

It would take years before the population of Líjar was rebuilt. By the mid-1800s, linen and hemp clothing were the area’s top markets. Unfortunately, the War with France would seriously hamper the area’s growth. One hundred years would pass before a peace treaty was signed.

Built in the 1700s, Church of Santa Maria houses a stunning altarpiece that has statues of the Virgin Mary and many ornate features. Many visitors find themselves entranced with this altarpiece.

 

The houses within the centre of town are original structures. These rows of white houses create an impressive visual display when flowers are in bloom. Housing is expanding, so the houses on the outskirts of town are not as appealing. Stick to the centre of town.

 

Hermitage of the Virgin of Fátima is only fifty years old, but it is still an impressive structure.

 

Every August, a weekend long Celebration of the Tourist is held. This festival mixes food samplings with dancing, games, and parades. It is a fun event for people of all ages.

 

In September, the larger Celebration of San Blas, patron saint of the herds, is held. Festivities begin with a parade in his honour that winds up at a large feast to celebrate the year’s butchering successes. The second day offers a large street fair including mechanical bull riding and dancing. On the third day, people from all around come to eat Churros dipped in chocolate. Steaming bowls of paella are offered to all. Races are held throughout the day to any willing participant. The event ends with more food, games, and fun!

According to Andalusian information, there are thirty-nine small businesses within Líjar. These small businesses tend to employ only family. Construction, inns, and automotive repair shops are the main businesses. They do not contribute much to the area’s economy, however.

 

Potato and grain farming is another important industry. Fields are full of potato beds. Grains for cattle are also grown throughout the region.

 

It is marble, however, that brings in the most revenue. Mountainous areas are filled with this high-demand stone. Marble is used for many items from tombstones to countertops. Many area residents commute to the outlying marble quarries for necessary employment.

Meals in Líjar revolve around cattle herds (beef) and grains. Meals tend to be simple, but healthy, and satisfying.

 

One popular salad takes chunks of fried eggplants, potatoes, pumpkins, green peppers, red peppers, tomatoes, onions, and tosses them in olive oil and salt. The dish is simple and easy to prepare, but tastes exquisite.

 

The popular Revoltillo includes fried slices of tomatoes that are topped with a fried egg, seasoned with salt and pepper, and then eaten. Revoltillo is quick and delicious.

 

The inexpensive Gypsy Pot is a stew made from pumpkins, tomatoes, chickpeas, garlic, onion, green peppers, green beans, paprika, and salt. Vegetarians love this meal!

 

Nabos Pot is another inexpensive dish. Turnips, pork meat, chickpeas, haricot beans, potatoes, and salt are slowly stewed throughout the day. The dish may not appeal to all, but it is one of the area’s more popular stews.

 

Salsa of the Chicken is a dish even a child could cook. Chicken pieces are quickly fried in olive oil and then placed in casserole dish. Chunks of onions and carrots are added. Olive oil and white wine are drizzled over the chicken and vegetables. The casserole is covered and then bakes for an hour.

Its seat within the Filabres Mountains creates a breathtaking backdrop for this white town. Located approximately 90 miles from the capital city of Almería, the town is remote and quiet. There are no restaurants or bars within the town, so those looking for things to do after the sun sets will need to travel to other areas.

To reach Líjar, one must either rent a car or travel by bus. If you opt to come by bus, one bus leaves Almería every morning. The trip takes two hours depending on traffic. To return to Almería, the bus leaves at 3.00 pm (check timetable for any changes).

 

Líjar is a beautiful town. You may not find a lot to do while you are in the town, but the scenery is amazing! If you can sample some local cuisine, do not pass up the opportunity.