LA CALAHORRA
by Saskia Mier
La Calahorra is home to one of Andalucia’s most iconic and unusual fortresses: the haunting Castillo de La Calahorra. It is one of the first Italian Renaissance castles outside Italy, and the first in Andalusia to display these architectural features. The town has a population of around 1,000.
HISTORY
There is evidence that human settlements existed in La Calahorra and the Marquesado region during the Neolithic period. Bronze Age sites belonging to the El Argar culture have also been documented in the Marquesado del Zenete area, most notably at El Zabelí in Esfiliana. More>
THINGS TO SEE
Castillo de Calahorra
It is believed that the castle was built by a Moorish king on the site of an ancient fortification, which may have been erected during the Visigothic period and renovated during the Muslim occupation. More>
Antiguos Hornos de Cal
The path leading up to the castle is steeped in centuries of history. Lords, vassals and servants who cared for the castle once walked up it, as did workers from the old Hornos de Cal (lime kilns), where limestone was baked to produce lime for use in construction and whitewashing houses. Location>
Ermita de San Gregorio
This beautiful chapel is located within a cemetery and its exterior combines stone and rough brick. It plays a prominent role in popular festivals such as San Antón. The chapel is also a popular venue for the traditional 'Nine Lap Race', which is held with mules around the building. Furthermore, this chapel is an accredited centre for certifying the Camino Mozárabe de Santiago,which links the cities of Almería and Mérida via the Silver Route. It is located on Calle Las Alpujarras.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Anunciación
The church has a rectangular floor plan and features a gentle staircase adjoining the presbytery, which can be accessed via a large triumphal arch. More>
HANDICRAFTS
La Calahorra is renowned for its pottery handicrafts. The villagers make beautiful plant pots, jugs, bowls, and all kinds of other unique items that you can take home as souvenirs of your visit.
GASTRONOMY
When visiting La Calahorra, try local dishes such as rin ran (cod salad), migas (fried breadcrumbs served with pork), el sustento (casserole made with potato, ribs, garlic and spicy sausage) and sopa de calabaza (pumpkin soup). For something sweet, try the tarta de piña (pineapple caked), flan de huevo (egg custard) and arroz con leche (rice pudding).
BUS SERVICE
There is a bus service from La Calahorra to Granada City using the bus company, BAM. More>
FESTIVALS
Popular festivals in La Calahorra are Fiestas de San Antón, Fiestas de San José, San Marcos, Fiesta de San Gregorio Nacianceno and Día de la Raza. More>
WEATHER FOARECAST
If you are considering visiting this town you will be interested to check the latest weather forecast for the next few days from the table below. More>
TOURIST OFFICE
The tourist office of La Calahorra is located in the Town Hall. More>
NEARBY PLACES
The neighbouring villages to La Calahorra are Aldeire, Ferreira and Alquife.
