Alicun
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Coordinates: 36.965886°, -2.601898°
Distance to Almeria: 31 km
Elevation: 420 m
Population: 221 inhabitants (2023)
Demonym: Alicunero (a)
Alicun appears as a garden environment with verdant terraces and an ancient Islamic air in all its corners. In the eyes of the visitor, Alicun is a pleasantly peaceful municipality. The Muslim legacy is felt in its alleys, in its chimneys and on a minaret that is still preserved. Alicun owns the attractive balsa of the minaret, heiress of those Roman hot springs, whose waters were used in remote times to heal different diseases. These waters, which emanate naturally, are no longer thermal and are currently used for mantle irrigation by ditch and drip irrigation. Hiking lovers can enjoy this sport and appreciate the beautiful landscapes of this locality.
The 16th century was notable throughout the region because of the Moorish rebellion and their subsequent expulsion in 1570. Alicun, like the other the towns in the area, was then totally depopulated and abandoned, until it began its progressive repopulation in the year 1574. However, it was not until the 18th century when there is a considerable population and economic increase, thanks to the wealth provided by cultivation of the Ohanes grape. During the 19th century, there were great changes in the economy, society and politics of Alicun, which gave a new identity to the people, since at last it was independent of Huecija, the capital of the manor of Marchena, which had been in place since the 16th century. This is how it became a city council with the full right to appoint a mayor and a regidor.
The grape of Ohanes, the primary cultivation of the municipality, was maintained until the mid-20th century, when it began to decline in export because of the devaluation of prices and substitution by other crops such as citrus fruits, as well as other fruit trees and various vegetables.
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