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Guadix y Marquesado

© Patronato Provincial de Turismo de Granada Design and Production: www.edantur.com

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TURISMO DE GRANADAPATRONATO PROVINCIAL

•Plaza Mariana Pineda, 10, 2ª

18009 - Granada•

Telephone: (+34) 958/ 24 71 46 Fax: (+34) 958/ 24 71 29

•e-mail: turismo@dipgra.es www.turismodegranada.org

www.turgranada.com•

TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICETelephone: (+34) 958/ 24 71 28

Fax: (+34) 958/ 24 71 27e-mail: infotur@dipgra.es

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AAccccoommmmooddaattiioonn22 Cuevas del T�o Tobas 23 Cuevas Al Jatib24 Cuevas El R�o de Baza25 Cuevas Alcobas26 Cuevas La Granja27 Cueva de La Alhanda28 Cuevas Paloma29 Complejo "El Lago"30 Cueva del Torre�n31 Cuevas La Teja32 Cueva del Nieto Adri�n32 Cueva de Pepe33 Cueva Kadiga33 Cueva Urop�a34 Cueva Zaida34 Cueva Zoraida35 Cuevas Tor-es 200036 Cuevas Medinaceli37 Casas-Cueva 38 Cuevas La Pis� del Moro39 Cuevas La Morada40 Alojamiento Rural Victoria41 Cuevas El Pata Seca42 Cuevas El Abanico43 Cuevas Pedro A. de Alarc�n44 Cueva de Mar�a45 Cuevas Tajo del Pollo46 Cueva El Sillero47 Cuevas La Atalaya48 Cuevas de Orce49 Cuevas Olmos

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Index

Apart from the Ar-garic remains of LaBalunca in Castilléjar,other examples of tro-glodyte inhabitationinclude the caves ofLa Tía Micaela andSin Salida (both in

Cortes y Graena) the Cueva Horá, theAbrigo de Luis Martínez shelter, andthe Cuevas de Panoría (in Darro), aswell as various natural shelters used byPalaeolithic hunter gatherers who leftnumerous examples of primitive cavepaintings on the walls. Likewise, to theeast of the Granadan town of Píñar, are

the Cueva de la Carigüela and the famous Cueva de lasVentanas, which was inhabited from the Middle Palaeolithicperiod. This grotto, which has been beautifully refurbished fortourist use, owes its name to the three openings which provi-de the only access to the cave from the outside.

The fertile land and the huge mineral wealth attracted cul-tures who came from the Mediterranean and took full

advantage of the ideal charac-teristics of the terrain (compo-sed of soft, compact, andimpermeable materials) toexcavate new caves on thesteep riverside hills. Althoughthe Romans opted for theirvillae exentas (autonomousvillas), they were actually builtnear to the caves we see today,which in itself is evidence oftheir fine location, and theGoths followed the RomanEmpire’s example.

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Caverns and prehistoric sheltersThe Hoya de Guadix and the Altiplanicie de Baza y

Huéscar, to the north, are two extensive hollows lying betweenthe Betic sierras. Riddled with corridors and natural shelters, theseareas have been the site of numerous human settlements sincethe earliest of times. Indeed, the so-called troglodyte habitat,which refers to the unusual form of human existence in caverns,developed extensively in both areas, and this is reflected by thenumerous archaeological remains which have been found.

Shelters from the past For thousands of years, caves were the form of dwelling most widelyused by mankind. The safety and protection which prehistoric peo-ples found in these primitive natural shelters would also be soughtafter later by other cultures. Such is the case with the Muslims, whoexcavated most of the caves and cave dwellings which are to befound in the province of Granada. These types of underground cons-tructions, which faithfully reflect the historic, social, and economicchanges of their surroun-dings, blend in with thelandscape and its topogra-phic features, giving theareas in which they areconcentrated – the districtsof Guadix and the Mar-quesado y Baza-Huéscar: ElAltiplano – a particularlyevocative beauty. Theyform part of a valuableheritage which has beco-me not only a sign of iden-tity but also an importanttourist resource.

Mythology and religionThere has always been a close relationship between the earth and thesacred. The Romans used to build an underground construction known as“L´Eliseum”, which was the place for the happiness and well-being of thegods and demigods. Caves are also omnipresent in the history of Christianity,with those of the Annunciation in Nazareth, the Nativity in Bethlehem, andthe Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, being the most representative examples.

With the arrival of theMuslim civilisation, thecave dwelling started to beseen as a form of construc-tion and their original roleand function changed.They were initially used as ashelter by certain sectorsof the population who hadto live in hiding or exile,and then later became the

only type of housing that peo-ple with the lowest incomecould afford.

In the 11th and 12th centu-ries, with the arrival of theAlmohads in Granada, theMozarabes sought refuge in thecaves, where they continued toworship. Dating from this periodare the Hafas de Arriba deBenamaurel, a series of caveswith pigeon lofts, located in avertical cut in the terrain which issplit into two different parts. Theentrances are on the higher leveland access is via a footpath.

The caves dating from the medieval period – which in Guadix areknown as Covarrones or Cuevas de Moros (Moors’ Caves), had amarked defensive character and formed small pocketsof population made up of isolated dwellings. Theycan be grouped into different types accordingto their functions: permanent dwellings(the prototype of the modern villagesof cave dwellings such as Cortes yGraena, Marchal, Lopera, Bena-lúa…), which were constan-tly occupied andreoccupied

Shelters from the past

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Medieval watchtowers

until the Christian conquest; watching posts, difficultto locate as they are often mistaken for natural crevi-ces and cracks in the terrain; cave-shelters, which,due to their size and well-developed defensivesystems were almost like castles; and cliff top gra-naries, whose entrance was also the window, andcould only be reached by ropes or ladders.

