Santa Cruz de Marchena

Municipality located in the lower reaches of the Nacimiento River with a population of approximately 200 inhabitants.

The township lies to the west by the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, reaching 600 meters in altitude, reaching to the Rambla de Gérgal release. The mountain location and development of the hydrographic network of the area will give a relief.

Today's economy is experiencing a time of stagnation, mainly based on the cultivation of citrus and to a lesser extent in the olive and grape varieties.

The only village is located on the Left Bank of the River Nacimiento, at an altitude of 328 meters. It is small, corresponding to the low number of inhabitants divided by the Rambla de Zora, which joins the river at this point, located to the south the historic center, where the ancient mosque Haratalgima, which was built in the sixteenth century, the church of Santa Maria.

The population is supplied by the local road Terque-Alboloduy. For the township road runs Ricaveral the many bridges which are minor.

The main economic activity that historically has been developed in Santa Cruz has been agriculture. Its Muslim past and the agricultural activity have left their mark on the infrastructure such as irrigation ditches of aqueducts, tunnels, rafts, etc., And other relics related to the activity as mill or eras.

During the nineteenth century saw the expansion of cultivation of the grape Ohanes, which had great impact on heritage.

Items of Interest
CHURCH
The church has a nave with a gallery at the foot of limabordón and armor, while the chapel, distinct, covered with a vault of stucco. Leaning to the head, on both sides of the nave are two chapels at the feet of the side of the gospel is kept attached to other construction timeline back to the ship. The facade is built entirely in stone, while the side walls and the chapels are built with ashlar masonry reinforcement at the corners. For its part, the chapel, tower and the building attached to the feet and drawers are made of brick masonry. The bell tower offers one of two openings on each side half a roof and four waters. Finally, stone doorways are slightly ahead of the plane of the facade and show half-point arc and shot in cornice.

The old church of Santa Cruz had to be built in the second third of the sixteenth century. Burned during the rebellion of the Moors, a decade later said Mass "in a bathroom where they bathed the Moors." The church was demolished and the residents were asking to set up a new one. Fifteen years later the situation had not changed and was still saying Mass in a bathroom. Still Ambrosio de Vico in 1621 recommended a new church. In the mid-eighteenth century it had a nave, vestry and bell; needed again throw the ledge and nearly half of the tile roof. In the second half of XVIII century was extended by the head with the construction of the existing chapel and the side chapels, although they may be lifted later. The body of bells seems to be lifted after the tower.

It is another example of religious architecture that shows demonstrations Mudejar and Baroque.

ERMITA DEL CERRO
Chapel of rectangular plan, approximately 6 x 5 m., built in masonry. Covered waters. In the front lip of access with half point arch pediment and flanked by small traditional brick cornice with a small niche. All topped by wrought iron cross on small brick plinth.

CITY COUNCIL
Two-storey building, the first divided into two parts by molding presents three openings framed by strips of brick alfahar with segmented arches, two with bars and top antepecho highlighted. The second floor, back building, has openings available with the same as the first.

The first plant was built in the late nineteenth century and the second in mid-twentieth century.

BANANAS
Bananas large exceeding 40 meters in height. They have approximately 110 years old.

RAMBLA PALMERA OF ZORA
African palm large. Planted in the late nineteenth century. It is the only tree of this species of the promenade.

MIRADOR DEL CERRO DE LA ERMITA
Lookout circular bench surrounded by non-traditional materials and low-quality metal railing.