Zurgena: Mills, Mudéjar Tower and Local Cuisine

Between the Mudéjar Tower and Local Cuisine

Zurgena combines striking buildings and local traditions. In the higher part of the town stands the Torre del Reloj, a tower up to seven metres high with two structures in the Mudéjar style. The Iglesia de San Ramón Nonato, dating from 1591 and listed as a heritage site, is also part of Zurgena’s cultural identity. Visitors interested in culture will encounter themes ranging from religious buildings and Mudéjar architecture to mills, painting and railways.

Mills of Particular Historical Importance

The Molino Harinero in Zurgena was restored and upgraded as a tourist resource of outstanding importance. The Molino Harinero is also one of the few surviving mills in Spain with four millstones and is one of the largest surviving mills in Andalusia and Spain. The restored Molino del Lugar includes a new interpretation centre and an ethnographic museum dedicated to local traditions.

Art and Railway History

The Centro Cultural Ginés Parra in Zurgena houses a collection of works, letters and photographs by the painter Ginés Parra. Guided tours of the Centro de Interpretación Ginés Parra are available on request. The Antigua Estación de Ferrocarril de Zurgena focuses on a different aspect of history. It preserves various railway items, including a signalman's hut for the pointsman and a point lever.

Almanzora River and Local Cuisine

A walk along the Almanzora River in Zurgena passes through a landscape where the Sierra and Vega meet. Zurgena can be reached by the A-334 Baza–Huércal Overa road; there is also access from inland via Lubrín. The A-334 connects Baza and Huércal Overa; there is also access from inland via Lubrín. Local cuisine includes cured meats, pumpkin and wheat stew, stew with cod fritters, fish broth with aletría, gurullos with rabbit, corn pelotas, braised partridge, jormigones and choto al ajillo. Desserts include almond alfajores, filled empanadillas and cuajao with almonds. Almonds feature in several of the desserts mentioned above.

Sacred Traditions in Zurgena

The Ermita del Calvario was built between 1874 and 1878 and houses the Virgencica del Calvario. The customs of Semana Santa 2018 also form part of the town’s religious character: the programme included the Juego de las Banderas, in which representatives of the Paso Morao and Paso Negro brotherhoods moved the flags at high speed through the historic town centre. On Easter Sunday 2018, Zurgena also held a fast procession of the image of San Juan through some streets of the historic town centre; the proceedings after Mass were part of it as well.

Other Destinations in the Portal’s Surroundings

Uleila Del Campo, Pulpí, Olula Del Río, Carboneras, La Envía, Beires, Costacabana and El Contador

To the higher-level travel overview: Almeria.