Atarfe: Madinat Ilbira, Churches and Circular Routes
Culture
Atarfe preserves Madinat Ilbira, also known as Medina Elvira, an archaeological zone designated as a protected site of special cultural interest (Bien de Interés Cultural), covering 332 hectares and located in the municipalities of Atarfe and Pinos Puente.
The site preserves the remains of the most important city in the Vega de Granada from the 7th to the 10th century and features significant Roman and Late Antique remains.
The Mozarabic Route of the Way of Saint James passes through Atarfe; more than 1,000 pilgrims from all over the world pass through the town every year.
The Ermita de Santa Ana in Atarfe has a square Mudéjar wooden structure above the presbytery, with a geometric pattern of eight points in the centre of the ceiling.
The first construction phase of the Ermita de Santa Ana in Atarfe dates from the last quarter of the 16th century and the first quarter of the 17th century. Based on their formal characteristics, the altarpiece and the sculptures complementing it can be dated to the 18th century.
The parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación in Atarfe was built between 1617 and 1623.
The Ermita de los Tres Juanes is located on Cerro del Castillejo in the Sierra Elvira; it was built in 1941, named after Saint John the Evangelist, Saint John the Baptist and Saint John of God, and houses a natural science museum.
For further exploration of Andalusia, also visit Caparacena.
Circular Routes
The Ruta Atarfe Cultura y Entorno is a circular route around the historic centre of Atarfe and includes the climb to the Ermita de los Tres Juanes.
The approximately 8 km circular route is of moderate difficulty, starts and ends at the Ciudad Deportiva de Atarfe, where parking is available.
Another circular route starts at the Paseo de Santa Ana, follows the Sendero de la Canterilla to the Ermita de los Tres Juanes and includes several viewpoints.
Work on the retaining wall along the access road to the Ermita de los Tres Juanes has been completed, improving safety and access to this area of the Sierra Elvira.
The longest circular route in the network of paths in question starts and ends at the Paseo de Santa Ana and passes by the La Moleona recreational area, the golf course and the outlet of the Embalse del Cubillas; it also runs near the trenches of Llanos de Silva.
A pleasant circular mountain-bike route starts at Atarfe’s sports facilities, crosses the Sierra Elvira and passes, among other places, by the La Moleona recreational area, the Tres Juanes area and a golf course.
Another circular route starts in the centre of Atarfe, follows a cycle path for several kilometres and leads to the Alameda de la Vega Granadina; it has no inclines or technical difficulties.
A family-friendly circular route leads from the Ermita de los Tres Juanes through a pine forest to the La Moleona recreational area and returns along a parallel path.
For the overall travel overview: Granada.
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