Zújar: Mountain Route, Geopark and Moorish Heritage

Landscape

Zújar lies in the heart of the Granada Geopark. The landscape of the municipality of Zújar combines rocky, arid terrain with dense pine forests. The Vega de Zújar comprises terraced fields and dry-stone walls lined with centuries-old olive trees. In addition, the Vega has numerous water reservoirs, Arab irrigation channels and watercourses that carry water across the cultivated fields.

Activities

Cerro Jabalcón is a massif consisting predominantly of Jurassic limestone and rising to an altitude of 1,492 metres. From Cerro Jabalcón, there is a complete 360-degree panoramic view over more than 4,000 km² of the Guadix-Baza Basin. On Cerro Jabalcón, you can hike among pines and evergreen shrubs; mountain biking is also possible on the same massif. The route known as “Ascent to Jabalcón” leads through Zújar as a mountain route. Boating is possible on the Embalse del Negratín. The Jabalcón Free Flight Station offers opportunities for free flight and astrotourism.

Cerro Jabalcón can be accessed via the A-92 motorway. At exit 335, take the A-315 towards Zújar, Cuevas del Campo and Pozo Alcón, then follow the signs to Cerro Jabalcón.

History

The historic centre of Zújar includes a neighbourhood with a Moorish character and whitewashed houses. Some of the houses standing there date back to the 17th century. The Abatel neighbourhood is a densely packed cluster of traditional cave houses. The Iglesia de la Anunciación was built in the 16th century over the ruins of an earlier mosque. The present-day Iglesia de la Anunciación dates from the mid-18th century and combines Neoclassical elements with some Baroque elements.

Traditions

The Romería in Zújar begins at Plaza Mayor and follows the Camino de la Virgen to the summit of Cerro Jabalcón. The pilgrimage in Zújar has been celebrated continuously on the last Sunday in April since the 16th century. The performance of the “papeles” in Zújar is a more than 300-year-old tradition and an important expression of the cultural heritage. The Papelistas are amateur actors who are selected each year to perform passages in verse from the “Drama del Cautiverio y Rescate de la Virgen de la Cabeza”.

Those wishing to stay in Zújar can search for a hotel in Zújar and incorporate their stay into their personal trip to Andalusia; the specific arrangements remain open and depend solely on their own itinerary, while the town can remain an independent stop in this personal planning.

Other destinations

Other destinations on this page: Cástaras, Baúl, Deifontes, Velilla-Taramay, La Mamola, Motril, Capileira and Arenas Del Rey.

Cuisine

The traditional cuisine of Zújar includes Gurrupina, Gachas, Tortas, Migas, Gurullos and products from the home slaughtering tradition.

For the overarching travel overview: Granada.