Alhama de Granada is a cliffside town that sits above the Alhama River and in the Tejada Mountain range. The picturesque town has been a popular spa town since the days of the Romans. Local mineral spas are touted to ease rheumatism, arthritis, and stress.
Because Alhama de Granada houses so many historic Roman buildings and features, the town is one of Spain’s Historic-Artistic complexes. This means an abundant amount of care goes into preserving the area’s architecture.
History:
As Alhama de Granada sits on top of a cliff, there are many small cave systems in the rocks below. Remains of inhabitants from the Neolithic period have been discovered in some of the surrounding caves.
Iberians, Phoenicians, and Carthaginians have all helped shape the area that would become Alhama de Granada. When the Romans seized the area, they named it Artigi. Mineral baths were constructed using the rich mineral waters found within the town’s springs.
Eventually, Moors came into the area. They built upon the spa establishment and renamed it Al Hamman meaning thermal waters. In 1482, Catholic armies stole the area from the Moors. It is believed that more than 800 Moors died and another 3,000 were imprisoned during this seizure.
A major earthquake destroyed much of the city in the 1880s. The town has since been rebuilt, but the original buildings all had to be reconstructed from the ruins.
Site Seeing:
Festival de Música Jovan de Andalucia comes around once a year every July. During this period, young area musicians are encouraged to perform their original music to the crowds. The festival ends with awards handed out to the festival’s best musicians in all musical categories.
Built in the 12th centuries, the Moorish Spa/Bath is well preserved and remains the area’s most prominent tourist attraction. A large room houses the waters from the mineral hot springs that are warmed perfectly underground. The soothing waters are believed to lessen or cure ailments from arthritis to rheumatism. The baths are open from March to November.
Within the town centre, tourists are welcome to visit Caño Wamba. This elaborate fountain dates back to the 1500s. The Catholic Kings coat of arms decorates the fountain.
Restored in the 20th century, Alhama de Granada’s castle is the resurrected remnants of a Moorish fortress. You can view portions of the castle from the town, but the castle itself is on private property and is currently not open to visitors.
Built in the 1st century B.C., the Roman Bridge sits over the Alhama River. The bridge forms the entrance to Alhama de Granada and is open all day.
The old jail is open Monday through Friday – it is a good idea to check the opening times. The building is located in the Plaza Real and offers some impressive architectural details.
A number of historic churches (Encarnacion, Church of San Diego, Church of the Carmen) offer a few different weekly services. You can stay for a Spanish church service and then view the amazing architecture found within each church. Many of the churches house original artwork.
Many paths follow the Cliffs of Alhama. You cannot miss the opportunity to view the cliffs, area wildlife, and fauna. The paths are relatively easy for the casual walker, so don’t think they are beyond your activity level.
Industry:
The bulk of Alhama de Granada’s industry comes from tourism. From March to November, the spa town bustles with the arrival of tourists from all over the world. The tourists look to the hot springs for rejuvenation, but they also spend time touring Alhama de Granada. Local shops, hotels, restaurants, and bars all thrive thanks to the money brought into the area by tourists of all ages.
Gastronomy:
Alhama de Granada’s cuisine is similar of much of Andalucia’s fare. Beef and lamb slow cooked in clay pots with rich garlic and tomato sauces are common. Appetizers mixing bread cubes, olive oil, and garlic are also typical.
There is a wide variety of restaurants in Alhama de Granada. Pizzerias mix with Andalusian restaurants. Open-air terraces are plentiful.
Nightlife:
In many smaller southern towns, the distinction between bars and restaurants is barely noticeable. Alhama de Granada is filled with delightful bars that feature mouth-watering tapas. Tapas are small snacks (grilled shrimp, meatballs, stuffed grape leaves, olives, cheese, etc.) that are served along side your beer or wine. The snacks always feature local fare and will keep you happy for hours.
Summary:
As one of Spain’s most beautiful spa towns, Alhama de Granada offers a charming lifestyle, reasonable prices, and stunning vistas. Not only will you find your weary muscles relax in the soothing spa waters, you will also find your eye drawn to the myriad of colours gracing the landscape. Alhama de Granada is an area of true beauty.
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