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Turrillas, the Balcony of the Sierras
Turrillas is an Almeria municipality located 47 kilometres from the capital, on the north face of Sierra Alhamilla, with an altitude of 847 meters above sea level, an area of 39 km2, and less than 250 registered inhabitants. It is a haven of peace with spectacular views. Not for nothing is it known as ‘the balcony of the Sierras’.
This town, with streets having hundreds of years of history and where you can breathe peace and tranquillity, has the beauty of the small and intimate. At its entrance, we can look out onto a balcony—a viewpoint from which one can see the hundreds of hectares of almond and olive trees that make up the fields of Tabernas and, in the distance, the Sierra de los Filabres, with the astronomical observatory of Calar Alto at its top. This balcony invites you to appreciate the benefits and wonders of nature, feel the fresh mountain air, relax, and search for harmony and peace.
A 360-degree panorama is observed, with the Sierra de los Filabres and the Sierra Nevada to the north. To the south is the bay of Almeria; in the west is the Sierra de Gador and the Natural Reserve of Sierra Allhamilla, while to the east is the Sierra Cabrera and the La Noguera Wind Farm.
This town, with streets having hundreds of years of history and where you can breathe peace and tranquillity, has the beauty of the small and intimate. At its entrance, we can look out onto a balcony—a viewpoint from which one can see the hundreds of hectares of almond and olive trees that make up the fields of Tabernas and, in the distance, the Sierra de los Filabres, with the astronomical observatory of Calar Alto at its top. This balcony invites you to appreciate the benefits and wonders of nature, feel the fresh mountain air, relax, and search for harmony and peace.
History
The origin of the town dates back to the Muslim era. Its beautiful white houses with red roofs, as well as its alleys and streets arranged in zigzags, are a heritage of this origin.
After the expulsion of the Moorish and the subsequent repopulation of the town by Christians from Murcia, the Church of Saint Mary was erected, which can be seen from anywhere in the town. This church stands out for its tower-fort from the 16th century, built to warn the Christian inhabitants of the frequent incursions and attacks of the Moorish.
After the expulsion of the Moorish and the subsequent repopulation of the town by Christians from Murcia, the Church of Saint Mary was erected, which can be seen from anywhere in the town. This church stands out for its tower-fort from the 16th century, built to warn the Christian inhabitants of the frequent incursions and attacks of the Moorish.
What to visit in Turrillas
Historic centre
Adjacent to the Church of Saint Mary, where a scene from the well-known film "Per Qualche Dollaro In Più" was filmed, is the very orderly Spain Square. The church and this square give shape to the urban space equivalent to the historic centre of Turrillas.Hermitage of Saint Anthony
Before entering the town, in a privileged natural space, we find the striking construction of the hermitage of Saint Anthony of Padua, patron saint of the town.Colativi Peak
Colativi Peak, which is 10 kilometres from Turrillas, is the highest in the Sierra Alhamilla. It is a paradise for mountain bike practitioners, with a height of 1,387 meters above sea level. If the views from Turrillas are spectacular, from this peak, they are simply amazing.A 360-degree panorama is observed, with the Sierra de los Filabres and the Sierra Nevada to the north. To the south is the bay of Almeria; in the west is the Sierra de Gador and the Natural Reserve of Sierra Allhamilla, while to the east is the Sierra Cabrera and the La Noguera Wind Farm.
La Noguera Wind Farm
This park is located on the road to Colativi Peak. It is made up of 13 towers that, with their blades, take advantage of the wind in the area to supply electricity to more than 10,000 homes. The size of these structures is impressive.Festivals
The main festivity of the municipality is the patron saint festivities in honour of Saint Anthony of Padua, on June 13, and the traditional Moors and Christians festival. The second weekend of August, the summer festivals, or also calls of the emigrant, are held. The first weekend of September, the Pilgrimage is organized, while in December is the Living Nativity.Gastronomy
Turrillas has a varied gastronomy, with highlights including the “migas cortijeras”, cabbage, “gurullos” with partridge, wheat, rice with rabbit, and exquisite preparation of rabbit with garlic.Activities in the province of Almeria
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