Sprache: Nederlands | English | Deutsch

San Fernando

Málaga

Alpujarras

Sevilla

Granada

Cádiz

Jerez

Almuñecar

 
Montefrío

Montefrío and surroundings



Off the tourist routes in the northwestern corner of the province of Granada, lies this friendly village, one of the most remarkable places in the region. One of the town churches located on top of a barren, rocky top, with views over the village and the surrounding hills with olive groves and fields.
The church on the rocky point is the Iglesia de la Villa. It's worthwhile to climb the rock and take a look at the church and enjoy the panoramic views. The church was built on the site of a Nasrid castle. The Alcazaba was built in the mid 14th century to help defend the Muslim kingdom of Granada and prevent an invasion of Christians. It is believed that it was built by the same architect as the Alhambra in Granada. There was also an observation tower on the castle hill, which was part of a highly effective network of lookouts to keep a look at the main routes. After the conquest of Montefrío in 1486, the castle was demolished on the orders of the Catholic Monarchs and the church was built on the same site. The church has influences from the Gothic and Renaissance period. The destroyed parts of the castle walls around the church are still visible.
The numerous traces of the rich history of Montefrío are described in the guide Roads and Trails of the local resident Lawrence Bohme and is for sale at the tourist office. The church is no longer used as a church, but there is a small museum.
In the center of Montefrío you can find the Iglesia de la Encarnación, in pantheon style. It has a huge dome and was constructed in the 18th century by the famous neoclassical architect Ventura Rodriguez.


Las Peñas de los Gitanos
On the way to Illora, about 7 km east of Montefrío is an unmissable and intriguing archaeological excavation, the Peñas de los Gitanos, which has evidence of human settlement from the Neolithic period to the Bronze Age. Excavations here have yielded numerous artifacts including combs, made of bone, flint arrowheads and shards of decorative ceramics. It has prehistoric megaliths and cave dwellings were found, including one primitive petroglyph. You can also find a medieval citadel, the remains of a Roman fort and into the gorge below it, six mills.
This archaeological site is managed by a group of local students who share their knowledge with everyone.

Montefrío is known for making the traditional way of sausages and of course these sausages like chorizo, salchichó and black pudding can be tasted in local bars.