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Near to these medieval underground constructions, whichwere mostly abandoned and not reused later, the Moriscoscarried out extensive excavations to build caves when they wereforced to flee from major urban areas following the Christian con-quest. Thus, for example, in Guadix, at the end of the 15th cen-tury, a large part of the Islamic population was forced to leave themedina and settle on the outskirts of the town by order of theDuke of Escalonia, who claimed that it was for security reasons.

This construction phenomenon was to gain a more urbandimension at the end of the 16th century when the Moriscos

expelled after the revoltled by Abén Humeya,returned to their place oforigin. Unable to reclaimtheir old property, theyoccupied the existingcaves or excavated new

ones. From the 17th centuryonwards, the Christian settlersfrom other Spanish regions whoarrived to repopulate the area afterthe Moriscos were finally thrownout of the Peninsula by order ofKing Felipe III, also used the caves asa place to live.

This is the origin of the neigh-bourhoods with caves and the cavedwellings which evolved from themsuch as those found in Baza, and theneighbourhoods of El Pozo inFreila, the quarters of Abatel(which takes its name from an Arabicword meaning “punishment place”because until 1502 it was the site ofthe High Constable of Navarre’s exe-

cution scaffold), Capallónin Zújar and nearbyCarramaiza, La Cruz andLa Morería quarters inCastilléjar. There are alsothose to be found in thetown of Galera and in thesemicircle of clayish hillswhich surround Guadix.

Shelters from the past

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The Morisco neighbourhoods

In Belerda, there is an unusual cemeterywith niches excavated

in caves

The modern caves During the end of the 19th century and first half of the

20th, there was another major period of development in the useof cave dwellings (which were first used as family homes duringthe Nasrid period) inthe province of Gra-nada. This coincidedwith a growth in po-pulation and immi-gration, and the ex-ploitation of newland for agriculturaluse. The importantsugar and farmingindustries in the Ho-ya de Guadix and the Altiplanicies de Baza y Huéscar played amajor role in attracting people from the poorer sectors ofsociety who sought a cheap form of housing which could beadapted to their traditional way of living whilst having sufficientspace for animal dens, stables, grain stores…

With this new popu-lation and other suc-cessive cave dwellersthis ancient type ofunderground architec-ture evolved in termsof design as some oftheir most traditionalaspects were transfor-

med with a view to making them more comfortable and prac-tical. During the 20th century the caves were provided withthe conveniences and services which some years earlier hadbeen introduced into normal forms of housing. This moderni-

Shelters from the past

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sation process has played amajor role in promoting theuse of this unique type ofhabitat as a valuable touristresource, either for museumsor restaurants, or touristaccommodation.

Troglodytemuseums

In Guadix there are two museumswhich are uniquely set in refurbi-shed Arab cave dwellings. TheCueva Museo de Alfarería LaAlcazaba, restored by ceramicistJuan Manuel Gabarrón, contains amagnificent collection of potteryfrom various periods as well asnumerous household implements.The Cueva Museo de CostumbresPopulares de Guadix faithfullyreflects the traditional way of lifeof the peoples who inhabited thearea over the centuries. The va-rious rooms of the museum (whichinclude a cellar, a bedroom, animalstalls and a pig den, amongstothers) exhibit a wide variety ofhand-made objects and costumes.The La Inmaculada Cave Museumin Purullena, which was hewnfrom the rock and inhabited follo-wing the Christian Reconquest,offers visitors the possibility to dis-cover something of the day to daylife of the people that lived here.

The last major digging of caves

in Guadix took placein the 1950s.

GUADIX

MUSEO DE ALFARERÍA CUEVA LA ALCAZABASan Miguel, 59Y 958 664 767www.cuevamuseolaalcazaba.com

CUEVA MUSEO DE COSTUMBRES POPULARESPlaza de Ermita NuevaY 958 662 665

PURULLENA

CUEVA MUSEO LA INMACULADACtra. de Granada, 80Y 958 690 181

The El SacromonteInterpretation Centre

The picturesqueEl Sacromontequarter, which

faces the Alhambra,contains some of themost idiosyncraticelements of Grana-da. On the one hand,there are the caves,excavated from thenatural grottos of thesacred hill, temples

to gypsy art and true museums oftroglodyte life - nowadays adaptedto the needs of modern life; on theother, the zambra, an ancient dancewhich is made up of three pieces,representing the different parts of agypsy wedding.

Following the conquest of thecity by the Christians, the cave dwe-llings of this idyllic area, situated outsi-de the walls, provided shelter to theethnic minorities and social groups

who were beyond the control of the administrative and religiousauthorities, such as the Jews and the Moriscos. It is largelyinhabited by gypsies, who, accordingto chronicles, entered Granada withthe Catholic Monarchs’ troops, forwhom they worked as blacksmiths.Thus, it is not surprising that the quar-ter was always inhabited by craftsmenand flamenco artists, who were thecreators of the ancient and charmingzambra which is still performed in theflamenco shows staged in caves likeLos Tarantos, María La Canastera,Cueva La Rocío, and Venta el Gallo.

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El Sacromonte, caves and legendThere is also another history, closely linked to legend, an

element without which El Sacromonte would lose much of itsessence. One of its most captivating episodes, known as theBarranco de los Negros relates how, after the fall of theNasrid kingdom, many noblemen set out on their way to exilein Africa. Fearing that their fortunes might be stolen, they hidvaluable treasures in the Monte de Valparaíso. When theirblack slaves, who knew of the incursions of their masters intothe sacred hill, were released, they decided to try and find thetreasures. They dug and dug into all the hillsides of the gorgebut found nothing. Exhausted from their efforts, they soughtrefuge in the holes they had made, and later transformedthem into their homes.

