Uleila del Campo: Landscape, History and Olive Oil

Uleila del Campo lies on the southern foothills of the Filabres, towards the Sorbas basin and near the Campo de Tabernas.

Other places: Chirivel, Cantoria, Zurgena, Berja, Fernán Pérez, Gérgal, Fiñana and El Contador.

Landscape

At the highest point of the town is the Mirador de la Umbría; from there, you can enjoy views over the landscape, especially when the almond trees are in bloom.

The circular route to the Santuario de la Virgen de Monteagud passes through fields and hamlets. In the hamlet of Los Medinas, you can see old farmhouses with preserved wells and irrigation channels.

The Piedra de Gitana lies on the way to Cerro de Monteagud. Local myths and legends are associated with it.

The Sendero de los Pueblos de Interior is more than 100 kilometres long. It connects ten municipalities in the comarca, including Uleila del Campo.

Culture and History

Cueva de la Mora is a Neolithic archaeological site in the gorge, or Barranco del Zofre. It includes remains of human use, as well as rock paintings and engravings.

In the centre of Uleila del Campo is the Centro de Interpretación del Trabajo Tradicional, housed in a rehabilitated old building.

Iglesia de Santa María is the only church in the comarca with a tower topped by a dome. It was built in 1772 on the orders of the Conde de Aguilar. Its architecture is eclectic and features Neo-Romanesque elements.

Local Products

Campos de Uleila offers a visit along walkways that showcases the entire journey of the olive, from the tree to the production of extra virgin olive oil. The visit ends with a tasting of oils and other local products.

During a one-day Fiesta de la Vendimia in October at Bodegas Perfer, the production of the product is demonstrated. Typical products from the comarca and young wine are tasted there, and a music programme is also offered.

Traditions

Uleila del Campo’s most important patron saint’s festival, held in honour of Santo Cristo de las Penas, takes place on the second weekend of September. It lasts four days.

As part of the September patron saint’s festival, a pilgrimage to the Santuario de Monteagud takes place to visit the Virgen de la Cabeza. Pilgrims arrive there from Friday to Sunday.

Routes

Via exit 376 towards Tabernas and Sorbas, the N340a and the turn-off at the “Castillo de Tabernas” olive mill, the A1100 leads to the entrance to Uleila del Campo.

A difficult stage of the route between Uleila del Campo and Laroya begins in Uleila del Campo. It heads towards the Ermita de la Virgen de la Cabeza and then continues along the Camino del Cerro to Benizalón.

To the main travel overview: Almeria.