Small and very beautiful, the white village of Algatocin © Michelle Chaplow |
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Algatocin | Hotels | Camping | Things to See | History | Archaeological Sites | Salitre
Algatocín - THINGS TO SEE
Mirador de Genal
If driving on the A-369 from Gaucin, stop at the lay-by called Mirador de Genal for views of the village and the Genal Valley. A little further on befor the village is the popular roadside Restaurant La Fuentecilla.
Hermitage of Santo Cristo
Located on the other side or high side of the A-369 from the village. Park the car by the road perhaps near the Meson la Ermita and look for the steep path that leads up to the Hermitage of Santo Cristo which is also called El Calvario. The path passes the old public clothes washing station (Lavadero publico. Local legend tels that large oil lamps were placed at the doors of the Ermita which served to guide fisherman in the Strait of Gibraltar. The Ermita can be visited after a walk around the village or before, but it does offer a good view of Algatocin, before exploring its streets. A pathway continues from this point up into the mountain.
Parish Church
The 16th century Parish Church of Ntra Sra del Rosario dominates the town and is thought to occupy the site of the Arab castle. The church certainly sits on a strategically important point in the pueblo and so only archaeology will truly dispute this claim. The original church was remodelled on a neo-classical style and completed in 1614, under the direction of Pedro Diaz de Palacios. Considering the church was only commenced in 1606, the time and cost of the resources available only enabled a basic structure to be built. Much of what we see today was remodelled in 1725 and again after the damage left by the retreating French in 1810. The church tower has a blue tiled cupola, giving it the appearance of a minaret. The church has three naves and the architect Cirilo Salinas made later modifications in the 19th Century. The statue of the Virgin Rosario can be found inside made from white silver in the 18th century. Also from the same period is the image of San Francisco.
Plaza de la Alameda
In the village there are a number of large 18th century houses, built around small courtyards and narrow streets. Also in the village are the Plaza de la Alameda and the San Antonio Fountain, with its 17th century inscription.
The Hermitage of Calvario can also be found in the village. In Calle Larga, three large houses can be seen with family coats of arms over the door.
A number of Archaeological Sites in the surrounding countryside of Bemamahabu and Salitre and Roman Vesci and the old Canada Real road. More Archaeological Sites>