CUEVA LA ROCÍOCamino del Sacromonte, 70Y 958 227 129

CUEVA LOS TARANTOSCamino del Sacromonte, 9Y 958 224 525

CUEVA MARÍA LA CANASTERACamino del SacromonteY 958 121 183

VENTA EL GALLOBarranco de los Negros, 5Y 958 220 591

ZAMBRAS

Apart from the unquestionable historical value which the cavemuseums give the district, El Sacromonte is also surrounded bybeautiful monuments and landscapes such as the Dehesas delSacromonte, the Cerro del Aceituno, the Fuente del Avellano, and theAlbaicín quarter. The in-terpretation centre inclu-des an EthnographicMuseum with exhibitsillustrating the history,evolution, and use of ca-ves as well as the cus-toms of their inhabitants(characteristic furniture,farming implements,hand-made objects, etc.)

and a Environmental Education Facilitywith Botanical Gardens and a traditionalorchard which contains a comprehensivecollection of the indigenous flora andfauna, as well as crops from the area.

THE EL SACROMONTE INTERPRETATION CENTRE

Barranco de los Negros, s/nY 958 215 120www.sacromontegranada.com

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Underground archi-tecture is basicallythe result of men’s

search for a type of habi-tat which was adaptedto both their environ-ment and activities.Thus, the characteristicsof the terrain in whichexcavations were carriedout were essential. So-metimes it was possibleto take advantage of theaction of natural forceswhilst at other times itwas necessary to resort to human activity.

As is the case in the Guadix yMarquesado and Baza-Huéscar: ElAltiplano, districts, caves are locatedin arid or semi-arid areas, near to riversor watercourses, but never in areasthat are liable to flooding. Rather thanoccupying fertile land, they are com-monly situated on slopes, on the edgeof gorges or in small hillocks. The besttype of terrain for excavation is thatwhich is made up of soft materials

which can be easily hand-hewn with a pick, but at the same timeis compact – to guarantee solidity – and impermeable so as toavoid water leakages and dampness. The most commonly usedareas are those containing clays, marls, conglomerates, softsandstones, limestone, sand, tuffs, and loess.

Excavated from the slopes of steep hills and gorges, thecaves and cave dwellings do not follow a pre-establishedlayout. Their design is determined simply by the topographicalcharacteristics of their location and their orientation to thesun. There are no streets as such, and the only urban delimita-tions are gullies and watercourses. More modern construc-

tions, with adjoining façades and outbuildings, can be foundnext to other older traditional ones, but all the caves boastslender whitewashed chimneys, placetas (small open spaces orsquares around which the caves are built), and porches withvegetation. However, the only way to see what they are reallylike is to actually go inside, passing through their public exte-riors to discover the more intimate and private areas.

Undergrou nd architecture

The construction of a cave, an endeavour for which theprospective owner always counted on the invaluable helpof an expert “pick master”, begun by making a verticalcut into the rock which forms the façade, leaving a hori-zontal flat area in front. Depending on the topography ofthe terrain, it was sometimes necessary to make two othervertical cuts at the ends which served as buttresses.

In the middle of the façade an arch shaped doorwaywas opened, penetrating a metre or metre and a half, thethickness given to the load bearing walls. From there, thefirst room is carved out with a square ground plan mea-suring some 2.5 to 3 metres square and a barrel vaultedceiling. Following that, the other the rooms are dug out

How they are excavated

Underground architecture

in the form of a gallery. The numberand size of the rooms, and their inter-nal layout would depend on both thesize of the hill and the economicresources and needs of the dwellers.

The topographic features – bends,shapes, and slopes – of the terrain inwhich this construction process wascarried out also determined the diffe-rent types of cave settlements inGranada. Perhaps the most commontype of location, particularly in theHoya de Guadix, are steep slopeswhere caves are excavated in rows andarranged on superimposed levels.

Access to the caves isvia narrow and win-ding paths which skirtround the slopes.

If situated in areasdotted with smallhillocks, which are tunnelled through from one side tothe other in the search for searching for light and ventila-tion, cave dwellings tend to either be next to each otherforming streets, or grouped around a common space - aplaza or small square (placeta). In Andalusia, the latter are

Pick mastersThey were in charge of di-recting, controlling and,on occasions, giving advi-ce about the constructionof the caves whilst alsocarrying out the final tou-ches with their picks.Small groups of them usedto travel from village tovillage to offer their servi-ce to potential clients. Apick master, accompaniedby two labourers couldtake approximately amonth to excavate a four-roomed cave and themost widely used tool wasa pointed pick. The caves are usually

excavated facing the south,southeast, and southwest so

as to permit maximum exposure to the sun

only to be found in a fewcave villages, such as thoseof Benalúa, Gor, Purullena,Baza, Benamaurel and Hués-car, in the province of Gra-nada. In Baza there is a third type of settlement, deepditches, which have fallen into disuse due to the riskof flooding.

Caves and cave dwellingsThe evolution of the external elements of caves in

order to adapt them to modern needs gradually led tothe transformation of the primitive constructions intocave houses with outbuildings and extensions whichwere either attached to the façades or built in the spacesin front of the dwelling.

