The passage of the Muslims through Níjar has left an indelible mark on the layout of its streets, architecture, gastronomy and crafts. The narrow and labyrinthine streets, its white houses with a cube floor plan and adorned with colorful pots offer a quiet walk through this beautiful Villa of Almería perfect for a getaway.
Urbanism of Muslim and medieval essence
The entire municipality of Níjar is in the shadow of the Sierra Alhamilla, where the watercourses that irrigate the crop fields in the area are born. In addition, there is also the most spectacular landscape environment in the entire area of Southeast Spain: Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. Although there are up to 25 population centers throughout the municipality, without a doubt, the most outstanding is the one that gives its name to the municipality.
Included in the list of the most beautiful towns in Spain, Níjar has managed to preserve its urbanism of Muslim and medieval origin along the centuries. As well as its artisan legacy, in which ceramics and “jarapas” have total prominence. In particular, the neighborhood of El Portillo is the area that best exemplifies the aesthetic footprint left by the Muslims, with its whitewashed houses and facades full of flower pots.
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Landmarks in Nijar
In addition to what has already been mentioned, in the town there are various points of interest such as: the church of of Saint Mary of the Annunciation, from the 16th century and Mudejar style; the Roundabout; the Market Square; the Water Museum or El Mariposario, a tour inside a garden where you can learn the basics about the life of these insects and admire the beauty of the hundreds of specimens that live in it.
Although if there is a special spot in Níja it is La Atalaya. Located on an easily accessible promontory, From this watchtower, the entire town can be admired in its entirety.. It is the most visible remains of the fortification that defended the town during the time of Muslim rule. It is built in masonry and has a circular floor plan.
Nijar gastronomy
However, we cannot forget about Nijar gastronomy either. Here you can taste typical dishes in which the history of the place is also present and among those that stand out are the potatoes with garlic, the gurullos with rabbit or cuttlefish, the fritá de slaughter and the sausages.
Although its gastronomy is very varied and its snails in sauce, meat with tomato or crumbs are also well known. As well as porridge, made with grass pea flour; water and salt. Among the fish, you can choose between red mullet, monkfish, squid or red shrimp. And for dessert, three great suggestions: fried milk, cream tubes or angel hair biscuits.
Glorieta house in Villa de Nijar with pool
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Photos | iStock and Wikivoyage