ABOUT
Under the outcrops of Sierra Espuña the ancient Deitana Urbs is a welcoming town famous for its pottery. Of interest is the church of Santiago, built in 1553 with a plateresque façade and renaissance-style altarpiece. Just across the road is the 17th-century Juan de Uteza fountain built in black and pink jasper.Totana is famous for its Holy Week, declared of Regional Tourist Interest, in which the Procession of the Holy Burial stands out on Good Friday and whose origin dates back to the middle of the 17th-century. Finally the pilgrimages of St. Eulalia combine tradition, joy and a large number of pilgrims.
HERITAGE
Seven kilometres away on a winding road which takes the visitor through lush orchards, palm groves and pine woods dotted with old country mansions is the Ermita de la Santa, dedicated to St. Eulalia. The building style is Tuscan and is home to one of the finest Mudéjar craft centres of the region.Further inland is the Sierra Espuña Natural Park, the region's lung so to speak, with deep pine- and oak-forested valleys cutting between the rugged peaks of Sierra Espuña. Near the summit are the ruins of curious circular 16th-century constructions known as 'pozos de la nieve' or snow cellars where snow was gathered and stored before being taken on horseback for use in the nearby towns.
Craftsmanship is another bastion of the municipality handed down from generation to generation by artisan families, and therefore Totana is known as a "potter city".
Totana boasts a rich and varied cuisine with some traditional products such as the "torta de pimiento molido" (ground pepper pastry), the "santiaguitos" (a Totana's traditional candy) and the liquor called mantellina.
Top 10
Totana is one of the surrounding towns of the Sierra Espuña Regional Reserve. Totana offers both an extraordinarily beautiful natural environment and a great heritage in which tradition, culture and history converge.
A JEWEL AMONG THE PINE FORESTS
The Santa Eulalia de Mérida Sanctuary, commonly known as La Santa, is the jewel of the town. It is located approximately 4.5 miles from the town between vast pine forests, farmland and orchards. Without a doubt you'll see something special in this place. When you're here, we advise you to visit the La Virgen Blanca Viewpoint, where you'll see one of the best views of the area. The inside of La Santa is a pure marvel. Some of its best features include the Mudejar coffered ceiling and the artwork painted in tempera between 1601 and 1624, which cover all the walls of the temple.
LOVERS OF ARCHAEOLOGY
We present you La Bastida, the most powerful city in continental Europe during the Bronze Age, 4,200 years ago, and a fortress comparable to the second city of Troy. Of the artefacts located in this archaeological site, you'll find the houses, tombs and ceramic objects most interesting.
PURE CRAFTMANSHIP
As its own motto says, "Totana is crafts and pottery", and that's why you are in one of the most active areas of the Peninsular for these activities, with a rich Muslim legacy. You shouldn't leave without attending a demonstration in the workshops of the Barrio de las Ollerías, where in the olden days the professional potters were located.
AROMAS OF ORANGE BLOSSOM
Venture into the orchards of Totana without a route or guide and lose yourself amongst the almond, orange, and lemon trees and the typical stately homes -it's a pure delight for the senses. The charm of this walk reaches surprising levels in spring, when both the good weather and the fragrance of orange blossom are more intense.
FRESH AIR
For those who don't know the region, it will seem incredible to find an area with such beautiful landscapes and ecological interest as can be found in Sierra Espuña. Here you can do a huge variety of outdoor sports and visit emblematic places such as the Pozos de la Nieve. Remember that you are in the territory of the Barbary sheep, a hunting animal typical of this region, so we recommend that you have your camera ready.
TOTANA ORIGIN
In Totana "tortas de pimiento molido", the "mantellina"and the "santiaguitos" are typical foods. The first (ground pepper pasty) is ideal for breakfast and snacks, the "mantellina" is the traditional liquor that is drunk in
THE GOOD TABLE
The rich history and culture of Totana's streets and farmland is clearly represented through its cuisine. You'll find that it is clearly linked to the cycle of seasons and festivals and it generally combines the food provided by the land in simple ways. The dishes that stand out include the "migas con tropezones" (flour crumbs with small pieces of pork) and "arroz con conejo y caracoles" (rice with rabbit and snails).
A DIFFERENT PASSION
You'll only understand the Holy Week of Totana if you experience it yourself. One of the special features of this festival is that both the residents and foreigners can take part in the processions even though there is no connection between them. It is surprising to see how the Nazarenes, dressed in black, leave the lines to eat in bars or the houses of friends and family who prepare special food for these dates such as la "pipirrana" (salad with onion, tomato, green pepper and cucumber), "pararajotes" (typical dessert with a fried lemon leaf covered with flour and egg) and "empanadillas" (small pasty).
LET'S GO TO ROMERÍA
La Romería de la Santa is one of the most joyful and well-known popular expressions in the Region, in which the "cuadrillas and romeros"(groups and pilgrims) fill their surroundings with music, dance and rich cuisine in homage to the patron saint of the town, Santa Eulalia.
MONUMENTAL ROUTE
Totana can be easily explored on foot, so if you have a passion for culture and architecture, you¿ll be captivated by this pleasant walk which will take you to the most interesting parts of the town. You must visit the Santiago Temple, the Juan de Uzeta Fountain and the Ollerías Arch. Throughout the route you¿ll have as a point of reference one of the greatest symbols of the identity of the town, the Toscana Tower.
