Salar between a Roman Villa and the Sierra Gorda

Roman Villa and Andalusian Local History

Salar brings together archaeological evidence, local history and landscape within a compact thematic area. The Villa Romana de Salar is listed in Andalusia as an archaeological site and as a Bien de Interés Cultural. It is an aristocratic residence from the High Imperial period, dating from the 1st to the 5th century AD. The Centro de Interpretación de la Villa Romana uses models and remains recovered during the excavations to explain the villa to visitors before their subsequent visit to the archaeological site. The Oficina de Turismo de Salar also serves as the Centro de Interpretación de la Villa Romana.

A much earlier period is represented by the Torre de Gabino: it is a square fortified enclosure at the Iberian archaeological site of Cerro Gabino and is dated to around the 2nd century BC. The later local history includes the Arab fortress of Salar, which was later conquered by Hernán Pérez del Pulgar. In the centre of Salar, the Casa Museo houses antiques of great historical value. Cuisine is also part of the local character: olive oil is an important ingredient in Salar’s cuisine and is used, among other things, for remojón, Olla de San Antón and a soup with wild asparagus. In Salar, Candelaria is celebrated as a traditional festival of the Poniente Granadino.

Church, Towers and a Viewpoint

The Iglesia de Santa Ana is accessible only during service times. The Torre de Hernán Pérez del Pulgar is privately owned and cannot be visited inside; its exterior is visible next to the Iglesia de Santa Ana. The Cruz de Marín offers views and a picnic area for family outings. It was erected by Marino Ramirez in memory of and in honour of his deceased son.

Springs, Paths and Landscape

To the west of Salar lies El Bañuelo, outside the town on the left bank of the Arroyo or Barranco de Salar. The site is easily reached via the path of the same name. El Bañuelo is a hypothermal spring with a temperature of about 20°C, whose water is rich in mineral salts. In Parque Carolina Trassierra, there is a maintained path along which visitors can walk beside the Arroyo de Salar. Two routes of different lengths are also available for planning stages: the Ruta a la Villa Romana is 2 km long and takes about 30 minutes, while the Ruta Entorno Arroyo Salar is 2.8 km long and takes about 40 minutes.

The larger landscape backdrop is formed by the Sierra Gorda. It is the most distinctive area of the Sierra de Loja ZEC site, designated as a protected area in 2015. The Sierra Gorda massif extends across the municipalities of Loja, Salar, Alhama de Granada and Zafarraya. Another spring is Fuente Alta, about one kilometre southwest of Salar. La Pisá de San José refers to the highest outlet of Fuente Alta. The remains of a former washhouse stand beside Fuente Alta. The range therefore extends from short walks by the water to a mountain landscape spanning several municipalities.

Further destinations in the surrounding area and within the same broader selection include Bácor, Jete, Almuñécar, Los Llanos, Baza, Pinos Puente, Válor and Melegís.

For the broader travel overview: Granada.