The most commonly used initial layout involved theconstruction of various rooms, which were joined by smallopenings acting as transverse arches, and arranged in galle-ries excavated into the rock or parallel with the façade.Gradually the designs became more complex, the maininnovations being the addition of other sections to thefaçade, either joined on or separate from it, and the deve-lopment of enclosed spaces such as the placeta which ser-

Underground architecture

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ved as an entrance.These changes per-mitted the separa-tion of the rooms orareas which wereused to keep ani-mals from thoseused as living quar-ters whilst allowingthe damp facilitiesto be outside. Thus,

the original ensemble was gradually transformed to beco-me a more self-sufficient construction in which the primiti-ve cave was preserved as a symbolic remnant of the origi-nal dwelling.

This empty space, graduallytransformed by the extensionsand constructions which overtime have been added to thecaves, has retained its originalfunction: it was the place wheredomestic chores were carriedout and also a space whichacted as a bridge between theinner and outer worlds. It was aplace to take the sun, dry thepeppers, and separate the grainfrom the maize, whilst alsobeing a centre for social interac-tion between the neighbours.

The placeta

Chimneys and skylights The façade and chimneys are undoubtedly the exter-

nal elements which have the greatest visual impact whilstbeing essential parts of the characteristic design. The faça-de has hardly any openings so as to maintain the excellenttemperature conditions inside. There are only the openingswhich serve as the main entrance to the cave and to theanimal den although sometimes a small window is cut toprovide ventilation. The main entrance is usually occupiedby a door with two horizontal sections thus enablingthe upper part to be opened as if it were a window.

The simplest type of façade is created by whitewashingthe rock-face but the most common type uses bricks, con-crete or stone to protect the surface from erosion. There areplant covered porches or concrete porches finished with rooftiles, as well as different forms of adjoining the living accom-modation to the cave, which results in a great variety offaçades, almost to suit the taste of each owner.

The design of the chimneys, whichare excavated from the interior, variesconsiderably from one place to thenext, even if they are not far apart.Thus, in the towns of Guadix,Marquesado or El Altiplano it is possi-

ble to find both conical chimneys and others in the shapeof a prism or cylinder. They can be of mortar, brick, orstone, and whitewashed or finished with brick or stone toavoid water filtrations.

In the interior of the dwellings, the skylights which wereopened at the end of the long narrow passages in order to

let as much light in as possible, take on awhole range of different forms from balco-nies to large open courtyards which letthe light in from outside. When the te-rrain permitted it, the cave was excava-ted through the whole hill so as to cre-ate a second entrance which createdmore light and a through flow of air.

Whitewashing walls andceilings is an ingenious

way of taking fulladvantage of the

natural light.

Underground architecture

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The layout of the rooms in many of the existingcaves reflects the essentially rural way of life of thepopulation. On entering, the first room is a livingroom or kitchen, with a fireplace, which plays anessential role in ventilating the dwelling.

The more internal rooms were used as bed-rooms, which were separated either with curtains,doors or glass panes. Entering into this more intima-te part of the caves, one discovers numerous war-drobes, larders, and food storage areas whichwere either excavated or made out of clay.

The most significantmodifications to the origi-nal habitat occurred whenanimals were moved toderelict caves located nearto the dwellings. Conse-quently there was morespace which could be usedas living accommodationand the problem of badsmells was solved. Like-wise, following the cons-truction of public watersupplies, the small wa-shing facilities situated inthe placetas and the toi-lets were moved to out-buildings.

The widespread current trend for increasing the size ofcave dwellings by adding more storeys and passages, toge-ther with the modernisation of its basic conveniences andfacilities, has not in any way diminished the significance ofwhat can be considered one of the oldest types of habitation.

Around the fireplace

Inside the caves theatmosphere is dry andtemperatures remain

constant, at approxima-tely 18º C all year round

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Accommodation

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This cave complex,which is named afterIbn al-Jatib, a notedMuslim intellectualfrom Loja, offers a trulyunique form of accom-modation in a rural en-vironment surroundedby three spectacularnatural parks: theSierra de Baza, Sierrade Castril, and Sierrade Cazorla. There aresix cave dwellings withdifferent capacities(ranging from two toten people) which all

have a dining-living room with fireplace and TV, wood forthe fire, a fully equipped kitchen, full bathroom, andInternet connection.

The tourist complex also includes an Andalusí Hamman (atraditional Arab bath) with massage and treatment room, restroom, and a solarium-courtyard, as well as a traditional-style res-

taurant with a terraceoffering panoramicviews and deliciousdishes prepared withproducts cultivated intheir own vegetablegarden. There is also atea house which isopen all day, and theCasa del Topo (themole’s house), a cavespecially designed forchildren, with nume-rous galleries to enjoyhide and seek, as wellas a pool which isopen to bathers in thesummer.

Arroyo Curcal s/n (Camino de Oria) BazaY 958 342 248 - e-mail: info@aljatib.com - www.aljatib.com

Cuevas Al Jatib llAPARTMENTS

Coming from La Ca-lahorra, on the right, akilometre before arrivingin Alcudia de Guadix,there is a complex of ele-ven cave dwellingswhich have been beauti-fully refurbished as touristlodgings. Each cave isdecorated in a differentstyle using wood, stone,and construction mate-

rials which are typical of the area. These are combined withother more modern materials thus preserving the beauty ofnatural elements and the simplicity of rural features whilst cre-ating maximum comfort and sophistication. Set next to awooded area of pines with magnificent views over the Pienavalley and the Sierra Nevada mountains, all the caves have1 or 2 bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, and spacious and cosy

living rooms. They are also fittedwith a fireplace, TV, telephone,barbecue and central heating.The complex also includes otherservices and facilities such as aswimming pool, free parkingand a restaurant bar.

