Íllora, municipality of Spain
Íllora is a small town in the province of Granada, situated on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding countryside. It features whitewashed houses with clay tile roofs clustered on a rocky outcrop, connected by narrow lanes and small squares where daily life takes place.
The town was originally founded during the Caliphate period in the 9th and 10th centuries and served as a strategic outpost. The Moorish castle and defensive towers such as Torre de la Encantada were built then and later reinforced by Christians after Granada was conquered.
The name Íllora reflects its long occupation by different cultures, particularly the Arab period. Today, you can observe how this multicultural past shapes the town, with Moorish defensive structures and Christian churches standing side by side as reminders of successive communities who lived here.
The town is compact enough to explore on foot, with ample room to navigate the narrow lanes and ascend to the castle. Wear sturdy shoes, as the paths are uneven and some routes include steep sections.
The mountains of Parapanda and Pelada that tower above the town have inspired a local belief passed down for generations: if Parapanda wears a cap of clouds, rain will come. This tradition shows how deeply the people are connected to their natural surroundings.
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