Cájar between Silk History and the Sierra Nevada

Cájar is located in the central part of the Vega de Granada at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. A special historical connection can be seen at the Torreón del Lunes: the remains of an old Andalusian mill in the Vega de Granada are documented there, dating from the Nasrid period between the 14th and 15th centuries.

Landscape and Paths

The Green Corridors in Granada’s southern zone run through Cájar. The network provides access to the Sierra, especially on foot or by mountain bike. Hikers, cyclists, horse riders and livestock are among the users of the corridor network. This makes it possible to consider different types of movement and path characteristics separately when planning your own day.

The road connection is also relevant for the regional context: the A-4028 connects Cájar with the city of Granada and can be reached via the Ronda Sur, Exit 2. The Ronda Sur connects directly with the Sierra Nevada and the GR-30 bypass.

Culture and History

The Centro de Interpretación de la Seda explores the presence of silk in Cáxar through the Libro del Censo de la seda from the 18th century. By prior reservation, the centre offers 40-minute guided individual and group visits. The Galería Tabourot is dedicated to Enrique Tabourot and offers temporary exhibitions, study days, silk-painting workshops in schools, lectures, concerts and small-scale events.

The parish church of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, built in 1785, is part of the local architectural history. It is designed in the Neoclassical style, with simple forms and solid masonry. The church was formerly dedicated to the mystery of the Encarnación; today it is dedicated to Nuestra Señora de los Dolores.

During the period when silk played a role in Cájar, there were around 400 mulberry trees there. Qüiyar is considered a large country house built during the Nasrid era for an Arab nobleman. The Arabic name is explained as meaning “place where a lot of silk was raised”.

Festivals and Local Traditions

During the Fiesta de la Cruz, the municipality puts up a traditional Cruz de Mayo decorated with red carnations; popular and traditional dances also take place there. Green beans from the Vega de Cájar, Jayuyas or Salaillas from the municipality’s bakeries, and salted cod are offered.

The Fiestas Patronales of Cájar have been celebrated since the 18th century. Their programme includes musical, sporting, gastronomic and religious activities. During a nighttime procession, children and young people carry hollowed-out melons fitted with candles through the streets of Cájar; the shells are usually carved with the sun and moon. A historical procession refers to Cájar’s Moorish past.

Further Local Pages

La Calahorra, Murtas, Busquístar, Churriana De La Vega, Montefrío, Pinos Genil, Fuensanta, Víznar

For the higher-level travel overview: Granada.