Cuevas del Tío Tobas lll APARTMENTS

Ctra. de Almería, km 1 Alcudia de Guadix Y 958 698 350 e-mail: tiotobas@tiotobas.com - www.tiotobas.com

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Recently restored, the-se two unusual cavedwellings, which arejust ten minutes fromthe town of Baza, offerall the modern conve-niences of any normalhome in a cosy and uni-que atmosphere whichis both peaceful andrelaxing. The largest ca-

ve, which can cater for 10-14 people, is ideal for fami-lies or groups of friends. Ithas 6 bedrooms, 2 bath-rooms, kitchen with larder,two living rooms (one withfireplace), a dining room,living room decorated inArabic style with bunk beds,a terrace and garden withfruit trees. The other cave,with capacity for 2-3 people, has one bedroom, bathroom,

dining room-kitchen with firepla-ce, terrace, and garden. Theyboth have TV and DVD.

Accommodation

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Cañada de Aurel BazaY637 247 427 e-mail: info@alcobas.org. www.alcobas.org

Cuevas AlcobasRURAL HOUSECuevas El Río de Baza l APARTMENTS

This rural complex, situa-ted just 300 m from thearchaeological site datingfrom the Iberian periodwhere the valuable Lady ofBaza was found, offers theideal environment for a well-deserved rest. It is made upof 10 fully furnished cavedwellings, with spaciousand well-lit rooms whichmaintain the same tempera-

ture all year round.Each cave has 2 to 4bedrooms, fully equi-pped kitchen and bath-room, dining roomwith fireplace and TV.There are also otherfacilities such as aterrace, barbecue, andswimming pool.

Barrio Salazar, 222 Baza Y 639 391 711 e-mail: cuevasriobaza@altiplan.net www.cuevasriobaza.com

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Accommodation

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Set in Benamaurel, atown which offers viewsof one of the oldest cavesettlements in the provin-ce (the 12th century Al-mohad Hafas de Arribacaves), this traditionallystyled cave dwelling ca-ters for 6 people and hasmagnificent views of thesurrounding countryside.It is easily accessible withvisitors arriving on the A-92 andtaking the Baza exit. Outside there is

a terrace and par-king area whilstinside there is a kit-chen, microwave,dining room, livingroom, TV, and a fireplace for which firewoodis provided.

Fuerte, 29 BenamaurelY 689 637 446 e-mail: pginel@uco.es

Set in an idyllicsituation less than akilometre away fromthe town of Benalúa,Cuevas La Granja iscomplex made up of11 cave dwellingsconverted from anold farm from thebeginning of the 20thcentury. All the origi-nal flooring, cellars,

nooks and crannies, and decorative elements of thecaves have been beautifully preserved. Its situation inthe middle of the countrysidemakes it ideal for rest andrelaxation.

Each cave has a fully equip-ped kitchen, living room withTV and fireplace, 1, 2 or 3bedrooms, full bathroom, cen-tral heating, hot water, and aventilation system. The com-plex also includes a receptionservice, a swimming pool, a

library, a small shop whichsells typical local products,barbecues, and parking.

Camino de la Granja s/n BenalúaY958 676 000 e-mail: cuevas@granada.net www.cuevas.org

Cuevas La Granja lll APARTMENTS5

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RURAL TOURIST ACCOMMODATION

Cueva de La Alhanda

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Accommodation

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This tourist com-plex includes 7 indi-vidual caves withspace for 3-4 peopleand a spacious par-king area at theentrance. They areextremely comforta-ble, equipped with allthe modern conve-niences, and arewarm in the winterbut pleasantly cool inthe summer. The ca-ves have a full bath-room, fireplace, kitchen, and television, whilst the com-plex offers a laundry service and includes a shop sellingtypical hand-crafted local products. One of the caves isspecially adapted for handicapped people.

The complex also has one artificial lake especially forswimming, which covers 1,725 square metres and contains3,500 cubic metres of crystal clear water coming from theRiver Guardal. Some of the distinctive features of this swim-ming pool are its central jet, its undulating design, its gen-tle slopes and its large size. Other facilities include a restau-rant, camping and barbecue areas, a children’s play area,parking and an outdoor amphitheatre in which a widerange of performances and shows are staged.

Paraje el Cerrón s/n Castilléjar Y958 744 102 e-mail: reservas@turismocastillejar.com www.turismocastillejar.com

Complejo El Lago lAPARTMENTS

This small touristcomplex which is ma-de up of 4 cave dwe-llings (“El Rubio”,“Tío Mauricio”, “ElVoluntario”, and “LosMase”) of differentsizes (with capacityfor 6 to 10 people)and layout, is on theroad from Benamau-rel to Castilléjar, in anarea known as Los

Carriones. They have full bathrooms, wood fireplaces,and fully equipped kitchens.

Los Carriones s/n CastilléjarY968 183 171 e-mail: grupaloma@hotmail.com

Cuevas Paloma l APARTMENTS7 8

Accommodation

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This newly renova-ted tourist complex issituated to the southof the Sierra deCazorla and surroun-ded by four highlyattractive reservoirs(Bolera, Portillo, SanClemente and Ne-gratín).

It comprises 9 cave dwe-llings which are very wellequipped and decorated withtypical rural charm. They havewood burning fireplaces, fullyequipped bathrooms and kit-chens with hot water, TV,swimming pool, barbecue, aterrace, and parking.

