Culturally significant landscapes in Granada

The Culturally significant landscapes in Granada is a route that runs through various landscapes of the province of Granada that are of special interest due to their socio-cultural, natural and geographical merits. Original reference documents are available on the website of the Digital Guide to Andalusia’s Cultural Heritage.

This route through the province of Granada features a selection of landscapes included on the Register of Landscapes of Cultural Interest in Andalusia. Of the 117 landscapes included on this register, 16 are found in the province of Granada. These were chosen as they are particularly illustrative examples of certain categories used in the register to classify landscapes, namely: systems of settlement (2), obtaining and processing resources (6), security and defence (4), and ideas and aspects relating to the associations of people and landscapes (3). The register includes a summary for each of these landscapes, which provides an overview and analysis of key information. Readers are encouraged to have a look at these documents relating to the landscapes included on the route (which are signposted throughout) as this will help them better understand and appreciate their natural and cultural values.

You may begin the route in the provincial capital, Granada, or anywhere along the way. Its purpose is to help you understand the various ways in which people have related to and continue to relate to the places they call home, as well as how these interactions have given rise to various types of cultural landscapes. Not only do these kinds of landscapes contribute to the uniqueness of the province, they also represent examples of sustainable spatial development.

Understand
"... Your elegy, Granada, is rusty silence, a silence already dead from dreaming. When your charm was broken, out of your veins bled that immortal fragrance, which your rivers carried in bubbles of tears to the sonorous sea ..."

- García Lorca, Federico

The province of Granada is located in south-east Andalusia and spans 12,635 km². In the south, it has a short coastline on the Mediterranean, becoming wider in the centre and then narrower and narrower in the north-east, where it borders the autonomous regions of Murcia and Castilla-La Mancha in Albacete. In the south, its coast is characterized by rugged cliffs and small coves. An ever-present sight is Sierra Nevada, a geographical landmark that has an impact on many of the province’s landscapes. To the west of the historic city of Granada, the vast plain that is the Vega de Granada is marked by less contrast, crossed by the Genial River and its immense network of tributaries, making it extremely fertile. To the north-east is the Hoya de Guadix, a large plain that gives way to the equally vast Hoya de Baza. This is the third largest area of plains and hills in the province, and is surrounded by mountain ranges such as Sierra de Orce to the east as well as Sierra de Castril and Sierra de La Sagra to the north.

Here, some of the most remote remains of human existence are to be found, as seen through archaeological sites such as in Orce as well as places like the Gor valley, where well-preserved ruins combine with nature to give rise to landscapes of stunning beauty. Also to be found are numerous castles and other structures built during the Middle Ages to defend the Kingdom of Granada, as well as small settlements dating back to the Al-Andalus period, particularly in La Alpujarra.

These fertile plains have traditionally been used for farming, as well as the sides of valleys, where terraces were built. The latter can be seen on the slopes of the Poqueira and Río Verde valleys. Traditional mining, for its part, carried out over a large part of the province’s mountainous regions, has left obvious marks on places such as Busquístar and Lújar.

These historic activities now coexist with others that drive the province’s economy. The status of the provincial capital as a pre-eminent university city has historically resulted in the interior of the province being characterised by great dynamism. This led to expansion into the nearby area (albeit it often short-lived), as well as a wealth of heritage in and around the city, which continues to exist today. In Granada itself, one particularly noteworthy example is the Alhambra and Generalife complex, a World Heritage Site. In the surrounding area, the network of acequias (irrigation channels), bridges, wells, waterwheels and mills allowed a thriving arable and pastoral farming sector to develop. These cultural relics have made a visit to Granada a must for those visiting Spain. Furthermore, the nearby Sierra Nevada, which receives significant snowfall each year, has become a popular destination for winter sports and other outdoor activities. Some of its highest peaks are not far from the city. The location of this mountain system near the Mediterranean creates a temperate climate around the coast. This allows for the intensive farming of tropical fruit, which has fulfilled a significant demand across Europe, whilst leading to certain landscapes undergoing significant change.

