FINES
The economic activity of Fines is based on the harvesting of wheat, grain and vegetables, as well as marble work. It has around 1,900 inhabitants.
HISTORY
Many archaeological remains have been found in the town in the Loma de la Estación and in the Rambla de las Arcas, both of which date back to the Bronze Age. These discoveries include some Roman artifacts. In an area known as Lugar Viejo (‘the old place’) and the Cueva del Castillo (‘Cave of the Castle’), the remains of a medieval settlement, including an old wall, were unearthed.
Now situated on the north bank of the Almanzora River, Fines formerly occupied the opposite shore, on a rocky hill. The proximity of the marble quarries of Macael has determined its economy for several decades. Although we know little more about the town’s origins, it is known that in the days of Al-Andalus, the town belonged to the State of Tahal and, following the Christian Re-conquest, the Catholic Monarchs delivered it, in 1492, to Don Alonso Fernández de Córdoba, Lord of Alcaudete y Montemayor.
The Morisco Rebellion in the Alpujarras (1568-1570) and subsequent expulsion of the Moors had a major impact on the populations of this valley. Ginés Pérez de Hita documents numerous events from this period that relate to Fines and other neighboring towns. The Tuzani, the protagonist of this author’s works, was from Fines. He was tried under the accusation of having facilitated the flight of the Morisco from Tíjola and causing the death of the Christian who had murdered his beloved.
Fines has existed as an independent municipality since 1850. In 1837, the first modern factory for sawing and roughing marble was installed.
THINGS TO SEE
Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora del Rosario
The parish church was built during the sixteenth century and consists of a single nave with main chapel and choir. The ship, which originally featured niches pierced into its walls, is covered by rectangular file armor with decoration. On the church’s exterior, the main entrance and tower both stand out. Located on Avenida del Rey Juan Carlos.
Mármoles Luis Sánchez
Mármoles Luis Sánchez has been delivering its treasured customer service for more than half a century, combining cutting-edge technology with careful traditional methods for obtaining stone. The company extracts, produces and markets a range of natural stones, marbles, limestone and travertine, not only from the Iberian Peninsula, but also from other countries. However, the star product of Mármoles Luis Sánchez is undoubtedly the Macael marble. Its texture, color and quality are unmatched by other stones and make it a perfect decorative adornment for constructions. Luis Sánchez has its own marble, travertine and limestone quarries located in Eastern Andalusia (Cúllar, Granada, Albox and Macael). Mármoles Luis Sánchez is located on Calle de la Herrá.
Opening Times:
Monday-Friday, 09:00-13:00hrs and 16:00-19:00hrs
Closed in August.
Tel: 950 44 43 16
Museo de Esculturas al Aire Libre
The restoration of the old stone railway bridge has transformed this space into a boulevard known as the Museum of Outdoor Sculptures. Along its route, visitors can find various marble sculptures made from stone quarried from the neighboring towns of Macael and Olula del Río, which pay homage to different countries and cultures and great geniuses such as the poet Federico García Lorca. Located on Vía Verde de Fines.
COUNTRYSIDE WALKS
Via Verde de Almanzora
The Almanzora railway path is 12km long and runs along what used to be the Guadix-Almedricos railway line, between El Chardero de los Canos, where the train collected minerals from Cable de Cabarga San Miguel, and the metal bridge over the Ramil ravine. This route can be enjoyed on foot, by bike or in a wheelchair.
HANDICRAFTS
The centrality of the marble industry in Fines has given rise to a trend in stone and pottery handicrafts. Also, with no commercial connection, some older people work with straw in their spare time.
GASTRONOMY
Among the gastronomic dishes in Fines are arroz con conejo (rice with rabbit), tortilla de ajo (garlic omlette), fritada de morcilla (fried black pudding) and migas (fried bread usually served with pork).
FESTIVALS
Popular festivals in Fines are Resurrection Sunday, Fiestas en Honor a San Esteban and Día de las Castañas. More>
NEARBY PLACES
The neighbouring villages to Fines are Olula del Río, Macael and Cantoria.
