Escúzar: Views, History and Culture

Nature and Views

Above Escúzar, the Mirador de la Cruz Mocha offers a 360-degree panoramic view. The Sierra Nevada is among the views from this lookout point. The viewpoint therefore opens up views beyond the town to the surrounding mountain landscape. The elevated location above Escúzar and the complete panoramic view define this specific impression of the landscape.

A marked circular trail with benches and several picnic tables was recently created in the area of the Mirador de la Cruz Mocha. The markings are part of the trail, as are the existing seats and tables. The area known as Cuevas del Agua consists of impressive green meadows. Holm oaks and wild-growing flora surround these meadows and shape the appearance of this area.

History and Culture

The Torre de Escúzar is attached to the south wall of the parish church. This tower was the starting point for the historic complex that today consists of the so-called Casa Grande, the parish temple and the current town hall. The tower is therefore in a direct structural connection with the parish church and with the three parts of the historic complex. Its history is thus tied to the development of this ensemble.

The Torre de Escúzar is a rectangular alquería tower. Its base measures 8.05 × 4.90 metres. The lower level of the Torre de Escúzar corresponds to an old circular cistern. This cistern has a diameter of 3.10 metres and is considered the only cistern of its kind in the entire province. The rectangular shape of the tower and the circular cistern describe two different geometric features of the same structure.

The first documented mention of the Iglesia Parroquial Nuestra Señora del Rosario dates from 1563. The Ermita del Cristo del Rescate was built in the 19th century. Its interior has a small floor plan in the shape of a Latin cross. Inside, the Ermita preserves an image of the Cristo del Rescate. Thus, the two religious buildings are associated with different historical details: a mention dating from 1563 is documented for the parish church, while the chapel is attributed to the 19th century.

Geographical Context

The Instituto de América Centro Damián Bayón museum is located in the area surrounding Escúzar. The “Winnie Pooh” museum is located in the wider regional surroundings of Escúzar. The Casa Garcia de Viedma - Museo Etnográfico de Armilla museum is also located in these wider regional surroundings. The museums mentioned therefore belong to different geographical contexts around Escúzar.

The ancient site of Acueducto de Cijancos is located in the wider regional surroundings of Escúzar. The viewpoints Mirador San Nicolas, Mirador San Miguel Alto and Mirador del Cerro del Sol are also located there. The summit of Cerro Pintado is likewise in the wider regional surroundings of Escúzar. The destinations named at regional level therefore include an ancient site, three viewpoints and a summit.

Other Places

Busquístar, Gor, Churriana De La Vega, Albolote, Pampaneira, Loja, La Taha, Bácor

To the higher-level travel overview: Granada.