FONELAS
by Saskia Mier
The village of Fonelas has some of the most valuable archaeological remains in the peninsula. There are around 70 dolmens scattered around in different groups, as well as the Cerro Gallos and Solana del Zamborino archaeological sites, and many fossilised mammals dating back over a million years. The town has a population of around 1,200.
History
Although numerous palaeontological sites containing the fossilised remains of large Quaternary mammals have been discovered, two million years ago this territory was a veritable orchard. More>
Things To See
Las Cuevas – The Cave houses
The Fonelas caves were dwellings excavated and inhabited long before traditional houses were built. Some families who lived in the caves later built their own houses next to them. The majority of the population in Fonelas still lives in caves because they are warm in winter and cool in summer. Today, they have all been renovated and offer every comfort.
Iglesia de la Virgen de los Dolores
This basilica-style church has a single nave covered by a Mudejar truss and an octagonal apse. Built between 1530 and 1540, it was repaired in 1593 when a bell gable was added. More>
THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE TOWN
Estación Paleontológica Valle Del Río Fardes
The Fardes River Valley Palaeontological Station (EPVRF) is owned by the Spanish Geological and Mining Institute. Since 2010, the station has coordinated research, outreach activities and specialised field teaching. More>
Ermita de San Torcuato
The San Torcuato complex, consisting of old and new chapels and an underground monastic complex of 25 rooms, is located in a place known as Face Retama. More>
Castillo de Muros
During the Nasrid period, Fonelas played a key role in surveillance and defence against Christian attacks via the Guadiana Menor and Fardes rivers towards Guadix. More>
Torre de Guajar
This is a cylindrical watchtower from the Moorish period with a circular base and a diameter of 3.95 metres. The first third is built with masonry of small, flat stones laid in regular rows, alternating with courses of slabs. More>
Torre del Pozico
This cylindrical watchtower dates back to the Moorish period. It has a circular floor plan and measures 4.20 metres in diameter. More>
Torre Las Palomas
This is a cylindrical watchtower from the Moorish period, measuring 4.20 metres in diameter. It is constructed from large stones arranged in rows with thick lime mortar joints. More>
Necrópolis Megalítica
A very extensive megalithic necropolis near the confluence of the Fardes and Guadix Rivers. These megaliths vary in shape and size, with approximately 15 tombs. More>
HANDICRAFTS
The people of Fonelas use esparto grass to make several types of handicraft products, which can be bought as souvenirs in local shops.
GASTRONOMY
When visiting Fonelas, try local dishes such as estofado de cordero (lamb stew), migas (fried breadcrumbs served with pork), choto al ajillo (garlic stewed goat) and zalamandroña (salad with sundried peppers, pumpkin, tomato and cod). For something sweet, try the roscos de vino (aniseed biscuits) and melocotones al vino (peaches stewed in wine).
BUS SERVICE
There is a bus service from Fonelas to Granada City using the local bus company, BAM. More>
FESTIVALS
Popular festivals in Fonelas are Festividad de San Antón, Festividad Virgen de los Dolores, Festividad de Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Fátima and San Torcuato. More>
WEATHER FOARECAST
The weather forecast for the next few days for Fonelas. More>
TOURIST OFFICE
The tourist office of Fonelas is located in the Town Hall. More>
NEARBY PLACES
The neighbouring villages to Fonelas are Benalúa and Pedro Martínez
