Cave House Country - exploring the Altiplano de Granada

Benamaurel
Granada, Andalucía, Spain

The quaint and historic village of Benamaurel (see Map), in the Altiplano de Granada, Andalucía, Spain, is situated on a promontory alongside the Río (River) Guardal and has stunning views over fertile plains (vega). This agricultural land is still irrigated today by means of the water channels (acequias) constructed during the Moorish occupation.

The whole area has yielded a wealth of archaeological artifacts, from neolithic arrowheads to Iberian and Roman ceramics and coins. Other cultures have also left their mark on this area including the Phoenicians, the Visigoths and, most especially, the Moors.

14thC Church in Main Square

Old Cave House

The 14thC church in the Plaza Mayor (main square) was originally built on the site an Arab mosque. The Christian reconquest of Benamaurel in 1434 has been spectacularly celebrated in the village for centuries and the annual "Moors and Christians" fiesta is today of special touristic interest.

The village and the surrounding areas are of particular interest as the majority of dwellings are cave houses (casas cueva). In the intriguing part of the old town is the old Arab quarter, known as la Alhanda, where a number of cave houses dating back to the 12thC can be seen from a spectacular cliff walk. There are also casas colgadas (hanging houses) to be seen in the village. These amazing dwellings appear to be clinging perilously from rock faces.

There are many fascinating places to see in the neighbourhood of Benamaurel including several outlying cave hamlets and the impressive Moorish cave dwellings, "Las Hafas de Arriba", located high up in the cliff faces a little distance from the village.

There are a number of places to stay in the area (hoteles,casas rurales and alojamientos).

View to La Sagra

Esparto grass drying in the sun

FIESTAS

11th April - San León.
From last weekend in April - the main fiestas in honour of Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza. At the end of these fiestas the colourful "Moors and Christians" re-enactment and processions take place.

MARKET

Sunday morning

Continue your tour of the towns and villages: Caniles