Perhaps Santa Fé is best known for its rather grotesque carving that adorns the local parish church’s spire. The carving of a decapitated Moor’s head is the spire’s key feature.

The town’s many buildings were primarily built after the Moors fled the area. Also called the “Cradle of Hispanity,” Santa Fé’s history is rich, as it is the site of the Moorish surrender to the Catholic armies.

Historically, Santa Fé used to be no more than a barren field. The land was not civilized for much of the early history. In 1483, Catholic kings and their armies came across the area and felt it was an excellent location for their base camp. They dug trenches and then built enough huts to house their military in preparation for their battle to claim Granada as their own. With the Genil River close by, the armies had access to fish and water for eating, drinking, and bathing.

 

The new military camp was set up in a cross shape with a rectangular area and then four gates on each section. Whether it was intentional or not, the layout provided them with an excellent strategic plan to keep the enemy out.

 

Eventually, the Christian armies were successful. At this point, King Boabdil, Isabel, and Fernando decided the future of the town and the settlers that would enact their plans.

 

One thing was certain, Santa Fé would house the Catholic Kings Court, the place in which the Catholic monarchs would hold many conversations and eventually approve of Christopher Columbus’s plans to voyage to America.

 

Don Francisco became Santa Fé’s lord. Under his rule, the area developed into a thriving agricultural area. Things went well until the earthquake of 1806 destroyed many of the town’s buildings. The next decade was spent rebuilding and repopulating the town.

 

Today, more than 14,000 people call Santa Fé their home. The riverside town offers fertile fields and excellent irrigation systems thanks to the nearby river.

The town council is an attractive building built in the 1920s. Many tourists feel that this is an important stop while in Santa Fé as it shows the blend of Spanish and American architecture. You can also stop into the House of Pósito where the tourism offices are located. The house was commissioned by Carlos III and features many glorious architectural features.

 

Ermita del Cristo de la Salud is located near the gate to Granada. Built in the 15th century, the church’s structure received an upgrade in the 19th century. Today, it is one of the most cherished buildings in the town.

 

Due to Santa Fé’s cross-like town structure, four gates are important to view. Three of the four gates were erected in the 18th century. Therefore, they contain much of that century’s architectural style. To the north, tourists will find Jaén’s gate. Sevilla’s gate is located to the south. Heading west, you will discover Loja’s gate. Loja’s gate is the oldest (built in the 1600s) and comes with an inscription citing Fernando and Isabel’s city of Santa Fé and why it was built.   Finally, Granada’s gate is to the east.

 

Perhaps the town centre is the most important site in Santa Fé. It is in the town centre that Columbus met with Catholic kings to gain approval for his voyage to the Americas. Gardens, public houses, small shops, and restaurants populate this busy area.

 

The neoclassic Parochial Church of Our Lady of the Encarnacion is Santa Fé’s prettiest church. An ornate cross graces the main room of the church with many pieces of art adorning the interior. It is a fascinating church to view.

 

Concerts are held regularly at the Damián Bayón Centre. Opened in 1992, the building houses two exhibition centers, a library, a research room, and an auditorium.

Santa Fé’s industry is strictly agricultural. Crops thrive in the rich soil that is well irrigated by the Genil River. With moist soil, sunny days, and a warm climate, many crops flourish in the area. Maize and asparagus are two of the largest crops.

 

Residents of Santa Fé also find the easy access to the much larger Granada makes Santa Fé a delightful area in which to reside. Residents can work in the larger city while living in the quieter suburb.

Possibly the most popular area dish is Piononos, a decadent dessert that must be sampled if you are in the area. Piononos layers sponge cake that is soaked in a sweet wine, cream, and burnt sugar. The dessert was created in honour of the Pope Pio IX.

 

With many vegetables thriving in the surrounding fields, much of Santa Fé’s cuisine utilizes readily available produce. Mangos, avocados, asparagus, tomatoes, garlic, and figs are all found locally.  Thyme and rosemary grow well in the warm climate. Both are used to infuse stews and soups with flavour. 

 

When sampling fare at local restaurants, you’ll find a wide array of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. You can start your meal with eggplant roasted in honey or cod stuffed green peppers before moving on to a succulent dinner of roast pork with orange sauce or seafood in a cream sauce tossed with fresh pasta.

Many of Santa Fé’s restaurants also have attached bars and pubs. You can enjoy a light snack of tapas while sampling the local beers and wines. With Granada a short distance away, there is also an excellent selection of dance clubs, taverns, and discos a short drive away.

Santa Fé is a busy, yet restrained, community. Granada’s airport sits on the outskirts of the city so traffic flows steadily through Santa Fé. Costa del Sol is approximately a thirty-minute drive from the town.

 

If you are seeking peace and quiet, Santa Fé may be the perfect destination for you to stay for days on end. It is big, but not excessive. There is the busy airport, but most of the traffic heads off to the much larger Granada. Santa Fé is an important stop on your itinerary. Santa Fé is full of history, architectural splendor, and much to experience.

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