Cuevas La Teja is the per-fect base for carrying out awide range of activities: walksin the Cazorla, Castril or Sierrade Baza natural parks; a visit to

the thermal baths of Zújar; or a day of culture enjo-ying the historical heritage of Orce, Huéscar, or Galera.

Cuevas La Teja llAPARTMENTS

Set in beautiful countrysidenext to the River Guardal,800 m. from Castilléjar, thisimposing edifice situated in acountry estate covering 3,000m2 is made up of two diffe-rent types of accommodation

which are both fully equipped: the Cueva del Torreón(cave dwelling) and El Torreón (rural house). They areboth surrounded by large green areas and include a pri-vate swimming pool, parking, a solarium, barbecue, aterrace-garden, spacious bedrooms, fully furnished rooms,a kitchen, TV, full bathroom, fireplace and living room withwood stove.

Set in rural surroundings, the cave is ideal for enjoying a rela-xing holiday in the heart of the countryside whilst practisingoutdoor sports such ascycling, walking, fishingor horse riding.

Cueva del Torreón RURAL HOUSE

Las Anegas, 7 Castilléjar Y 649 013 520 e-mail: cuevastorreon@yahoo.es www.cuevasdeltorreon.com

La Teja (Cortes de Baza) Y958 734 859 e-mail: reservas@cuevaslateja.com www.cuevaslateja.com

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Accommodation

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Completely refurbished without losing any of thecharm of its original features, the Cueva Kadiga cavecan cater for 8-10 people. It includes a full bathroom,

fully equipped kit-chen, hot water, dou-ble bedrooms, andbarbecue. Firewood issupplied. Near to Cor-tes y Graena there arevarious places of tou-

rist interest such as the Fran-cisco Abellán reservoir.

The Cueva de Pepe is in Baños de Graena, a hamletof Cortes y Graena, on the western slopes of the SierraNevada, in the Valley of the Fardes. The dwelling hasbeen completely renovated to offer maximum comfortwithout losing the essence of a traditional cave. It has aliving-dining room with television, fully equipped kitchen(with wood burning fireplace), bathroom, hot water, 3bedrooms and parking in the entrance area.

Cueva de Pepe

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Cortes y Graena lies at the bottom of a beautifulvalley which is part of the charm of this typical cavewhich has been transformed into a rural lodging andincludes a TV, fully equipped kitchen, and other con-veniences.

Iglesia, 2 Cortes y GraenaY958 670 730 - 958 670 690

Cueva del Nieto Adrián

In the city centre of Cortes y Graena is the CuevaUropía, which benefits from its own parking. It has afull bathroom, bedrooms, TV, fireplace, and a wellequipped kitchen.

Uropía s/n Cortes y GraenaY 958 670 730-958 670 690

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RURAL TOURIST ACCOMMODATION

RURAL TOURIST ACCOMMODATION

Jardín, 8 Cortes y Graena Y 610 329 536e-mail: cuevapepesaavedra@yahoo.es www.lacuevadepepe.com

RURAL TOURIST ACCOMMODATION

Cueva Kadiga

Alhambra, 5 Cortes y Graena Y965 446 495e-mail: info@dormirencuevas.com www.dormirencuevas.com

RURAL TOURIST ACCOMMODATIONCueva Uropía

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Accommodation

Set in the Granadantown of Dehesas deGuadix, with the po-pular Cerro del Relojhill lying next to the ElNegratín reservoir,this cave dwellingwhich can sleep 10people has two livingrooms with TV, fullyequipped kitchen, fullbathroom, two firepla-ces and private par-king for five vehicles.Wood for the fires isalso supplied.

Velázquez, 12 Dehesas de GuadixY 958 813 955 e-mail: mtortosa@supercable.es

Cuevas Tor-Es 2000RURAL HOUSE

Cueva Zaida,with space for 4 to6 people, has hotwater, full bath-room, kitchen withwashing machine,oven, ceramic hob,toaster, coffee ma-chine, TV, and dou-ble bedrooms. It isvery close to thehistoric town of Guadix which is well worth a visit andclimbing up to the Puerto de la Ragua Pass to practisecross-country ski is also highlyrecommended.

Cueva Zoraida, which caters for 10-13 people, is set inthe Granadan town of Cortes y Graena and is only a fewkilometres from the Natural Parks of Sierra de Baza

and Sierra de Huétor,as well as the SierraNevada National Park.Its facilities include dou-ble bedrooms, full bath-room, hot water, and awell equipped kitchen.

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RURAL TOURIST ACCOMMODATION

Molineros, 25 Cortes y Graena Y965 446 495 e-mail: info@dormirencuevas.com www.dormirencuevas.com

Cueva Zaida

RURAL TOURIST ACCOMMODATION

Molineros,23 Cortes y Graena Y 965 446 495e-mail: info@dormirencuevas.com www.dormirencuevas.com

Cueva Zoraida

Accommodation

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Iglesia, 4 Galera Y958 739 068 e-mail: reservas@casas-cueva.es www.casas-cueva.com

Casas-Cueva llAPARTMENTS

These 16th centurycaves have been com-pletely renovatedand transformed intorural lodgings. They aresituated in Fonelas, atown surrounded by ahigh-mountain desert-like landscape which isnear to the NaturalParks of Sierra de

Huétor and Sierra de Baza,as well as the Sierra NevadaNational Park. They havebedrooms, living room, diningroom, kitchen and bathroom,and are equipped with allmodern conveniences (firepla-ce, TV, heating, bed linen,towels, and hot water). Outsidethey have the typical plazoletasor placetas, barbecues, and

parking areas and enjoygood views. They arewell situated for thespas of Graena (10minutes away) andAlicún (35 minutes).

