The Diezma district is nailed in a plain of cleared horizon, at the feet of the Yedra Mountain range, 1,233 meters of altitude. From here you can enjoy wonderful views of Sierra Nevada, reason why it is also known as “the Viewpoint of Sierra Nevada”. Part of its district is included in the Natural Park of the Huétor Mountain range and in its surroundings it is possible to practice trekking, cycling and climbing, mainly in the surroundings of the Castle of Cabrera. The Cave of the Water, natural grotto with stalactites and stalagmites formations, stands out among its natural patrimony. It is characterized by a pleasant weather in summer and cold in winter. The economic engine of the district is the agriculture, based on the cultivation of the olive tree. It conserves a cared old centre, with an urban structure of narrow, a labyrinth of streets even, based on a growth that conserves the Arab origins and type.

History

Its origin goes back to the Roman Empire, when it worked as accommodation for travellers who went by the Augusta Route from Acci to Iliberis. Its name is related to partitions of property, and specifically, with the term diezmo that alludes to a religious tax that the villagers paid to the church, which used to be the tenth part of the agricultural products of the town. At Arab time it was outside that road and it became a farmhouse called Dexma. This new situation did not avoid that it was reached for the incursions of the Ziríes and Christian attacks commanded by Alfonso VI of Castile. From this land the Christian troops tried to surround Guadix and to access to the Granada’s capital. The Catholic Kings conquered the area in 1490. The land was given in halves to Luis Giral and Juan de la Cueva. But in 1536 the first one bought the part of the second one and it was constituted with the title of Mayorazgo de Diezma. After these episodes, it went from being a simple inn to become independent district. We have the first news about Diezma in the synod of Guadix and Baza. During the XIX century it was the headquarters of the French troops.

Gastronomy

They are famous of Diezma the partridges in sauce or marinated in vinegar, as well as its homemade cheeses and the brandies that the villagers elaborate. Without a doubt its gastronomy is marked by the cuisine of Moorish tradition. The gachas, roasted lamb, jam and gazpacho are other of its most typical dishes. At San Blas, the visitor can enjoy the well known twisted rolls of its pastry making.

Museums and monuments

- Castle of Cabrera: This work of Arab time is located at the high part of the river bed of the Fardes River when it flows through Diezma. Two structures and rests of walls made up of stones of great dimension remain of its original state. Vestiges of a possible rain tank and fragments of stucco in its walls are also conserved.

- House of the Marquesado de Diezma: It is a house-palace, a family building, of the XVIII century. Its facade, with a great door formed by semi-circular arcs, stands out. The artistic grates in its windows and balconies centre the decoration of this building. It is located at the square next to the parochial church.

- Parroquial Church of Santo Cristo de la Fe: It was built in 1545 under the invocation of Our Lady of the Announcement and consecrated to Santo Christ of the Faith after its reconstruction in the XVIII century. It is of rectangular plant and with a single section. The tower in Mudejar style that it was raised over the original one stands out among its components

- The Bañuelos : It is a thermal water birth. It is a place chosen by many visitors and villagers for the relaxation.