Alfacar: Spring, Sierra and History

The Fuente Grande spring, also known as Fuente de las Lágrimas, dates back to the 11th century. The Sierra de la Alfaguara is part of the Sierra de Huétor Nature Park.

Culture

The water from the Fuente Grande was carried to Granada through channels and aqueducts. There, it supplied both the Alhambra and the Albaicín.

The water system therefore describes not only the spring itself, but also its historical connection with Granada and the two areas supplied there.

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Alfacar dates from the mid-16th century and stands on the site previously occupied by an Arab mosque.

The remains of the baths known as Baños Árabes date from the 13th to the 15th century, during the Andalusi period. Their layout follows the parallel rooms of the Zirid era.

The Arco de Somera was part of the walled settlement of Alfacar and may have been one of its town gates.

The Parque Federico García Lorca was created in 1986 with various fountains, paths and walkways. Fragments of Lorca’s poems can be found on the wall surrounding the main square.

Nature

Pinsapos and several centuries-old cedars grow in the La Alfaguara Arboretum; the cedars are more than 35 metres tall.

The La Alfaguara Arboretum developed from a former forest nursery and now serves as both an arboretum and a botanical nature trail.

The arboretum therefore brings together its former forestry use, its present function as an educational trail, and its old, tall-growing trees.

Access to the Cueva del Agua is closed; the cave can therefore only be viewed from the outside.

Activities

The Puerto Alfacar–Alfaguara circular hiking trail is located in the municipality of Alfacar.

The route to the Cueva del Agua in Alfacar is an easy trail with a duration of three hours.

The Sierra de Huétor Nature Park has trenches from the Spanish Civil War that can be visited, including several improved paths with scenic and historical interest.

The Sierra de Huétor Nature Park has recreational areas established for camping and sports activities in nature.

Climbing at Puerto de Alfacar is described as a suitable activity; a permit from the nature park is required.

The Puerto Alfacar–Alfaguara circular hiking trail has a one-way distance of around 7,477 metres, takes approximately two and a half hours, and is considered easy.

Food and Drink

The protected geographical indication Pan de Alfacar covers traditionally produced Bollos, Roscos, Roscas and Hogazas.

The four types of bread mentioned together fall within the scope of the protected geographical indication.

Pan de Alfacar is made from flour, natural sourdough fermented in the production area, water from the Fuente-Grande aquifer spring, baker’s yeast and ordinary salt.

Other Places

Other places include Polopos, La Ermita, Alhendín, El Varadero, Baúl, Deifontes, Colomera and Montefrío.

For the broader travel overview: Granada.