Belicena is a Spanish locality and *pedanía* (a minor local administrative entity) belonging to the municipality of Vegas del Genil, in the province of Granada, within the autonomous community of Andalusia. It is situated in the central part of the Vega de Granada district.
History
Formerly known as "Bencilema," Belicena was the first permanent settlement founded within the municipality. Immediately following the Reconquista, the village was repopulated with Christians starting in 1492. It remained an independent municipality until 1976, when it merged with Purchil and Ambroz to form a single municipality named Vegas del Genil, with the administrative seat established in Purchil.
Things to see in Belicena
Centro de Interpretación de la Vega
TheVega de Granada Interpretation Centre (CIV) is housed in a former tobacco drying shed built in 1953, an excellent example of the brick-and-wood architecture that characterises the Vega de Granada landscape. As tobacco cultivation declined in the early 20th century, the building no longer served its agricultural purpose. In 2008, the Vegas del Genil Town Hall carefully restored it to preserve its original structure while adapting it for cultural and tourism purposes. The centre opened to the public in 2009. Today, the CIV serves as both a symbol of the region’s agricultural heritage and a gateway to exploring Vega de Granada’s cultural and natural history and attractions. Its ground floor contains around 600 m² of exhibition space, featuring interpretive displays, audiovisual presentations, and historic farming tools. An additional 80 m² multi-purpose area occupies the first floor, while an adjoining vegetable garden showcases the Vega’s traditional crops and cultivation techniques. The CIV is a vibrant educational and cultural hub, hosting exhibitions, activities, and guided routes that help visitors discover the region's history, landscape, and traditions. Located on Vial de la Vega, Belicena.
Iglesia del Santísimo Cristo de la Misericordia (Belicena) The Church of the Holy Christ of Mercy was recognised as Belicena's independent parish church in 1956; historically, the parish was linked to Purchil, and both belonged to the parish of Santa Fé. It is believed to be originally an old Arab mosque adapted into a Christian church after the Christian conquest of Granada in 1492. As is typical of mosques, it faces east and is modest in size. The present church was largely rebuilt and modified between the 17th and 18th centuries, although elements of the earlier structure remain. It is a simple single-nave masonry building, divided by pointed arches and ending in a rectangular chancel. It also has numerous religious paintings, including a notable portrait of the Capuchin monk Fray Plácido de Belicena, who was martyred in the Indies. During Holy Week, the Santísimo Cristo de la Misericordia is taken down from its niche and is not returned to its place until after the feast of San Marcos, patron saint of Belicena. Inside the church, there is also an image of the Inmaculada Concepción, donated by a beloved teacher, Doña Ángeles, who performed many good works for Belicena. Located on Calle Real.
Things to see near Belicena
Puente Francés
The Puente Francés (French Bridge) is a small but historically significant stone bridge that sits on the border between Vegas del Genil and Granada city. The bridge dates to the early 19th century, spans an old channel of the Genil River, and is considered part of Granada's historic heritage. Representative of French architecture, it is constructed from dressed stone masonry with a segmental flattened arch and was built by Napoleonic troops during the occupation of Granada. It is scheduled for restoration. Located on Camino de Granada
Ermita del Cristo de las Cañas
The Hermitage of Christ of the Reeds chapel is a small rural chapel located within the grounds of the Cortijo de las Cañas estate, on the road to Santa Fé. The hermitage takes its name from Cristo de las Cañas, a representation of Christ where it is said that Roman soldiers mocked Jesus before the Crucifixion, placing a reed (cana) in his hand as a sceptre. The modest chapel, comprising a single rectangular nave and a bell gable, is open to the public on Good Friday at 15.00 hrs. The bell is rung, and a series of prayers are recited. Tradition holds that worshippers make three wishes, which Cristo de las Cañas then grants.
Cortijo de San Antón
The Farmstead of St Anthony is an old Moorish farmhouse that belonged to the Order of Santiago de Granada during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs. After the ecclesiastical confiscations of the 19th century, the Seijas Lozano family acquired it at public auction in 1836. The farm (cortijo) retains two cisterns and two wells, preserved in excellent condition and historically used for both agricultural and family purposes. As one of the area's oldest rural properties, the cortijo reflects the agricultural heritage and historical continuity of the Vega de Granada.