CORUMBELA - "White dove" - HISTORY

Situated on top of a hill, its whiteness and natural setting draws your attention

"The white houses with their walls reaching up like snow white banners, narrow alleys with space for passage of man and beast, more beautiful at each alley crossing with a feeling of being at home”

The origin of Corumbela is unknown although it was probably founded by one of the Iberian tribes. It owes its name to the Romans who called it “La Paloma” (the pigeon).

In 1493 following the conquest of the Nazari Kingdom of Granada, the Catholic Kings handed over Corumbela as payment for services, to Diego Fernández de Córdoba, second Earl of Cabra. Later it became the property of the House of “de Medinaceli” in whose ownership it remained until 1811 when the Parliament of Cádiz banned such family ownerships. From this date until 1868, it had its own Council, however, in this same year a new group of municipalities was created and Corumbela was joined with Sayalonga and where today it still remains firmly rooted in this administrative district.

In the years 1884-85-86, Corumbela, like Sayalonga, suffered from an outbreak of phylloxera, a disease which affects vines. Earthquakes were also experienced during this time, and the result of these disasters was mass emigration.

Today Corumbela has about 300 inhabitants.

Situated at a high altitude above sea level and with open views in all directions, including views across the Mediterranean, Corumbela offers the best views in the area where visitors can enjoy totally the splendour of the environment of the adjoining National Park of Tejaeda, Almijara and Alhama.

The area around Corumbela also contains various renovated rural houses available to rent. Here it is possible to enjoy the rural way of life of this fantastic corner on the eastern side of the Axarquia region.

MONUMENTS

The most improtant monument in Corumbela without doubt, is the church with its Mudéjar style minaret (a turret found on Mohammedan mosques).

The adacent photos show clearly how well the church has been preserved over time.

The church possesses all the characteristics found in mosques.

But it is without doubt the minaret which most faithfully depicts the architecture of the Mudéjar.

It is made of thick stone slabs crossed by lines of bricks. Inside it is very well preserved and we almost expect to hear the call of the Almuecín as he summons worshippers to prayer.

Another place to visit in Corumbela is "Las 3 Fuentes" (3 fountains), where the crystal clear natural water tumbles over the falls and provides a refreshing drink.

It is in this place where in the old times people came to collect their drinking water. It can be found on the outskirts of the village along the track which leads to Sayalonga adjacent to the football ground.

Visitors will find this the perfect place to rest, refresh and get ready for the next stage of their walk.

SERVICES and GASTRONOMY

Corumbela has a rich agricultural and gastronomic history. The local food of is very rich and varied, in particular the “Potaje de Hinojos” (fennel stew) washed down with “Vino del Terreno” (the local wine). The “morcillas” (black puddings) are very good as is the “Pan elaborado en horno de leña como antaño” (bread baked in a traditional wood fired oven.

Throughout the village you will find various shops, bars, supermarkets, and a bakery where you can get this typically traditional bread.