Fonelas: Fossils, Geopark and Andalusian Festival Traditions

Fonelas lies along the north–south axis formed by the Vega of the Río Fardes. This axis is surrounded by gorges. The Río Fardes runs through the municipality. The entire municipality is located within the Granada Geopark, which is part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.

Palaeontology

The Fonelas P-1 palaeontological site is approximately 2.0 million years old. Its fossil record is exceptionally well preserved and displays a high level of biodiversity.

The Centro paleontológico Fonelas P-1 is a scientific and technical facility of the Valle del Río Fardes Palaeontological Station of the IGME. It is open to visitors. From Fonelas, the Valle del Río Fardes Palaeontological Station can be reached on foot or by bicycle; walking is recommended.

The IGME's EPVRF site in Fonelas has a geological educational trail. It is 1 km long. Information boards and information totems linked to magnetostratigraphy provide information about the Río Fardes valley and its landscape units. The present-day fauna and flora are also among the topics covered. Human settlement and use of the area are addressed as well.

The geological educational trail therefore brings together several perspectives: the boards and totems refer to the Río Fardes valley and its landscape units, the present-day fauna and flora, and the history of settlement and use. Geological, biological and human traces are addressed within the same information offering. The trail's length of 1 km directly indicates its extent.

History

During the Copper Age, Fonelas was home to an important prehistoric megalithic settlement centre. This period, the Chalcolithic, is dated to approximately 2600 to 2200 BC. The centre included more than 70 dolmens.

Local Cuisine

Peaches are among Fonelas's best-known local products. Melocotones al vino is a typical recipe from Fonelas. Peaches are grown in the area and used in numerous recipes.

Festivals and Events

A pilgrimage takes place every year from Fonelas to the Ermita de San Torcuato. It is held on 15 May or the nearest weekend.

The festivities in honour of Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Fátima take place on the weekend closest to 15 August. They include a Romería, a holy mass and a solemn procession.

The celebration in honour of Nuestra Señora la Virgen de los Dolores takes place on Palm Sunday. It includes a ceremonial address, a procession through the streets of Fonelas and a solemn Eucharistic celebration.

The Trail de los Badlands takes place in August. It has been organised for several years.

Other Places

Other places you can discover on this Andalusia page include Tózar, Cónchar, Trevélez, Huétor Tájar, Atalbéitar, Puebla De Don Fadrique, La Calahorra and Polopos.

To the main travel overview: Granada.