Mahora

Prehistory and Antiquity:

The toponym Mahora is possibly of Arabic origin ("the tavern"). The origins of settlement date back to the Iberian era, with archaeological sites in Cabezo de los Silos and Villares de Tochoso.

The Romanization of the area was consolidated from the I century BC. In 1945, an incineration burial was discovered in the urban center (Calle San Roque) with grave goods consisting of objects of Roman glass and an Iberian urn covered by a terra sigillata plate dated between the I and II centuries AD.

Middle Ages and Lordship of Villena:

Following the Muslim invasion, the territory belonged to the Taifa Kingdom of Toledo. The Christian Reconquista began around 1211-1212. In 1243, Alfonso X the Wise incorporated the lands into the Lordship of Villena, becoming dependent on the town of Jorquera. Over the following centuries, Mahora remained under the administration of the Marquisate of Villena, a feudal territory until the XIX century.

Modern Age and Municipal Charter (Villazgo):

Mahora experienced a notable boom when it became a residence for numerous noble families, leading to the construction of various palatial homes and mansions. Due to this concentration of nobility, Mahora was known as «La Corte Chica» ("The Little Court").

Mahora obtained the privilege of villazgo (municipal charter) on August 31, 1663, finally separating from Jorquera, although its manorial ties were maintained.

Spanish Civil War and International Brigades Hospital:

During the Spanish Civil War, Mahora played a significant role in the Republican rear guard. On August 10, 1936, the Parish Church was looted and destroyed, with the loss of altarpieces and historical images in a public bonfire.

On May 26, 1937, the «Center for Professional Rehabilitation and Reeducation» of the International Brigades was inaugurated in the town. This hospital, with capacity for 300 to 400 patients, was installed in the Casona del Marqués (requisitioned property).

The center provided medical treatment and vocational training workshops for the reintegration of war wounded. It was closed in April 1938.

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción: Declarada bien de interés cultural (RI-51-0007366). Templo de estilo gótico de transición al Renacimiento (siglo XVI), con torre de 1646.​

Convento de Nuestra Señora de Gracia: Fue fundado en 1611 por los franciscanos descalzos sobre una ermita anterior. Fue utilizado como hospital y centro de estudios. Actualmente es una ruina consolidada.​

Arquitectura civil: El pueblo conserva casonas blasonadas y palacios nobiliarios de los siglos XVI al XVIII, que explican el apodo local «La Corte Chica».​

Arquitectura popular: Existen numerosos «cucos» o «chozos», construcciones de piedra seca con planta circular utilizadas como refugio agrícola.​

•Molino de Viento de Mahora

Las fiestas patronales se celebran en honor a San Roque y la Virgen de Gracia, del 13 al 17 de agosto. El 16 se celebra el día del patrón.​

Otras festividades destacadas son:

San Antón (17 de enero): Romería, bendición de animales, «subasta» y degustación de productos de la matanza.​

Jueves Lardero: Comida en el campo donde es tradicional el «hornazo» (torta con huevo duro y chorizo).​

Semana Santa: Destaca la procesión del Encuentro y la tradición de las "albicias" (ramos de flores) ofrecidos por los quintos a la Virgen el Domingo de Resurrección.​

Los Mayos (30 de abril): Canto de los Mayos a la Virgen.​

San Isidro (15 de mayo): Romería, comida campera y concursos de habilidad agrícola.​

•Francisco Moreno Martínez, ciclista español

Alcaldía: Antonio Martínez Gómez

Web oficial: http://mahora.es/

•Farmacia Farmacia Jose Reolid

•Consultorio Local