Algarinejo
Algarinejo is comprised of two areas, in addition to the main nucleus: La Viña and Fuentes de Cesna, which was inhabited by Arabs dedicated to the jewellery industry. Narrow streets, dating back to the Muslim epoch, lead to a series of caves that used to serve as refuges for the locals, and are well maintained by the municipality, making them safe and accessible to tourists. It has about 4000 inhabitants.
History
The area has likely been inhabited since the Lower Paleolithic, approximately 400,000 years ago, according to archaeological remains found in the Iznájar Reservoir. The early, primitive populations were replaced around 3000 BC by more evolved ones who lived in huts made with stone bases and covered with mud. They were sedentary communities, dedicated to agriculture and livestock, who located their villages in the low-lying plains of the area, at the intersections of cattle trails, next to springs, pastures, and meadows, in the area, and always close to mining sites. More>
Things to see
La Fábrica
A sixteenth-seventeenth century building located in the old part of the town, now part of the church. Originally used as a cloth factory, it was later converted to distilling spirits and producing wine. It is worth noting that Algarinejo, in the eighteenth century, enjoyed significant industrial activity. More>
Casa Parroquial
One of the finest examples of a stately home within the Castilian Quarter, the building was constructed between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Its rooms are arranged around an interior courtyard. The first floor of this courtyard, covered with glass, is protected by a balustrade. More>
Cruces Rurales
Algarinejo’s religious past is once again evident in its rural crosses or altars. These small structures, which are often nothing more than small rooms of 1m2 with a cross or a saint or virgin inside, are usually erected on the top of a hill, within view of the surrounding farmhouses. More>
Ermita del Santo Cristo
The chapel was built in 1730 at the top of a hill populated by olive trees, the site of the last station of a religious route that began at the parish church and continued through 13 stations around the outskirts of the town until reaching the Sanctuary. More>
Iglesia de Santa María de la Mayor
The town’s most important monument, erected in 1779 in the pure neoclassical style by the architect Ventura Rodríguez, which links it to the churches of Santa Fe and Vélez de Benaudalla, and funded by the fifth Marquis of Algarinejo. More>
Things to see outside the village
Puente de los Siete Ojos
The bridge connects the waters of the Retamar Stream and the Turca River. It currently lacks its seven spans due to a severe storm in 1960, which necessitated the construction of a new bridge in the same location. Despite having only three large spans, it still retains its old name. More>
Puente Hundido
In ancient times, the bridge was a vitally important route, connecting Algarinejo with the Priego– Iznájar and Montefrío–Loja cattle routes. This road was strengthened due to its importance as a border crossing during the Nasrid period, so its origins are often dated to possibly the fourteenth century. More>
Castillo de Cesna
Turrush Castle is located on the banks of the Iznájar Reservoir, near Fuentes de Cesna. It is believed that this castle was the place where Abd al-Rahman I lived before confronting the state in Córdoba, leading him to govern the newly independent state of Al-Andalus. More>
Torre o Fortín de Pesquera
Pesquera Castle, also known as Torre de Pesquera, is a defensive complex located on a rocky outcrop on the right bank of the Pesquera River, a tributary of the Genil River. It is reached via the road that connects the village of Fuentes de Cesna with the municipality of Zagra. More>
Countryside Walk
Throughout the municipality, there are a number of hiking trails of great cultural, historical, and ethnological interest that we invite you to explore. Explore routes such as Ruta de la Frontera, Ruta del Olivar y del Aceite, Ruta de los Arrieros, Ruta del Agua, Ruta de la Agricultura and Ruta de los Montes
Bus Service
There is a bus service from Algarinejo to Granada City. More>
Handicrafts
There is a great variety of local handicrafts in the area, from crafts made using wicker and esparto, to saddlery and the production of lace and beautiful blankets.
Gastronomy
Regarding gastronomy, the Poniente Granadino region is famous for cocido de garbanzos (chickpea stew), la porra (similar to gazpacho) and ajoblanco (fried sweet bread with cold garlic & almond soup). The town also offers a good selection of sweets such as roscos (doughnuts), pan de higo (fig bread), not to mention food like cereals and olive oil.
Festivals
Popular festivals in Algarinejo are La Candelaria, Romería de San Isidro, Fiestas de San Juan, Fiestas de Santa Ana, Fiestas en honor a San Jerónimo and Fiestas de Doña Juana. More>
Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for the next few days for Algarinejo. More>
Tourist Office
The tourist office of Algarinejo is located in the Town Hall. More>
Nearby Places
The neighbouring villages to Algarinejo are Iznájar and Montefrío.