You can begin the route through the province of Granada from its capital city, then heading west until you reach Montefrío, before descending southwards until the town of Alhama de Granada. Perched on the sides of the gorge in Alhama de Granada, you will see the mills that were once powered by the current of the river. From here, head to the area south of Sierra Nevada. Here, you’ll find the historic region of La Alpujarra, with its whitewashed villages, including Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira. To the south is Órgiva (Sierra de Lújar), where you’ll find the relics left by mining. Then head north, through Sierra Nevada until you get to the municipalities of Guadix and Purullena, before heading east, where you’ll find the Gor valley, to the west of Sierra de Baza. Continuing north-east, you’ll reach Galera, where you can visit the archaeological site of Castellón Alto. To end the route, head north until you get to Sierra de La Sagra. Here, you’ll find Mount La Sagra, a peak that has significant symbolic value in and around Huéscar.

Prepare
This route has been designed to be done in a private vehicle. Most accommodation (which caters for all budgets) is to be found in the capital and on the coast, known as Costa Tropical due to its unique subtropical climate. During the ski season, there is also a selection of hotels at the Sierra Nevada ski resort.

Due to its unique terrain, the province has a varied climate. Particularly in winter, in some places it might be warm and sunny, whilst in others it may be cold and raining. As such, it’s important you bring the appropriate clothes and check the weather beforehand. During the rest of the year, the weather tends to be hot, although not as hot as in other parts of Spain. Remember to use sun cream and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Some visitors may like to combine skiing followed by a dip in the Mediterranean in the same day, weather permitting of course.

Get in
The route begins in, the capital of the province. The city can be reached by car, east–west, and , north–south; train to there are high-speed trains to other parts of Spain as well as regional trains to Almería; and flights to.

From Granada, you can begin the route by stopping at the landscape of Montefrío.

Drive
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The road from Granada to Montefrío passes through part of the plains of the River Genil, leaving the Sierra de Parapanda to the north, before reaching another mountainous area, where some peaks are more than high. It is here, from the south, that you’ll get your first glimpse of Montefrío. Built on a rocky formation, the western side rises slowly, dotted with whitewashed houses, whilst the bare eastern-side falls sharply into the surrounding hills and olive groves. Montefrío began life during the Al-Andalus era, its location making it ideal as a defensive outpost. Today, its whitewashed houses and other buildings, perched on the western face of the rock, exist in complete harmony with nature, creating a truly unique landscape. The Nasrid castle and the church of la Villa, which watch over the town, are perhaps its two most important landmarks. Both offer spectacular views of the surrounding olive groves and distant mountains. In the lower part of the town, facing these two landmarks, the Iglesia de la Encarnación church, with its slender steeple and vast dome, provides a stunning view and is witness to another important period that shaped Montefrío’s landscape – its occupation by the Crown of Castile in 1486.

Nearby sites of interest include:

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As you leave Montefrío, you’ll descend the southern side of Sierra de Parapanda. You’ll notice how sharp mountains and valleys begin to give way to gentler terrain similar to the hills and plains around the river Genil. As the Genil cuts right across your path, you have to take a road along one of its tributaries, the river Alhama. During this second stage of the route, the landscape once again becomes mountainous, albeit with less height, before you reach a truly unique landscape: the point where the river Alhama passes through the town of Alhama de Granada. Here, the erosion of the river has resulted in a steep gorge. Perched above the meandering water, which is flanked by poplars, are farmhouses, mills and small plots of land. Some of these date back to the Al-Andalus period and were built to make use of the current. In fact, the milling of grain was what powered the local economy until well into the 20th century. The compact line of white buildings overlooking the gorge offers a sharp contrast to the rusty, grey colour of the rock. Seen from a distance, the town is barely visible and the gorge appears only as a faint line making its way through what appears to an uninhabited part of these highlands.

Nearby sites of interest include:

Safety
The villages, towns and cities included on the route are safe and have low levels of crime. However, the usual safety precautions should be taken, such as locking your car and keeping your eye on your rucksack and other personal belongings. As in the rest of Spain, the Guardia Civil is responsible for policing the countryside, although larger built-up areas may have their own municipal police force.

On many parts of the route, there are no areas of shade. Use sun cream and a hat when the weather is hot. Many locations are not fully accessible and may require outdoor wear and walking boots.

Some areas that are dry for the most part of the year may be prone to sudden flooding as a result of rainfall. Check the weather beforehand and act quickly in the event of unexpected rain.



Stay healthy
The hospitals nearest to the route are:

Where to go next
Other places of interest in the province of Granada include: