Deifontes: Springs, Watchtowers and Roman Traces

Deifontes is a listed town on the Ruta de los Nazaríes between Iznalloz and Albolote. On this route, the Ruta de los Nazaríes lists the Tower of Deifontes as one of the route’s preserved watchtowers and castle remains. La Atalaya is a watchtower built in the 14th century during the Nasrid period, from which the entire valley of the Cubillas River can be seen, stretching from Iznalloz over mountains and plains to the Cubillas Reservoir and neighboring towns.

Nature

El Nacimiento is a spring area about one kilometer from the center of Deifontes, where water bubbles up through sandy pools. The spring area has an average discharge of 1,000 liters per second. Poplars, rockroses, elms and willows shade the pools. The Cubillas River runs through El Nacimiento; two dams are located there. One is modern, while the other is heavily deteriorated but still retains its original Roman stone blocks. The gardens are open daily to everyone who wishes to enjoy peace and harmony there.

History and Culture

The Presa de Barcinas is a Roman structure dating approximately from the 1st or 2nd century BC; it was used to retain the water of the Cubillas River. Roman, Arab and Neolithic remains have been found at the Las Erillas archaeological site. At Venta del Nacimiento, stone columns from Roman structures have been preserved; they presumably belonged to a temple dedicated to the god of water.

The Iglesia de San Martín was built in the 17th century in the Mudéjar style over an already existing small chapel. Its single-nave interior has an artistic coffered ceiling decorated with lacería; the three-story bell tower is topped by a striking pointed hipped roof. The Casa Palacio de los Condes de Antillón, later the palace of the Marquises of Casablanca, now houses Deifontes Town Hall. La Atalaya was part of an Arab communication and alarm network used to defend Arab settlements. At La Fábrica de la Luz, the remains of two former hydroelectric power stations can still be seen.

Trails and Events

The Arab Atalaya Route begins in Deifontes and leads via the Camino de la Atalaya, Pico del Llano and Collado de la Atalaya to La Atalaya de Deifontes. As it climbs, it passes through olive groves toward the Sierra Arana. In October, the municipality hosts a rapid chess tournament considered one of the best tournaments of its kind in Spain.

Local Character

The San Isidro de Deifontes cooperative produces extra virgin olive oil and organic olive oil. The olive oil brands listed by the cooperative are Coprovir, Ecovir and Fuentes de Dios.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Deifontes, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on the listings page. For personal trip planning, nature, history and culture can be weighted as different thematic focuses and combined according to the desired character of the trip.

Other Places

Other places: Tózar, Motril, Cuevas Del Campo, Ogíjares, Bérchules, Cijuela, Puebla De Don Fadrique, Atalbéitar.

Getting There

From Granada, Deifontes can be reached via the A-44. At kilometer 108 of the A-44, turn off onto the C-336.

To the main travel overview: Granada.