Discover Alamedilla – Geology, Culture and Festivals

The Lavas almohadilladas de Alamedilla consist of outcrops of basic volcanic rocks with pillow lava structures, formed by underwater lava eruptions. In the Granada Geopark catalogue, they are classified as a geosite of international petrological and geochemical importance with scientific and geotourism uses. At the same time, the Lavas almohadilladas de Alamedilla are considered a geological site of interest within the Granada Geopark and the municipality of Alamedilla.

Other places

Güevéjar, Algarinejo, Cónchar, Polopos, Benalúa De Las Villas, Cúllar, Velilla-Taramay and Venta Micena

Geology and Landscape

The Upper Cretaceous–Eocene of Alamedilla is catalogued as a stratigraphic geosite of national importance with geotourism and educational uses. Due to the fragility of the Lavas almohadillas de Alamedilla outcrop, particular care must be taken to ensure that it is not damaged.

The Piedras de La Solana are a rugged formation consisting of three enormous rocks. Based on the pottery remains and graves with grave goods found there, they are thought to have served as a Muslim refuge or natural fortress. The Mirador del Cerro San Juan offers views of Alamedilla and its surroundings. From there, outcrops can be identified that provide evidence of the Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum 56 million years ago.

Culture and History

The parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Anunciación is regarded as the most distinctive building in the centre of Alamedilla. The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Anunciación was built between 1489 and 1568 and has three naves separated by three round arches.

The ethnological section of the Museo Local displays agricultural tools used by the residents’ parents and grandparents. The prehistoric section contains fossils from the Alamedilla area, including a 40-kilogram ammonite. The Ermita de San Antonio consists of a single rectangular nave. Cortijo del Hacho is an archaeological site with a Bronze Age necropolis dating from around 2700 BC.

Routes, Structures and Festivals

The Alamedilla-El Peñon route passes through farmland, gentle terrain and the Geopark’s rural landscapes. Various landscape features give the route a clearly recognisable profile for personal planning.

In the vicinity of Alamedilla lies the Puente del Hacho in Guadahortuna, on the border with Alamedilla, at the exit of the Alamedilla-Guadahortuna railway station. The metal viaduct is 624.85 metres long and reaches a maximum height of 49.85 metres; it was put into service on 22 March 1898.

Around 19 March, Alamedilla hosts fiestas in honour of Santo Cristo de la Luz. A cultural week with theatre, music and film follows in mid-August. The Fiesta del Emigrante takes place on 15 August and is dedicated to the people from Alamedilla who now live elsewhere.

Local Cuisine

Characteristic dishes of Alamedilla include gachas, roast lamb and kid goat, as well as ribs preserved in oil. Among the desserts, almond pastries and especially almendrados are noteworthy. Olive oil from Alamedilla carries the Montes de Granada designation of origin.

For the higher-level travel overview: Granada.