Medinaceli, 16-18 FonelasY 958 679 040 www.cuevasmedinaceli.com

Cuevas Medinaceli ll APARTMENTS

Awarded the 1996Andalusian Tourism Pri-ze and the 2001Chamber of CommerceAward, these cavedwellings are situatedto the northeast of theprovince, in Galera, asmall town which con-tains a wealth of histo-rical and cultural land-marks.

This tourist complex has 24 caves which are totallyindependent, with 1, 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms which cater forbetween 2 and 8 people. Each cave has a living-diningroom with fireplace (firewood provided), kitchen withkitchenware, and a full bathroom with centralised hotwater. They are equipped with all the conveniences ofmodern life despite the fact that their decoration retainsthe typical features of the traditional caves.

The area also offers a wide range of outdoor activi-ties and sports such as paragliding, hang gliding, hun-ting, fishing...as well as the possibility of simply enjoyingnature in its full splendour.

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These 4 caves which are only 5 five minutes walkfrom the centre of Galera have been refurbished aspart of an ambitious tourist project. They are situated inBarrio de San Isidro, one of the most idiosyncraticquarters of the town.

The La Morada caves have been renovated fully inaccordance with the traditional habitat, using ecologicalmaterials which blend with the environment, but still

offer all the conve-niences of modernlife. The luminousdwellings have beenfitted with a kitchen,bathroom and livingroom with fireplace.With these lodgingsLa Morada intend tooffer guests thepeace and quiet of atraditional rural envi-ronment whilst ma-king them feel com-pletely at home.

Cueva La MoradaRURAL HOUSE

This attractive complexof rural lodgings with ahighly unusual architectu-ral style is made up offive caves which havebeen recently renovatedand beautifully refurbi-shed whilst retaining thetypical rustic features ofthe area. The caves arefitted with all modernconveniences such aswood fireplaces, bath-room, fully equipped kit-chen, washing machine,television, individual pla-

cetas with parking, access for handicapped people…From the entrance porch there are splendid views overGalera, the quiet town in which the caves are situated.The town lies in a valley surrounded by the Natural Parksof Sierra de Baza and Sierra de Castril.

Those who have some time to spare should not missthe opportunity to visit the archaeological site of ElCastellón Alto (from the Argaric period) and the famousMuseum of Archaeology and Palaeontology in theneighbouring town of Orce. Alternatively, visitors canopt for swimming in one of the various natural hot waterpools which can be found nearby.

Avda. Nicasio Tomás, 6 Galera Y958 739 061 e-mail: lapisadelmoro@worldonline.es www.altipla.com/lapisadelmoro

Cuevas La Pisá del Moro l APARTMENTS

San Isidro, 30-31 Galera Y660 862 044 e-mail: cuevasgalera@yahoo.es www.cuevasgalera.com

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Accommodation

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Las Cuevas El PataSeca are to be found inGorafe, a small tro-glodyte village situatedto the north of Gra-nada, which is surroun-ded by a desert landsca-pe formed by canyons,gullies, crevices andpeaks, offering specta-cular scenery. Nearbyis the Gorafe Mega-lithic Park containing one of the largest megalithic necro-polises in Spain.

The cave dwellings are decorated with rustic elements whichcreate a cosy atmosphere whilst still offering all the convenien-ces of modern life. They have electricity and hot water, 1 to 3bedrooms, living rooms with wood fireplaces, kitchen, andbathroom, and are fully equipped and furnished.

Just a few kilometres away, visitors can choose to relax inthe thermal waters from the natural springs which supplythe Alicún Spa, climb the Cerro Jabalcón peak with itslanding and taking off sites for paragliding or hang gliding,or fish in the El Negratín reservoir.

San Marcos, 20 GorafeY958 693 114 www.altipla.com/patasecaThis complex of 9 cave dwellings situated in a hamlet

of Galera known as Cortijo del Cura (between Cas-tilléjar and Huéscar), has managed to adapt its servicesand facilities to the de-mands of modern tourismwithout losing any of thecharm of the original dwe-llings. They include parking,barbecues, wood-burningovens, and spacious plazo-letas for children to play orride their bikes. The caveshave fully equipped kit-chens, television, blankets,towels... just 3 Km. away isthe town of Galera, with itsnumerous monuments andarchaeological remains ofgreat tourist interest.

Cortijo del Cura Galera Y610 794 660 e-mail: nico@casascuevavictoria.com www.casascuevavictoria.com

Alojamiento Rural Victoria RURAL HOUSE22

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RURAL TOURIST ACCOMMODATION

Cuevas El Pata Seca

These caves offer aunique and picturesqueensemble with their redclays underneath andthe white chalk of thechimneys above. Theyhave panoramic viewsof the town of Guadixand the Sierra Nevadain the distance. All thecave dwellings in thecomplex have centralheating and hot water, TV, telephone, kitchen, bath-room, individual entrance area, barbecue and parking.There is also a cosy cave-suite for two people with ajacuzzi; something different for that very special night.

There are communal zones, with a swimming pooland restaurant and thesurrounding area is ideal forcycling, or horse riding, aswell as mountain climbingor cross country skiing.

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Set in the heart ofGranada’s Sacro-monte, these cavedwellings offer allthe charm and magicof this traditionalquarter, as well asthe flamenco art ofthe zambra shows,and the splendidviews of the monu-mental complexmade up by theAlhambra Palaceand the Generalifegardens, which ha-ve been declared aWorld Heritage Site.

