Alpandeire

Alpandeire clings to the steep southern side of the Genal valley, very near the source of the river that names the valley. Many springs below the village feed the Genal, which is one of the most important rivers in the region and the subject of no little ecological campaigning. The pueblo itself is 694 metres above sea level and is dominated by the Jaraspetar peak of nearly 5,000 feet. Alpandeire covers 31.3 square kilometres, but its population is only 330 and falling. The name is derived from a Morisco corruption of "El Pandero", which was changed by Christian converts from El into the Arabic Al. As in so many of these small white villages, this was once again a settlement of Moorish origin. However, though the Romans seem to have neglected the area, dolmens (Stone Age burial chambers), can be found in the north of the municipal district.