Colomera between Fortress, Pilgrimage and Sierra Views

Culture and History

The Iglesia Parroquial de la Encarnación was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural on February 22, 1980. It was built in the 16th century over an earlier mosque and combines Gothic and Mudéjar elements. The building has three naves; its Mudéjar wooden roof structure was painted by Miguel de Quintana in 1544.

The Castillo de Colomera was already mentioned by the chronicler Ibn Hayyan in the 10th century as a foundation of the Cordoban army. As an Arab fortress, it probably consisted of three areas: an alcazaba, a middle fortified area and an outer fortified area. From its elevated position, which served to defend the area, it overlooks the town and the surrounding valley. Colomera is also a stop on the Ruta del Califato.

The Puente Romano is a single-arch bridge from the Roman-medieval period, measuring 16 metres in length, with a maximum height of 7 metres and a roadway width of 3.80 metres. Its tympana and abutments are made of cut stone; remains of old roads can be found in its surroundings.

The Torre del Chopo is considered a Bien de Interés Cultural. The Arab watchtower is cylindrical, has a circular ground plan and a preserved height of 6 metres. The Necrópolis visigoda is part of the Visigothic history: a burial site with 47 graves, recorded in 1986, which contained only a few grave goods, including ceramic vessels, rings, earrings, and copper or iron jewellery.

Trails and Landscape

The Ruta de Colomera begins and ends in Colomera; it is rated as moderately difficult, covers 17.2 kilometres and has a stated duration of around five hours. Its highest point is the Puerto de los Lobos Harteros, which offers panoramic views of the Embalse de Colomera reservoir and the town.

The Ruta de las Fuentes is an easy 1.8-kilometre walk. It connects the Pilar de la Higuera, the Pilarillo, the Pilar Leones, the former public laundry Las Fuentes and the Fuente Cristino.

The Área recreativa Los Pinos picnic area offers views of the surrounding Sierras and lies on the route to El Pino Solitario. The Área recreativa El Puntalillo is located in the natural landscape of the same name and also offers views of the surrounding Sierras.

The Torre Atalaya de Colomera stands on a small hill at an altitude of more than 1,000 metres. It overlooks the valley of the Río Colomera as well as the present-day town.

Pilgrimage

The Romería de la Virgen de la Cabeza has taken place every year since 1227 and is considered Spain's oldest pilgrimage. It starts in Colomera on the Thursday before the last Sunday in April and passes through villages, valleys and rivers before reaching the Cerro del Cabezo de Andújar.

Further destinations include Los Carriones, Capileira, Iznalloz, Válor, Pinos Del Valle, Atalbéitar, La Mamola and Puerto Lope.

For the broader travel overview: Granada.