Bérchules

Bérchules – Sierra Nevada Natural Park

Bérchules is part of the Natural Park of Sierra Nevada, is located on the south side and limits with the neighboring municipalities of Jerez del Marquesado, Lanteira, Alpujarra de la Sierra, Cádiar, Lobras, Juviles and Trevélez.

Famous for its fruit, wine and ham, Berchules also enjoys the essential characteristic that defines the image of the Alpujarra villages, having a unique architecture in the buildings which are perfectly adapted to the roughness of the terrain and climate of the area, and laid out in narrow streets which have a definite air of the Moorish past.

Nestled in the mountains, within the area there are many “miradors” to enjoy the magnificent views, and many springs from where the mineral waters flow, to be made into carbonated and iron-rich water. Worthy of special mention is the Ibn Abuc cave.

In the heart of the Alpujarras, a unique region within this Peninsular area, in a natural progression between the Mediterranean coast and Sierra Nevada, among some of the highest Spanish peaks, Bérchules is surely a place to visit on the Alpujarras route.

The origin of Bérchules can be traced from the eighth century during the Moorish period, becoming more splendid and wealthy during the Nazarí reign thanks to the production of silk, garden products, wine, nuts and aromatic spices taken to other parts of the Kingdom of Granada. During the revolt of the Moors in the sixteenth century, Juan de Austria put down the revolt and expelled the Moors from Berchules. Later it was repopulated by settlers from other parts of Spain.

There are two theories about the origin of the name Bérchules. One says that is possibly derived from Arabic “berchul,” which means garden, due to the abundance of orchards and fertile land. The other theory argues that this name comes from Banu Asad, a family known to have settled in the area.

Another town in the county, Alcútar, can be translated as “source of paradise” and also called Alcunça or Alcuza.

Bérchules Monuments

Iglesia Parroquial de San Juan Bautista (Parish Church of San Juan Bautista ,coffered ceiling and Moorish tower).

Iglesia Parroquial Santa Maria Mayor (Parish Church of Santa Maria 1789).
Water springs and washhouses.

Bérchules Gastronomy

Roasted pepper soup. Migas. Fennel stew. Quail with onion. Rabbit with garlic. Choto garlic.
Sobrehúsa de habichuelas is one of the most typical recipes.

Sweets: Peñasco.

Bérchules Directions

From Granada: Take the road towards Motril, take the detour to Lanjaron and the Alpujarras. After spending some time in Órgiva and Lanjarón and take the road to Torvizcón – Cádiar, once past Cádiar, it is 8 km to Bérchules.
Along the coast from Almeria or Malaga : N-340 junction, direction Albuñol , Albondon , Cadiar and Berchules.

Distances

Cádiar 9 km
Ugijar 20 km
Órgiva 45 km
Laroles 30 km
Albuñol 37 km
Trevélez 19 km
Capileira 41 km
Granada 97 km
Capileira 41 km