Parauta AREA: 44,20 km² ALTITUDE ABOVE SEA LEVEL: 799 metres AVERAGE ANNUAL RAINFALL: 1300 l/m² AVERAGE ANNUAL TEMPERATURE: 138 ºC POPULATION CENSUS 1994: 301
Parauta is situated on the southern side of the Sierra del Oreganal, to the north of the Genal valley. Its lands extend towards the east up to the Sierra de las Nieves, in whose natural park are the spots of Conejeras and Madroñales, La Nava de San Luis, and near to this the important Parauta fir grove over the northern hill side of the Alcojona (1.440 m.). On the outskirts of town, the landscape offers a great contrast between the grey hills where the rocks stick out under a scarce blanket of vegetables, and the hills covered with pines, chestnuts, holm-oaks, and olives which open up to the Genal valley. There is hardly and news about Parautas history. At the most there are traditions and generally local, erudites opinions, such as the one that defends the theory that the leader of the Muladí rebellion in the 10th century, Omar Ben Hafsun, was born in this town. Anyway, what does seem true is the possible Arabic origin of the town, judging by the design of its streets.
The town has the enchantment of its Moorish outline, with a good part of its streets still made with stones. It has two squares and three fountains. The entrance archway to the Altillo street is interesting and it is worth contemplating the Valdecilla holm-oak which is situated to the east of the town centre and which is more than three metres in diametre and 20 metres tall.
The most typical are the mats. There is an oil mill.
There are specialities such as the olla stew pot, gazpacho cold summer soup, tomato soup and boiled soups.
The local festivities take place between the 15th and 20th of August.
|