Alamedilla: Geology, History and Andalusian Culture

Geology

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

The Upper Cretaceous–Eocene of Alamedilla is catalogued as a stratigraphic geosite of national importance, with geotourism and educational use. Due to the fragility of the Lavas almohadilladas de Alamedilla outcrop, particular care must be taken to prevent damage.

Landscape

The Piedras de La Solana form a rugged formation of three enormous rocks. Based on the pottery fragments and graves with grave goods that have been found, 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 seen that provide evidence of the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum 56 million years ago. The Alamedilla–El Peñon route passes through farmland, gentle terrain and rural landscapes of the Geopark.

Culture

The parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Anunciación is considered the most prominent building in the centre of Alamedilla. It 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 parents and grandparents of local residents. The prehistoric section includes fossils from the Alamedilla area, including a 40-kilogram ammonite. The Ermita de San Antonio consists of a single rectangular nave.

History

Near Alamedilla is 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. The Puente del Hacho was put into operation on 22 March 1898.

Cortijo del Hacho is an archaeological site with a Bronze Age necropolis dating from around 2700 BC.

Festivals and Crafts

Older residents of Alamedilla make baskets from esparto grass, partly for their own use and partly for sale. Around 19 March, Alamedilla holds festivities in honour of Santo Cristo de la Luz.

A cultural week featuring theatre, music and film takes place in mid-August. The Fiesta del Emigrante is celebrated on 15 August and is dedicated to the people from Alamedilla who now live elsewhere.

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 notable. Olive oil from Alamedilla carries the Montes de Granada designation of origin.

Other places: La Ermita, Huétor - Santillán, Víznar, Cúllar Vega, Guadix, Deifontes, Nigüelas, Belicena

To the main travel overview: Granada.