Discover Dúrcal

Culture and Buildings

The Puente de Lata is considered one of the most representative Spanish structures from the era of metal bridges. Today, it is accessible exclusively to pedestrians. It offers panoramic views over the deep valley of the Dúrcal River.

The parish church of Inmaculada Concepción is a solid, elegant building from the mid-16th century. It was partially destroyed during the Morisco Rebellion. On the outside, the church is characterised by a slender brick tower and a simple façade. Its round arch is supported by pilasters.

History

The Castillo de Dúrcal, also known as “Penón de los Moros”, is an ancient small fortress. The fortress probably dates from before the Nasrid period. Only the corner of a tower and two cisterns remain of its structure. Several gallery passages extend as far as the river and are known as “túneles moros”.

The Fuerte de Márgena is a defensive structure from the Nasrid period and a 14th-century building. Only a rectangular, almost square tower remains. Two interconnected walls are still approximately 7 metres high.

The Fábrica San José was built in 1907 in the Neo-Mudéjar style as a factory for oil and olive pomace. It is the only one of three oil factories that existed in Dúrcal at the beginning of the 20th century that is still preserved.

The Puente Antiguo is also known as the “Roman Bridge”. It was probably built during the Andalusian period. Until the mid-19th century, it served as the main crossing of the river. It was restored by the students of Escuela Taller Dúrcal II.

Hiking and Water

The Los Bolos route is a linear hike there and back. It takes approximately three hours and is about 6.5 kilometres long. Its difficulty level is moderate. In sections, it follows the Dúrcal River and ends at a waterfall.

The Baños de Urquízar and Vacamía are springs with medicinal and thermal water. The water is used for bathing and drinking. Urquízar water was recognised as mineral water in November 1990 and as thermal water in 2006.

At Urquizar I, the Baño Chico spring complex feeds two shallow artificial pools. These pools are just under 2 metres long and 1.5 metres wide. The Baño Grande at Vacamía is a pool approximately 6 metres long, 3 metres wide and about 1 metre deep.

Other Places

Other places: Atarfe, El Varadero, Orce, Cijuela, Lentegí, Pinos Genil, Algarinejo, Murchas

Nature

Las Buitreras is located at an altitude of 1,666 metres. The name comes from a former colony of griffon vultures that lived there until the 1960s.

To the main travel overview: Granada.