Loja: Alcazaba, Springs and Natural Monuments

The Alcazaba now houses the Museo Histórico Municipal de la Alcazaba de Loja, which brings together the most significant part of the city’s archaeological collection. The former Medina Lawsa was divided into three districts separated by walls: Alcazaba, Arrabal and Jaufín; the walls controlled access between the individual areas.

Other destinations include Cuesta De La Palma, Riofrío and Fuente Camacho.

Culture and history

The Antigua Casa de Cabildos is a Renaissance building from the 16th century that has preserved its original design. It served as the town council’s seat for 437 years, until 1927; today, it houses Loja’s history interpretation centre. The Claustro del Antiguo Convento de San Francisco was built at the end of the 16th century by royal decree and is now the courtyard of the Hospital Civil de San Francisco. Its 17th-century tower is particularly noteworthy.

The Iglesia de Santa Catalina was built in the 16th century in a new district outside the city walls. Its Gothic-Mudéjar style derives from a building that the Catholic Monarchs commissioned for the Apostle Saint James. The Fuente de los 25 Caños dates back to Loja’s Muslim period, acquired its complete form with all its outlets in the 16th century and was restored in the 20th century. The Fuente Santa is a Mannerist fountain from the 16th century; its water was among the first in Spain to be bottled.

The Late Neolithic necropolis features up to three different types of burial: vertically excavated burial chambers, classic artificial caves, and mixed cave-and-megalithic tombs. Loja’s original arched bridge is depicted on the town’s coat of arms. After partially collapsing, it was restored in the 19th century and given its current form. Loja’s Semana Santa was recognised in 2003 as a Festival of National Tourist Interest and is considered the oldest of its kind in the Province of Granada.

Nature and water

The Infiernos de Loja Natural Monument is a 2.57-hectare geological natural monument in the municipality of Loja, Granada. It encompasses a section of the Genil River with diverse riverside flora and fauna, as well as significant geological features. The Nacimiento de Riofrío Natural Monument is a mixed natural monument in the municipality of Loja, Granada, covering 1.89 hectares.

The Nacimiento de Riofrío spring forms a lush riparian forest containing an abandoned industrial complex with water mills and copper works. It is regarded as an example of 18th-century industrial archaeology and was used until the 20th century. The elevated Mirador de Los Infiernos viewpoint offers views of the Cola del Caballo waterfall, where the stream plunges over a drop of more than eight metres.

The Mirador Arqueológico de La Alcazaba is located in a defensive tower within the city walls. From there, views extend across the northern part of Loja, including the Barrio de San Francisco on Monte Hacho, the Ermita del Calvario, the Palacio de Aliatar, the Iglesia de San Gabriel and the two bridges. In clear weather, the Cola del Caballo waterfall in Los Infiernos de Loja and the Sierra Nevada can also be seen. The Centro de Interpretación del Agua de Loja explains the importance of water to Loja and the city’s relationship with the civilisations that have inhabited it, including through a historical exhibition area shaped like a glass labyrinth.

Trails and activities

Loja’s free-flight station has five launch sites facing west, southwest, east, north and south. Since 2002, a free-flight meeting has been organised in Loja every year during the second week of September. The Via Ferrata near Cueva Horá consists of four sections ranging from low to high difficulty, connected by zip lines, Tibetan bridges and escape abseiling sections.

Loja’s adventure park offers zip lines, suspension bridges and courses between trees, with more than 40 challenges at heights of up to 10 metres. The Sendero Barranco del Cañalizo begins at the Manantial de Las Pasaderas spring, the source of the Manzanil River, runs through the Barranco del Cañalizo and connects with the Sierra de las Cabras hiking trail.

The trail from Las Pasaderas to Los Pinos begins at the Las Pasaderas spring and runs along the foot of Cerro de las Monjas to the Sendero Circular de los Pinos. From there, it is possible to climb to La Cruz, descend to the town centre or return to Las Pasaderas; along the way, there are panoramic views across the Vega. The Sendero del Monte Hacho begins on the road to Zagra, passes the former Ermita del Calvario and reaches a hilltop, providing access to various trails through Monte Hacho and its attractions.

The Ermita de San Roque lies in the Sierra de Loja south of the city and offers views over the Loja Valley. Loja also has a tourist and nature trail visiting important springs inside and outside the town centre, including the Fuente de la Mora, also known as the Fuente de los 25 Caños. The Sendero Circular Urbano de Loja leads to the Los Infiernos de Loja natural area, where the Cola del Caballo waterfall can be seen.

Local specialities and sightseeing

The Loja tourist office offers guided tours for groups, which may include the historic centre, distinctive natural areas and tastings of local products. The freshly baked Rosco de Loja is highlighted as a well-known local pastry. Riofrío’s gastronomic offerings include trout, sturgeon and caviar.

For the broader travel overview: Granada.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Villanueva De Las Torres, Huéscar, Benamaurel, Fonelas, Molvízar.