Calicasas is a small village located between la Vega de Granada and la Sierra de Huétor. The area is also known as la Campana Granadina (the Bell of Granada) because the bells ringing in the Alhambra Palace in Granada could always be heard in Calicasas. It is an ideal destination for rural and adventure tourism, with the river Bermejo running through the village, as well as its mountainous countryside and narrow streets.
The origins of the settlement are not very clear; there are remains of Roman gravestones in the village, indicating that it was a village of the Roman Empire, under the name Calicatros. However it is possible that it dates back even further.
In the village centre is the only building of cultural importance, la Iglesia parroquial de la Virgen del Rosario. Unfortunately only the ruins of this church remain, as it was destroyed by fire.
GASTRONOMY
Calicasas is surrounded by nature and greenery and small game hunting has always been popular, so naturally one of their most typical dishes is rabbit. As is common in Andalucia, extra-virgin olive oil is a popular ingredient; it is produced in Calicasas and sold under the name Montes de Granada.
FIESTAS
The main fiestas in Calicasas, celebrating la Virgen del Rosario, take place in August. Above all, the festivities of el Domingo de Resurrección stand out the most. The children make a straw Judas mannequin that is taken through the streets of the village and shot; in memory of his treason. Like the majority of the towns of Granada province, Calicasas gives special importance to el Día de la Cruz. Processions pass through the streets and there is Migas (a traditional breadcrumb dish) with pancetta and chorizo for everyone.
DIRECTIONS
Calicasas is less than 20km from Granada city. You can reach it by taking the A-44 towards Chaparral, then turning off along the GR-NE-9.
