Pinos Puente: Bridges, Archaeology and Routes

Bridges, Archaeological Sites and Historical Traces

Pinos Puente reveals history in very different forms. Cerro de los Infantes is designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural archaeological zone and is located within the municipality of Pinos Puente in Granada. The Media Luna de Pinos is a striking combination of architecture and landscape: this crescent-shaped engineering structure dams and regulates the water of the Río Cubillas.

One of the most notable historical structures is the Puente Califal. It is classified as a 9th-century caliphal bridge and has been a Bien de Interés Cultural since 1922. The bridge is crowned by a chapel dedicated to the Virgen de las Angustias. Locally, this chapel is known as La casica de la Virgen and has a Mudéjar-style vault. This brings architectural history, religious influence and a clearly identified historical period together in one place.

The archaeological sites also reveal different periods. Peñón de Zujaira is an archaeological site with caves artificially carved into the rock, forming a Copper Age necropolis. The Iberian reliefs of Los Caballicos depict horses associated with a deity worshipped by the Iberian population, and have been restored. The Centro de Interpretación de la Ruta Colombina is housed in an 18th-century building; at the same time, the site serves as a tourist information centre and museum.

Routes between Water and Archaeology

Two differently classified routes are available in Pinos Puente for planning shorter outings. The Ruta del Agua is a low-intensity route that can be completed on foot, by bicycle, by car or on horseback. It takes approximately 40 minutes. The Ruta Arqueológica, by contrast, is a route of medium duration lasting approximately one hour. The approximate time estimates help frame the two options as excursions of different lengths, while the stated means of transport further define the character of the Ruta del Agua.

A section of the Camino Mozárabe towards the Camino de Santiago also runs through the surroundings of Pinos Puente. The town's connections to the route also include the Albergue Refugio Municipal del Camino Mozárabe at Calle Vereda La Alameda 1, 18240 Pinos Puente. The area's former transport history is visible at the Parque Municipal de Tranvías: it is located on the site of the former tram station, and the tram tracks are still preserved in the ground there.

Another Destination Nearby

As an additional destination, Valderrubio can be included in the wider selection of places to visit.

Feria with Historical Roots

The Feria in Pinos Puente originated in former livestock markets that were once held in September. Today, it lasts five days and includes activities, exhibitions, a pilgrimage with a cart competition, music concerts, theatre performances, art exhibitions and games. In this way, the festival combines its historical roots with a varied programme of events and complements the town's archaeological, architectural and landscape-related themes.

For the overarching travel overview: Granada.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Guejar Sierra, Castilléjar, Chauchina, Cortes De Baza, Lobras, Alamedilla, Venta Micena.