These old caves, which have been completely renovatedand offer visitors high quality modern conveniences (hotwater, wood burning stoves, full bathrooms, living room,fully equipped kitchen, furniture, bed linen, etc.), butmaintain their rustic and homely charm. One of their dis-tinctive features is that they maintain the same tempera-ture all year round (around 17º) which makes them coolin the summer and warm inwinter. They also have aterrace and garden. The ca-ves are situated on a pedes-trianised street, which meansthat tranquillity and silenceare guaranteed.

Vereda de En Medio, 89 (Barrio del Sacromonte) GranadaY958 226 199 - 608 848 497

Cuevas El Abanico l APARTMENTS

Bda. San Torcuato s/n Guadix Y958 664 986 e-mail: cavehotel@infonegocio.com www.andalucia.com/cavehotel

Cuevas Pedro A. de Alarcón llAPARTMENTS24 25

Tajo del Pollo s/n Belerda (Guadix)Y958 696 114 e-mail: tajopo@teleline.es

Cuevas Tajo del PolloRURAL HOUSE

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Accommodation

Ermita Nueva, 54 Guadix Y958 660 716 www.guadixdigital.com/cuevasdemaria

Cueva de María l APARTMENTS

This spacious reconvertedcave dwelling situated inBelerda (a hamlet of Guadix),is made up of two intercon-nected caves, each housing 4people. They have a barbecue,fireplace, television, fridge,washing machine, and fullbathroom. There are a total ofseven rooms, four of which arebedrooms – one with a double

bed, the other three with twin beds. Although the maincave has been split into two separate parts they can also beused jointly in order to accommodate larger groups. Theyshare a porch, terrace, and a swimming pool, and are easyto reach.

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These three cave dwe-llings situated next to the LaAlcazaba Cave Museum ofPottery and the Cave Mu-seum of Popular Customsof Guadix can cater for sixpeople each. They have three

bedrooms, dining room, fully equipped kitchen, and fullbathroom, as well as a barbecue on the outside placeta. Tocomplement your stay, we recommend that you visit thehistoric centre of Guadix, with its impressive Cathedral,its Alcazaba – which has been declared a NationalMonument – and the beautiful Palace of Los Peñaflor.

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Accommodation

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This complex of 6cave dwellings (Cue-va la Escalera, Cueva laBarbecue, Cueva el Ven-tanal, Cueva la Rueda,Cueva la Artesa, andCueva la Cornisa) issituated in Húescar, aGranadan village to befound at the foot ofthe Sierra de laSagra. It contains anumber of places of cultural and monumental interest(the Collegiate Church of Santa María, the PenalvaSerrano House, Church of Las Dominicas…), and is easilyaccessible from the nearby A-92 via the A-330. Thecaves are also ideally situated for a range of aquaticand active tourism pursuits, and of particular interest

are the numerous natural grot-toes which attract lovers ofpotholing.

Facilities include a parkingarea, TV, barbecue, fireplace,fully equipped kitchen, andlaundry service.

Barrio del Carmen, 18 Huéscar Y958 741 607 e-mail: info@cuevaslaatalaya.com www.cuevaslaatalaya.com

Cuevas La Atalaya llAPARTMENTS

This typical cave,apart from beingwell equipped, isideally situated ina monumental andnatural area whichoffers a wide rangeof possibilities forvisitors. Amongstthe facilities of the Cueva El Sillero are a private parkingarea, TV, fully equipped kitchen, traditional fireplace,and barbecue. Travel back in time to when primitive

man sought se-curity and shelterin these basic ca-ves which owetheir existence tothe particular te-rrain of this partof the province ofGranada.

Salitre de San Miguel, 102 GuadixY958 662 677 e-mail: cuevaelsillero@msn.com

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Cueva El Sillero

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The Cuevas Olmosare situated in thetown of Purullena, inthe Hoya de Guadix.Located in a hollowwhich is an importanthub of communica-tions, they are 50 kmsfrom Granada, 70 kmsfrom the mountainsand ski station of theSierra Nevada, and

only 3 kms from the Spa of Graena. The surroundingnatural area boasts beautiful landscapes and rich agricultu-re and visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing on theFrancisco Abellán reservoir, or archery. There is also apopular craft market and the town is particularly renow-ned for its ceramics.

All the caves have a living room with fireplace, television,sofa, electric hob, microwave, combi-fridge, kitchen uten-sils, and table linen. They have double bedrooms, full bath-rooms, hot water, and central heating (although the inte-

rior temperature remains at aconstant of 20ºC).

Depósito s/n Purullena Y958 690 040 e-mail: olmosporcel@mixmail.com www.cuevasolmos.com

Cuevas Olmos llAPARTMENTS

The Cuevas deOrce complex is theresult of the completerenovation of thisold area of cave dwe-llings which was inha-bited from the end ofthe 19th century until itwas deserted in the60’s and 70’s. It is only500 metres from thehistoric centre of the

town, and not far from the A-92. It is surrounded by natu-ral parks (Sierra de Castril and Sierra de Baza), watersprings, reservoirs and mountains such as the Sierra deLa Sagra.

The 20 dwellings have lost nothing of their original archi-tecture but have been comfortably refurbished with moderndesigns. Each one is as individual as the family which originallydug it out, and they have 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms (with wardrobes),fully equipped kitchens with electric hob, living-dining roomwith fireplace, TV, and a bathroom with shower or bath. Tomake your stay as comfortable as possible the following servi-ces are available: reception, barbecue, parking, laundry service,organisation of activities, and internet connection.

Cuevas de Orce lll APARTMENTS

Ctra. María s/n Orce Y958 746 281 e-mail: info@cuevasdeorce.com www.cuevasdeorce.com

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