The Interpretation Centre of the Alpujarra is an initiative to provide to Ugíjar with equipment capable of strengthening the historic and cultural identity of a region characterized by great diversity and complexity. This project, of historic, cultural and tourist interest, not only aims to function as an economic boost for the place where it is located and to which it refers, but it mainly aims to present the broad and diverse heritage of the Alpujarra to both the visitor and the competent public institutions, so that they become aware of the need to preserve and value its wealth.

This Interpretation Centre seeks to encompass the knowledge of the different areas of the Alpujarras through a holistic approach, avoiding a perspective based on a single discipline.

This broad view of the Alpujarra region, as a region full of features does not reject the collaboration and cooperation of other cultural organizations of the area, for the creation of a working network, which main goal would be to present its history and culture.

Such an inclusive project, is not only a way to ensure the local development and the possibility of cooperating with other similar or complementary services that are in other villages, but, as a whole, it means a comprehensive revitalization and the recognition of the reality of the Alpujarra as a whole.

Read more: PRESENTATION OF THE INTERPRETATION CENTRE OF THE ALPUJARRA

The Alpujarra is a region of eastern Andalusia that is divided between the provinces of Granada and Almería. It is situated in a unique and full of contrasts place, between the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the Mediterranean Sea.

In about 50 kilometres, you descend from over 3,000 meters to sea level, with the climate and vegetative changes that it entails.

Currently, there are several forms of protection of their cultural and natural heritage:

• Historic Site of the Alpujarra Media and the Taha 
• Historic Ensemble of the Poqueira Gorge
• Natural Park of Sierra Nevada
• Sierra Nevada National Park
• Biosphere Reserve of Sierra Nevada

It is a region of great beauty. Its amazing and diverse landscapes, flora and fauna associated to it, the warmth of its white architecture and its rich cultural and ethnographic heritage have captivated throughout history, craftsmen, artists and travellers.

Its essence has been captured by many of them. Some have been inspired by his charm to create the most beautiful poems and many others have wanted to immortalize writing about it, leaving us works such as "South of Granada" by Gerard Brenan, a lover of the culture and customs of the Alpujarra, or that of our Pedro Antonio de Alarcón, "La Alpujarra: sixty leagues by horse preceded by six by diligence".

It has a long and fascinating history. From prehistory, it has attracted different people and cultures attracted by the uniqueness and richness of its territory, leaving traces of their settlement and setting a strong personality. Iberians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans and Visigoths, among others, inhabited these lands until the arrival of Al-Andalus. New inhabitants of Castilian origin followed them. The influence of all these cultures is evident in every corner, in the agricultural landscape, architecture, gastronomy, handicrafts, in the festivities, customs and traditions, toponymic evidence or archaeological sites, are abundant in the area.